Use of Filters for Residency Application Review: Results From the Internal Medicine In-Training Examination Program Director Survey

• DOI: 10.4300/jgme-d-19-00345.1
• Publication Date: 2019-10-18T20:26:33Z
• Authors: Adam M. Garber; Brian Kwan; Christopher M. Wi...; Steven V. Angus; T. Robert Vu; Matthew Hollon; Marty Muntz; Arlene Weissman; Anne Pereira
• Keywords: Educational measurement

The increase in applications to residency programs, known as "application inflation," creates challenges for program directors (PDs). Prior studies have shown that internal medicine (IM) PDs utilize criteria, such United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step examination performance, when reviewing applications. However, little is about how early these filters are utilized the application review cycle.This study sought assess frequency and types of by IM during initial screening prior more in-depth review.A web-based request 2016 Internal Medicine In-Training (IM-ITE) PD Survey was sent PDs. Responses from this survey were analyzed, excluding non-US programs.With a 50% response rate (214 424), responded most commonly used data points filter applicants USMLE 2 Clinical Knowledge score (32%, 67 208), 1 (24%, 50 medical school attended (12%, 25 208). Over half US respondents (55%, 114 208) indicated they list qualifying interview criteria on their website, 31% (50 160) than applicant pool does not meet program's specified criteria.Results IM-ITE indicate many use screening, filters, available applicants, do affect applicants' decisions apply.