Evaluating the Relationship Between the Interventional Radiology Fellowship Match Process and Preparation for the Radiology Core Board Examination: Results of a 2015 Resident Survey

To evaluate 2015 interventional radiology (IR) fellowship match applicants’ perceptions regarding the relationship between the match process and preparation for the diagnostic radiology core board exam. An anonymous, web-based survey was distributed to PGY-5 radiology residents across the country who had recently completed the IR fellowship match process. The survey contained 12 questions, most of which were based on a five-point Likert scale, while others contained free text responses. The survey was open for a two-week period in September 2015. The results were tabulated and analyzed by two trainees and three interventional radiology attending physicians. Seventy-five current radiology residents completed the survey. When asked if the new boards structure and timing of the exam at the end of the R3 year (third year of radiology residency) works well with the current fellowship interview schedule for those applying for IR fellowship via the match, 3% strongly agreed, 3% somewhat agreed, 6% were neutral, 24% somewhat disagreed, and 64% strongly disagreed. Yet, 66% strongly or somewhat agreed that the optimal IR fellowship application process is via the match. 87% of residents reported that the IR fellowship interview process had a somewhat or strongly negative impact on their boards preparation. When asked what change would they recommend regarding the timing of IR fellowship interviews and the timing of the core radiology board exam, the most common answer was to move IR fellowship interviews to earlier in the R3 year (80%). While most residents completing the 2015 IR fellowship match process believe that the optimal application process is via the match, a substantial majority have concerns about the timing of the current interview and match process conflicting with the core radiology board examination. While this problem may not be as prevalent over the coming years as programs transition to the IR residency, immediate consideration should be made for moving the interview process a few months earlier in the R3 year so that it does not disrupt the boards preparation process.