The Impact of Visiting Rotations on the Urology Residency Match: Insights and Perspectives From the 2021-2022 Applicants

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To survey 2022 Urology Residency Match applicants on their away rotation experiences to better understand the impact of pandemic changes, including the one in-person away rotation limit, on interviews and match outcomes. METHODS: An anonymous post-match online survey was distributed to applicants of study-participating institutions. Data was prospectively collected regarding respondent demographics, away rotation experiences, interviews, utilization of preference signaling, and overall match outcomes. RESULTS: In total, 230 applicants completed the survey. Respondents prioritized geography (28.1%), program reputation (26.1%), and early notification (25.6%) as the top factors in determining whether to accept a rotation offer. The majority (93%) participated in a single away rotation, with nearly all respondents being offered a virtual interview from the program where they completed a visiting clerkship. Of those who declined away rotation offers, 56% were not offered an interview at the program they declined an offer from. The majority matched at either their home institution (20.8%), a program where they submitted a preference signal (22.2%), or a program where they completed an in-person away rotation (13%). Despite 46.3% of respondents reporting that their match outcome was negatively affected by the ability to rotate at only one away rotation, the majority were satisfied (70%) with their rotation selection based on match results. CONCLUSIONS: For applicants, participation in visiting rotations plays a significant role in the match process. Further research regarding mechanisms to optimize the away rotation application process is needed as the capacity to do visiting electives expands in the post-pandemic environment.