2019 musculoskeletal radiology fellowship match process: initial experiences and lessons learned

To present the 2019 Musculoskeletal (MSK) fellowship Match information most useful to MSK fellowship programs and sections in hopes of optimizing the fellowship application and selection process for MSK fellowship applicants and training programs.

We performed a mixed method analysis to gain a better understanding of the 2019 MSK Fellowship Match process. First, we distributed a ten-question survey to the fellowship leadership from the 78 US fellowship programs registered with the Society of Skeletal Radiology. Second, we collected and reviewed NRMP Match data that were distributed on Match Day.

We received completed surveys from 37 (45.7%) programs. Thirty-three (89.2%) of the responding programs identified themselves as academic, 3 (8.1%) as hybrid, and 1 (2.7%) as private practice. On average, programs interviewed 15.4 applicants over the interview session, with a range between 2 and 40. There was an average of 2.7 (range 1–8) open positions per fellowship and 1.2 (range 0–4) internal candidates per program. Each program interviewed 5.8 applicants per open position (range 1–24). There were a total of 81 certified MSK fellowship programs and 204 available positions in these programs. Twenty-four programs (29.6%) did not fill all positions resulting in a total of 36 unfilled positions (17.6%). The percentage of MSK unfilled programs, unfilled positions, and unmatched applicants were comparable to the Breast Imaging and Neuroradiology subspecialty matches.

The MSK Fellowship Match was a success with high match rates for applicants and programs. Most importantly, the Match allowed programs to make more informed decisions on their fellowship training opportunities.