More Comprehensive Websites Help Attract Radiology Residents

Prospective radiology residents benefit from websites that provide more comprehensive information about the programs, according to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology.

Researchers from Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Pennsylvania, reviewed 179 radiology residency program websites to understand the impact the websites have when radiology residents decide where to apply for residency.

The researchers reviewed the sites for 19 criteria, which included:

• Various aspects related to the residency application process
• Benefits
• Didactics
• Research
• Clinical training
• Faculty leadership

The results showed that only 12 of the 179 (6.7 percent) program websites had at least 80 percent of the 19 criteria. In addition, 41 programs (23 percent) had less than 50 percent of the criteria listed on their websites. Websites ranged from having 16 percent of the criteria to as much as 95 percent.

The researchers concluded that although previous studies indicated prospective radiology resident applicants were interested and influenced by intangibles like current resident satisfaction and academic reputation, educational curriculum, clinical training, program resources, research opportunities, and quality of faculty, also played a significant role in decision-making. “Therefore, it is imperative to provide online resources for prospective candidates in an attempt for residency programs to remain competitive in recruiting high-quality U.S. medical student graduates,” the authors wrote. “These findings suggest there is room for improving the comprehensiveness of information provided on radiology residency program websites.”