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Current state of musculoskeletal fellowship program directors and future directions

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Abstract

Objective

To better understand the current state of musculoskeletal fellowship program directors and identify opportunities for formal training that could increase job satisfaction, provide a broader knowledge base for mentoring/advising trainees and increase diversity in musculoskeletal radiology.

Materials and methods

Eighty-one fellowship program directors who signed the Fellowship Match Memorandum of Understanding with the Society of Skeletal Radiology were sent a survey with questions about demographics, career, background, and training both for musculoskeletal radiology and for the fellowship director role.

Results

A 57/81 (70%) of program directors responded, representing 27 different states with a range of 1–9 fellowship positions. Nearly half are in their forties (48%) with most identifying as White (67%) followed by Asian (30%). The majority are male (72%) with over half (60%) remaining at the institution where they completed prior training. Over half plan to change roles within 5 years and do not feel adequately compensated. Top qualities/skills identified as important for the role include effective communication, being approachable, and clinical excellence. Other than clinical excellence, most do not report formal training in skills identified as important for the role.

Conclusions

Given the high amount of interaction with trainees, program directors play a key role in the future of our subspecialty. The low diversity among this group, the lack of formal training, and the fact that most do not feel adequately compensated could limit mentorship and recruitment. Program directors identified effective communication, organizational/planning skills, and conflict resolution as the top skills they would benefit from formal training.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, PO Box 800170, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA

    Maxine E. Kresse

  2. University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA

    Robert W. Morris

  3. University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA

    Jennifer S. Weaver

  4. Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street Yawkey 6E, Boston, MA, 02114, USA

    Connie Y. Chang

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  1. Maxine E. Kresse
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  2. Robert W. Morris
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Correspondence to Maxine E. Kresse.

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Kresse, M.E., Morris, R.W., Weaver, J.S. et al. Current state of musculoskeletal fellowship program directors and future directions. Skeletal Radiol 53, 1165–1172 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-023-04553-8

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