Factors used by female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery fellowship directors to select their fellows

We report the attributes of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPM&RS) fellowship applicants that are most valued by fellowship program directors during the ranking process.

Anonymous questionnaires were filled out by FPM&RS fellowship program directors following the 2008 match. The survey was designed to assess the relative importance of various factors in the ranking of fellowship applicants.

Surveys were sent to 67 program directors, and 21 completed the survey (31%). Items ranked as the most important in the selection process were a high quality obstetrics and gynecology residency education (8.2+/-1.2), followed by clinical research experience (7.4+/-1.4). Ability to work well with staff and work ethic were considered to be the most important subjective criteria.

Our results support anecdotal evidence that placed emphasis on research experience and interpersonal skills in the selection of FPM&RS fellows.