AANS Online Scientific Session: Socioeconomic-A Survey of Applicant Views Regarding the Neurosurgical Fellowship Process

A Survey of Applicant Views Regarding the Neurosurgical Fellowship Process

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this video, Michael Carsey, a chief resident at the University of Utah, discusses their research project on the neurosurgical fellowship process. The project aimed to identify factors that contribute to the current ambiguity in the fellowship matching process. They conducted an electronic survey of U.S. neurosurgical residents in their 5th, 6th, and 7th years, achieving a 45% response rate. The survey revealed that most residents pursued endovascular or spine fellowships, applied to 2-5 programs, and underwent 2-5 interviews. Factors like word of mouth and faculty mentorship influenced program decisions. Residents suggested improvements such as common application due dates, a fellowship database, improved interview coordination, and increased transparency. The majority of pediatric fellowship applicants were satisfied with the matching process. Some residents supported a legally binding centralized match system, while others opposed it. The orthopedic field's established match system was considered as a potential model for neurosurgery. The manuscript of the survey's results is available, and Carsey expresses gratitude to individuals who contributed to the project and helped disseminate the survey.

Asset Subtitle

Michael Karsy, MD, PhD

Keywords

neurosurgical fellowship process

ambiguity

fellowship matching process

endovascular fellowships

spine fellowships