Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 12, 2025

Bridging the Technology Divide in the COVID-19 Era: Using Virtual Outreach to Expose Middle and High School Students to Imaging Technology
Published on: September 28, 2022
Mixed Signals: An Analysis of the Impact of Preference Signaling on Diagnostic Radiology Residency Applications and
Michael Phillipi1, Samuel Anavim1, Dillon Sommer2
1Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92868-3201 (M.P., S.A., A.S., D.F., R.H.).
Rationale And Objectives:
In 2023, diagnostic radiology implemented preference signals into the residency application process to allow applicants to express interest in their desired programs. However, there is limited evidence outlining the impact of signals and their influence on diagnostic radiology residency application outcomes. This study utilizes the Texas Seeking Transparency in Application to Residency (STAR) database to assess the effect of preference signaling on total applications submitted, interview yield, and match outcomes.
Materials And Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted using data from 1614 diagnostic radiology residency applicants from 2017 to 2024 in the Texas STAR database. Application metrics before (2017-2022) and after (2023-2024) signaling was introduced were compared. Analyzed metrics included various components of each candidate's application, such as academic information, research productivity, their use of signals, as well as interview and match results. Statistical analyses performed included odds ratios (ORs), confidence intervals (CIs), and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.
Results:
After the implementation of signaling, applicants submitted ten more applications on average but received approximately four fewer interview invitations. However, signals demonstrated a positive impact on individual applications. The use of a signal increased the odds of receiving an interview invitation (OR=14.43) and matching (OR=17.34) at a specific program. Away rotations (OR=30.36) and geographic connections (OR=5.33) were also key predictors of match success. Additional analysis revealed matched applicants had a significantly greater number of honors on clinical rotations and higher Step 2 USMLE scores.
Conclusion:
Signals offer applicants the opportunity to emphasize interest in programs, ultimately increasing their odds of matching to signaled institutions. Unfortunately, overapplication trends continue far beyond the number of signals allotted to applicants for diagnostic radiology residency programs without a proportionate increase in match success.
More Related Videos
09:08Enhancing Efficiency and Radiolabeling Yields of Carbon-11 Radioligands for Clinical Research Using the Loop Method
Published on: December 20, 2024
06:16Signal Acquisition, Score Interpretation, and Economics of a Non-Invasive Point-of-Care Test for Coronary Artery Disease
Published on: August 9, 2024
Related Concept Videos
Receiver Operating Characteristic Plot
Positron Emission Tomography
One of the main requirements of a PET scan is a positron-emitting radioisotope, which is produced in a cyclotron and then attached to a substance used by the part of the body...
Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...
Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...
Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT
Imaging Studies II: Positron Emission Tomography and Scintigraphy
Fundamental Principles of PET