The radiology class of 2005: the fellowship application process and perceptions of the NRMP fellowship match.

Purpose: To assess experiences and perceptions of the fellowship application process of the radiology residency class of 2005, including the 2005 National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) Radiology Fellowship Match.

Methods: An electronic survey composed by the ACR Resident and Fellow Section was completed by 416 senior residents (a 46.9% response rate) enrolled in allopathic radiology residency programs from across the United States.

Results: Residents generally agree with the timing of the current fellowship application calendar in the spring of the third year of residency. Respondents were divided over the issue of permitting internal candidates to fill positions outside of the match, although the majority felt that the process influences both applicants and programs to favor their own institutions to avoid the match process. Residents support requiring fellowship programs to declare the number of positions being filled through the match before applications are due (72.6%) or before rank lists are due (79.8%). Residents noted match rule violations, which threaten to undermine residents' confidence in the process. Residents were split over the future of the match: 23.1% favored continuing the match in its current form, 28.8% favored continuing the match with modifications, and 34.4% favored discontinuing the match entirely.

Conclusion: Although the NRMP Fellowship Match was created to improve and standardize the fellowship application process, and although a majority of residents support continuing the match in some form, there are areas of concern, including adherence to the letter and spirit of the match rules, which must be addressed to galvanize support among residents in the future and ensure a fair process for fellowship applicants.