Shifting tides in cardiology fellowship: an analysis of trends and the virtual interview revolution, 2017 to 2021.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: This investigation aimed to delineate the trends in cardiology fellowship applications and match rates between 2017 and 2021, with a particular focus on the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Utilizing data from the National Resident Matching Program and the American Board of Internal Medicine covering 6693 applicants, we conducted chi-square tests to assess match rate variations. IBM SPSS version 23 was used for statistical analysis. Results: The study noted an increase in matched US MD applicants (from 482 in 2017 to 549 in 2021, P = 0.0001) but a decrease in their match rate (from 89.8% to 83.1%). Matched US DO applicants rose significantly from 60 in 2017 to 103 in 2021 (P = 0.0001). A decline in first-choice matches and an increase in matches beyond the third choice were observed after the shift to virtual interviews. Conclusions: The study's analysis of cardiology fellowship trends from 2017 to 2021 underscores the escalating competitiveness in this field and signals a critical need for further research.