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FACTORS INFLUENCING THE 2006-07 CANADIAN PGY-4 GASTROENTEROLOGY MATCH
K Khan1, V Wong2, M Levstik2
Department of Medicine (Gastroenterology), 1McMaster University, 2University of Western Ontario
Gastroenterology (GI) is a competitive specialty in Canada for residents wishing to match after internal medicine training. Our goal is to identify the main factors that determine how residents rank programs across the country, and to identify the factors that influence how program directors rank their applicants.
METHODS: An online survey was sent on Dec 20th, 2006 to every resident that matched to an adult GI program in the Nov 2006 PGY-4 match. Applicants were asked to grade eighteen factors that influenced their decision to select a program. A separate online survey was sent to all 14 program directors of accredited GI programs in Canada. They were asked to grade nineteen factors they deemed important when ranking applicants.
RESULTS: The response rate was 16/25 (64%) for residents and 11/15 (73%) for program directors. Using a 5 point Likert scale for rating the importance of various factors influencing their decision, residents ranked the following 5 factors as most important (average, median): reputation of the program (4.6, 5), success of former trainees of obtaining fellowship positions (4.5, 5), program’s academic career preparation (4.2, 4), the length of the program (4.1, 4), and suitability of the location (4.1, 5). Using the same scale, program directors ranked the following 5 factors as most important in ranking residents to their program: the ability to get along with others (4.8, 5), outstanding reference letters (4.6, 5), exceptional CV (4.6, 5), excellent leadership & communication skills (4.5, 4), and the trainee having a high probability of accepting the offer (4.3, 5).
CONCLUSIONS: Several factors influenced residents’ preference of GI training programs. Based on our survey, academic career preparation and the success of previous trainees were the two most important factors that determined why applicants chose a particular program. GI training programs could use this information in the future to better market their programs to potential applicants. Other factors that were important included reputation, duration, and location. However, with the exception of reputation, very little can be done about these factors. Residents applying to GI programs need a strong CV and letters of reference highlighting personable features. Candidates expressing a strong interest in accepting an offer are also at an advantage.