A Unified Match System A Unified Match System for AGP Fellowship for AGP Fellowship ProgramsPrograms

Fellowship Training Special Interest GroupMay 4, 2008

CoPS fellowship application CoPS fellowship application processprocessTask Force Recommendations:In order to simplify the process for the

applicants, we would recommend that all Pediatric Subspecialties utilize ERAS:

In order to allow flexibility for subspecialties and enhance fairness to the applicants, we recommend utilizing a match, but suggest two match dates from which subspecialties could choose. These dates would be in the late spring and late fall.

APA VOTED YESAPA VOTED YES

Benefits of a matchBenefits of a matchAllows applicants and programs

to consider all options before making decisions

Creates an impartial venue for matching programs’ and applicants’ preferences

Establishes a uniform date for appointment

Produces a “stable marriage”

Benefits of a matchBenefits of a matchProfessionalizes recruitment processEliminates undue pressure on trainees to

decide on program before all interview are complete

Levels the playing field among programs◦Programs can interview more quality

applicants◦Eliminates undue pressure on programs

To select applicants before all interviews are complete

To make appointments earlier and earlier each year

NRMP Match CommitmentNRMP Match Commitment“ The listing of an applicant by a program

on its certified rank order list or of a program by an applicant on the applicant’s certified rank order list establishes a binding commitment to offer or to accept an appointment if a match results.

Failure to honor this commitment by either party will be a material breach of this Agreement an may result in penalties to the breaching program or applicant …”

NRMP – Match WaiversNRMP – Match Waivers

ApplicantsHardshipChange of specialty: must be requested by

January 15Completion of residency postponed

ProgramsLoss of fundingLoss of accreditationHardship

NRMP – Participation NRMP – Participation CriteriaCriteriaPrograms must meet one of the

following criteria:Accredited by the ACGMEAffiliated with an ACGME-

accredited program in the core discipline

Lead to specialty certification or oversight by an ABMS recognized certifying board

NRMP – Fellowship Sponsor NRMP – Fellowship Sponsor AgreementAgreementAt least 75% of programs with

available positions will be registered in the match

These programs will actively participate by submitting rank order lists

At least 75% of the available positions within the subspecialty will be in the match

NRMP CostNRMP CostPrograms

◦$100 institution fee◦$20 per program (really track)◦$20 per matched applicant

Applicants◦$40 registration fee◦$15/partner couple fee

ERASERAS

Advantages for applicants - they are familiar with this process◦Complete 1 application◦Request 1 set of documents◦Reduces certified mail expenses◦Tracks status of application materials◦Makes locating, researching, applying

to accredited pediatric fellowship programs convenient and easy

ERASERAS

Disadvantages to applicants◦Cost but saves time◦More applications/greater

competition◦Cost to applicants

ERASERASAdvantages for Pediatric Fellowship Programs

◦ Bring greater diversity to applicant pool◦ Electronic process streamlines recruitment

Reduces processing time◦ Applications more timely, consistent and easier

to manage and review◦ Supporting documents from source

More reliable data◦ ERAS data exportable

To trainee tracking systems For grant writing purposes To GME offices

◦ Applicant behavior data - compare national and local characteristics

◦ No fee to use ERAS Fellowships

ERAS Cost ERAS Cost Program

◦No costApplicant

◦1-10 applications = $100◦11-20 = $10/each◦21-30 = $15/each◦31+ = $25/each◦USMLE/COMLEX

Transcripts $60 unlimited◦Processing fee = $75◦75+60+100 = 235 so $235 total first

10 applications

ERAS implementationERAS implementation◦At least 75-80% participation of

programs◦Decision to join ERAS Fellowships is

required by Nov 1, preceding year◦Registration of programs in Feb◦Application cycle begins upcoming

July or Dec

NRMP FellowshipNRMP FellowshipNeonatologyCritical CareEmergency MedineGIHematology/OncologyRheumatologyCardiologyNephrology (soon)

ERAS FellowshipERAS FellowshipNeonatologyEmergency MedicineGIRheumatologyCardiologyNephrology

DISCUSSION …DISCUSSION …