Title : Evaluation of adult neuro-oncology fellowship websites and GME sites
Abstract:
Objective: Fellowship program websites have become a major source of information for potential applicants, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, previous studies have shown that websites for other residency and fellowship programs lack key information important to applicants1,4,6,9-11. This study evaluates the comprehensiveness of Neuro-Oncology Fellowship Program websites and their corresponding school’s Graduate Medical Education (GME)
websites.
Methods: A list of the adult Neuro-Oncology Fellowship programs in the United States was obtained from the United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties (UCNS) fellowship directory and the Society for NeuroOncology (SNO). Author L.H. analyzed program websites on two separate occasions between February and March 2024. Results: A total of 34 fellowship program websites were evaluated. Only 17 programs (50%) were accessible by a direct link on the UCNS fellowship directory webpage. Programs were analyzed based on 39 minor criteria grouped into 6 major categories including Application Process, Academic Information, Contact Information, Program Information, Benefits, and Fellowship Life.
Discussion: This study found wide variability in website comprehensiveness between fellowship programs. These websites should be updated to include information pertinent to and desired by Neuro-Oncology fellowship applicants.
Audience Take Away Notes:
- The goal of the study is to illuminate the ways in which neuro-oncology fellowship programs can communicate desired information to applicants and increase applicant interest in individual programs, thereby broadening interest in the field of neuro-oncology.
- The presentation will suggest specific improvements/additions that can be made to fellowship websites to accomplish these goals.
