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Am J Perinatol
DOI: 10.1055/a-1974-9605
Original Article

Understanding the Factors that Determine a Fellow's Choice in Neonatal–Perinatal Medicine and How They Establish Their Rank List

Sara K. Kane 
1   Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
,
Megan M. Palmer
2   Department of Emergency Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
,
James E. Slaven
3   Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
,
Jason Z. Niehaus
1   Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
› Author Affiliations Funding None.
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Abstract

Objective Little is known about why neonatology fellows pick the fellowship program they do. Understanding why fellows choose neonatology and rank their programs would be of benefit to program leadership and to other applicants.

Study Design This was a survey study sent to current neonatology fellows in the United States between September 2020 and October 2020, and were asked to rank their choices on a Likert scale. Respondents were also able to give free text responses to open-ended questions.

Results The most important factor fellows state for choosing their program was location, with multiple reasons given. There were significant differences in how certain subgroups ranked programs.

Conclusion Location of the fellowship program is the most important factor for fellows. There are differences within subgroups of fellows on how they rank their fellowship program. Fellowship directors can use this information to better inform selections on who to interview and how to rank fellows.

Key Points

  • Patient population appears to be the most important reason why fellows choose neonatology.

  • Program location is the most important reason why fellows choose their specific training program.

  • Fellowships can continue to highlight fellow camaraderie, scholarship, and clinical opportunities.

Keywords

neonatology fellows - fellow's choice - neonatology


Publication History

Received: 14 March 2022

Accepted: 02 November 2022

Accepted Manuscript online:
09 November 2022

Article published online:
30 December 2022

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