Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 10, 2025
04:04
Lateral Molar Approach-Driven Transoral Endoscopic Procedure for Benign Infratemporal Fossa Tumor Resection
Published on: August 15, 2025
244
Optimizing the fellowship interview process: Perspectives from applicants and program directors of the comprehensive
Frederick Thurston Drake1, Melanie L Lyden2, Jennifer H Kuo3
1Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA.
Surgery
|August 29, 2020
Summary
Applicants value meeting faculty during endocrine surgery fellowship interviews, despite significant financial and time burdens. Most believe the current interview process is necessary, with little support for alternatives.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Training
- Fellowship Programs
Background:
- Most general surgery residents pursue fellowship training.
- Fellowship interviews are a critical step in specialization.
- Endocrine surgery fellowships have unique application processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize applicant goals during endocrine surgery fellowship interviews.
- To identify the burdens associated with the fellowship interview process.
- To understand applicant perspectives on interview process improvements.
Main Methods:
- Survey distributed to endocrine surgery fellowship applicants (2013-2019).
- Data collected on interview goals and burdens via ranked questions.
- Analysis of reasons for declining interview offers.
Main Results:
- Meeting faculty was the top interview goal (mean rank 2.4/9).
- Financial expense (mean rank 2.1/7) and time away from residency (mean rank 3.1/7) were major burdens.
- Expense and location led applicants to decline interviews; 76% found no improvements necessary.
Conclusions:
- In-person interviews are considered essential by applicants, despite burdens.
- Meeting faculty is a primary driver for applicants.
- Specialties should optimize their fellowship interview processes.
