The Neuromuscular Portal and Match: Working Toward a More Fair, Equitable, and Transparent Process.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Medical Education
• Health Policy

Background:

• The neuromuscular medicine fellowship application process historically lacked standardization, leading to variability and perceived unfairness.
• The American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM) aimed to address these issues by implementing reforms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a standardized application timeline and a two-way match system on the fairness and efficiency of the neuromuscular fellowship recruitment process.
• To assess applicant and program director perceptions of the implemented changes.

Main Methods:

• Introduction of a standardized application timeline and online portal in 2020-2021.
• Implementation of a binding, two-way match system in 2021-2022, utilizing the Gale-Shapley algorithm.
• Surveys administered to applicants and program directors post-recruitment cycles (2021 and 2022) to gather feedback on the process.

Main Results:

• In the initial phase (2020-21), 95% of applicants found the standardized timeline beneficial, but 57% perceived the process as unfair.
• Transition to a two-way match (2021-22) saw 97% program participation, with 80% of applicants and 95% of programs deeming it fair.
• A significant majority supported maintaining the standardized timeline and two-way match (86% applicants, 94% programs).

Conclusions:

• The AANEM Match and standardized timeline have demonstrably increased fairness and transparency in neuromuscular fellowship recruitment.
• There is strong support from both applicants and programs for the continuation of the two-way match system.
• Advocacy for universal adoption across neurologic specialties to ensure equity in fellowship applications.