An Internet-based approach to advising radiology residency applicants

The authors created a computerized database Web site enabling radiology residency applicants to utilize the experience of recent graduates from their school in maximizing the effectiveness of the residency advisory process. Objectives of this database Web site are (a) to provide general information regarding radiology as a specialty; (b) to allow students to gauge their chances of matching based on the experience of recent graduates from their school; (c) to provide advisors with a faster, more accurate assessment of a student's matching potential; and (d) to decrease the number of residency applications submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service.

Thirty graduates from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (UMDNJ-RWJMS) from 1999 to 2001 who applied to radiology residency were successfully contacted by telephone or e-mail. Data were gathered regarding their academic performance and activities, residency application, and final match outcome and were entered into a spreadsheet for analysis. This information, along with student-to-student advice regarding the match, was also entered into an interactive Web site for use by UMDNJ-RWJMS medical students, radiology advisors, and deans.

The Web site model was applied to radiology residency applicants from UMDNJ-RWJMS. This database Web site provided general radiology information and allowed students and advisors to gauge their chances of matching based on the experience of past applicants from their school.

This database Web site can provide a realistic comparison of a student's academics with those of previous applicants. Yearly analysis of school-specific data can help advisors follow applicant trends and modify their own advice. The database Web site can be easily duplicated and, if applied to other schools and specialties, could potentially benefit students nationally.