Poster 155: The Prevalence of “Pipelining” at the Top Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowship Programs

Objectives: The term “pipelining” refers to the phenomenon that applicants from certain residency programs frequently match at same fellowship programs. However, it is unclear how prevalent pipelining amongst top orthopaedic sports medicine purpose of this study was determine prevalence fellowships in United States. Methods: included came a recent survey determined 10 as perceived by over past 5 years. current and former fellows each these last 5- years searching program websites and/or contacting coordinators/directors. For program, we number occurrences more than 2, 3, 4 program. We also calculated “pipelining ratio”, defined ratio total duration different represented within Results: Data obtained 7 Of remaining 3 programs, 1 declined provide information 2 did not respond. Pipelining found be highly one (Program 1), with 1.9. Two had least residents Program Although prevalent, there evidence Programs matching years, respectively. pipeline ratios 1.5, were close behind 1.4. 6 exhibited minimal 1.1. Conclusions: This highlights practice may present disadvantage for without previous connections Future studies seek methods minimizing fair assessment all applicants.