Elements of a Successful Sports Medicine Fellowship Match: A Crosssectional Survey of Fellowship Applicant and Faculty Perspectives

Author(s): Louis M. Day M.D, Nicholas A. Ott M.D, Adam W. Anz M.D, Steve E. Jordan M.D, Jessi Truett Ed.D., BCBA, Roger V. Ostrander III, M.D

Background: The majority of orthopaedic surgery residents complete a year of fellowship training after orthopaedic surgery residency as currentday practice is becoming increasingly subspecialized. In recent years, sports medicine fellowships have consistently had more applicants than positions available, which makes matching applicants to the appropriate program crucial.

Objective: This prospective, cross-sectional survey study aimed to identify the factors of a fellowship program that are important to prospective orthopaedic sports medicine fellows and to the faculty involved in the fellow selection process.

Methods: This study was administered to two groups: 42 prospective fellows (52% response rate) and 27 fellowship faculty (10% response rate). The study occurred from November 2022 to June 2023.

Results: Fifteen applicant factors were evaluated. The top three factors influencing an applicant’s decision were high case volume, high case complexity, and business/practice management training. The lowest three factors influencing an applicant’s decision were trauma call, research activity, and salary. Twelve factors were evaluated for faculty. The top three factors influencing a faculty member’s decision were interview quality, letters of recommendation, and residency reputation. The lowest three factors influencing a faculty member’s decision were sports coverage experience, leadership experience, and conference experience.

Conclusion: This cross-sectional survey study elucidated the top three factors influencing an applicant’s decision to select a sports medicine fellowship. These factors were high case volume, complex case exposure, and business/practice management training. Additionally, the study demonstrated the top three factors considered by faculty members were interview quality, letters of recommendation, and residency reputation.