key: cord-1036854-prvyvx8r
authors: Thatiparthi, Akshitha; Martin, Amylee; Liu, Jeffrey; Wu, Jashin J.
title: Preliminary Outcomes of 2020-2021 Dermatology Residency Application Cycle and Adverse Effects of COVID-19
date: 2021-03-17
journal: J Am Acad Dermatol
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2021.03.034
sha: 20233b32754e3c507ee1e33de79f247277cf4df7
doc_id: 1036854
cord_uid: prvyvx8r

nan

J o u r n a l P r e -p r o o f Due to the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic, the dermatology residency application cycle 34 was altered to mitigate adverse outcomes. The resulting actions necessitate governance processes 35 to monitor outcomes and effects. 36

In December, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) indicated a "maldistribution of residency interview invitations" with increased invitations to "highest tier 38 applicants". 1 Programs and students were encouraged to increase number of rankings, with a 39 recommendation for programs to focus on diversification. The AAMC also recommended 40 students with abundant interviews release some interviews. 1 Overall, there is an imbalance in 41 average interviews offered to applicants. Additionally, we encourage programs to participate in coordinated release with a 58 sequential multi-step timeline, allowing two-weeks to evaluate invites and prepare for next steps, 59 repeated in multiple rounds. The current coordinated release was a great first attempt; however, 60 further modifications are required. Sequential process allows participants and programs to better 61 plan and coordinate interview logistics. However, interview maldistribution might persist with a 62 preponderance for "highest tier applicants" through each release. This downfall could be 63 alleviated when implemented in combination with preferential signaling, allowing holistic 64 applicant review. 65

With favorable outcomes for PhD candidates and in predictive models, the 2020-2021 66 otolaryngology match cycle uniquely implemented five-token preference signaling. 4 67 Implementation in dermatology would allow applicants to signal serious interest, previously 68 indicated through rotations. 4 Programs can holistically review select candidates. 4 As 7-21% of 69 applicants receive over half of interviews, the token system will allow comprehensive review. 4 70 However, students may be interested in more than the allotted token number and may not be able 71 to change their choice if interest changes over interview season. Rolling tokens are not 72 recommended as applicants could preference signal to numerous programs. These steps 73 combined might allow maximization of successfully matching. 74

The changes to the dermatology residency application cycle increased barriers for 75 applicants and programs. We anticipate these challenges may affect the next match cycle as 76 COVID-19 cases could persist. Overall, we hope our recommendations will trigger positive 77 system-wide change allowing for greater transparency and support of applicants. 78 J o u r n a l P r e -p r o o f

Colleges AoAM. AAMC Statement Web site

Education ACfGM. ACGME Data Resource Book

Us/Publications-and-Resources/Graduate-Medical-Education-Data-Resource-Book

Potential Implications of COVID-19 for the 89 2020-2021 Residency Application Cycle