Is it Time for Wilderness Medicine Fellowships to Join the National Resident Matching Program Specialties Matching Service?

IntroductionThe national resident matching program specialties service (SMS) fills fellowship positions for 66 subspecialties. Wilderness medicine (WM) fellowships currently do not participate in SMS; instead, WM uses an offer date to fill positions. To be successful, at least 75% of the available within a subspecialty must SMS match.MethodsAll 13 civilian directors recruiting academic year (AY) 2019 2020 and alumni were surveyed regarding future participation SMS. Estimation performance was calculated using data published by program.ResultsFellowship from all 60 participated survey. supported 62% (n=8) 55% (n=33) fellows. Willingness pay fees 54% (n=7) among 60% (n=36) Of matched applicants, 85% (n=51) obtained their top choice program. SMS, if implemented, perceived have no impact on 53% (n=31); however, 34% (n=20) believed would improve chance applicant higher. The match success with fewer than 30 programs is 74%. 20 AY 2020, 16 matched, rate 80%.ConclusionsThere insufficient support (<75%) this time institute WM. performed similarly filling 2020.