Improving Knowledge and Process for International Emergency Medicine Fellowship Applicants : A Call for a Uniform Application

Abstract EN

Background.

There are currently 34 International Emergency Medicine (IEM) fellowship programs.

Applicants and programs are increasing in number and diversity.

Without a standardized application, applicants have a difficulty approaching programs in an informed and an organized method; a streamlined application system is necessary.

Objectives.

To measure fellows’ knowledge of their programs’ curricula prior to starting fellowship and to determine what percent of fellows and program directors would support a universal application system.

Methods.

A focus group of program directors, recent, and current fellows convened to determine the most important features of an IEM fellowship application process.

A survey was administered electronically to a convenience sample of 78 participants from 34 programs.

Respondents included fellowship directors, fellows, and recent graduates.

Results.

Most fellows (70%) did not know their program’s curriculum prior to starting fellowship.

The majority of program directors and fellows support a uniform application service (81% and 67%, resp.) and deadline (85% for both).

A minority of program directors (35%) and fellows (30%) support a formal match.

Conclusions.

Program directors and fellows support a uniform application service and deadline, but not a formalized match.

Forums for disseminating IEM fellowship information and for administering a uniform application service and deadline are currently in development to improve the process.