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Longitudinal follow-up, resource utilization, and health disparities are top congenital heart research and care priorities. Medicaid claims include longitudinal data on inpatient, outpatient, emergency, pharmacy, rehabilitation, home health utilization, and social determinants of health-including mother-infant pairs.The New York Congenital Heart Surgeons Collaborative for Longitudinal Outcomes and Utilization of Resources linked robust clinical details from locally held state and national registries from 10 of 11 New York congenital heart centers to Medicaid claims, building a novel, statewide mechanism for longitudinal assessment of outcomes, expenditures, and health inequities.The authors included all children 18 years of age undergoing cardiac surgery in The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database or the New York State Pediatric Congenital Cardiac Surgery Registry from 10 of 11 New York centers, 2006 to 2019. Data were linked via iterative, ranked deterministic matching on direct identifiers. Match rates were calculated and compared. Proportions of the linked cohort trackable over 3, 5, and 10 years were described.Of 14,097 registry cases, 59% (n = 8,322) reported Medicaid use. Of these, 7,414 were linked to New York claims, at an 89% match rate. Of matched cases, the authors tracked 79%, 74%, and 65% of children over 3, 5, and 10 years when requiring near-continuous Medicaid enrollment. Allowing more lenient enrollment criteria, the authors tracked 86%, 82%, and 76%, respectively. Mortality over this time was 7.7%, 8.4%, and 10.0%, respectively. Manual validation revealed ∼100% true matches.This establishes a novel statewide data resource for assessment of longitudinal outcome, health expenditure, and disparities for children with congenital heart disease.

The recent digitization of complete count census data is an extraordinary opportunity for social scientists to create large longitudinal datasets by linking individuals from one census to another or from other sources to the census. We evaluate different automated methods for record linkage, performing a series of comparisons across methods and against hand linking. We have three main findings that lead us to conclude that automated methods perform well. First, a number of automated methods generate very low (less than 5 percent) false positive rates. The automated methods trace out a frontier illustrating the trade-off between the false positive rate and the (true) match rate. Relative to more conservative automated algorithms, humans tend to link more observations but at a cost of higher rates of false positives. Second, when human linkers and algorithms use the same linking variables, there is relatively little disagreement between them. Third, across a number of plausible analyses, coefficient estimates and parameters of interest are very similar when using linked samples based on each of the different automated methods. We provide code and Stata commands to implement the various automated methods. (JEL C81, C83, N01, N31, N32)

BACKGROUND: The thin-walled regions (TIWRs) of intracranial aneurysms have a high risk of rupture during surgical manipulation. They have been reported to be predicted by wall shear stress and pressure (PS) based on computational fluid dynamics analysis, although this remains controversial. In this study, we investigated whether the oscillatory shear index (OSI) can predict TIWRs. METHODS: Twenty-five unruptured aneurysms were retrospectively analyzed; the position and orientation of the computational fluid dynamics color maps were adjusted to match the intraoperative micrographs. The red area on the aneurysm wall was defined as TIWR, and if most of the regions on the color map corresponding to TIWR were OSI low (lower quartile range), time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS) high, or PS high (upper quartile range), each region was defined as a matched region and divided by the total number of TIWRs to calculate the match rate. In addition, the mean values of OSI, TAWSS, and PS corresponding to TIWRs were quantitatively compared with those in adjacent thick-walled regions. RESULTS: Among 27 TIWRs of 25 aneurysms, 23, 10, and 14 regions had low OSI, high TAWSS, and high PS regions (match rate: 85.2%, 37.0%, and 51.9%), respectively. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that OSI was the most effective hemodynamic parameter (area under the curve, 0.881), followed by TAWSS (0.798). Multivariate analysis showed that OSI was a significant independent predictor of TIWRs (odds ratio, 18.30 [95% CI, 3.2800e102.00], P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: OSI may be a unique predictor for TIWRs. Low OSI strongly corresponds with TIWRs of intracranial aneurysms.

The current biodiversity crisis calls for rapid and wide-ranging surveys to assess living organisms. However, some taxa are more elusive than others, making monitoring challenging. This is the case for soil invertebrates, but new molecular technologies such as eDNA metabarcoding could help to alleviate this problem. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of using an eDNA approach to survey dung beetles, adapting existing monitoring methods for surveying dung fauna to enable eDNA collection in a non-destructive way. The main design idea is to capture species secretions and excretions from a serum-soaked nonwoven compress in a baited non-destructive trap. While the attractiveness of the device to dung beetles and the sampling protocol would benefit from further development, eDNA allowed the identification of more than 68% of trapped species and an identification of relative abundance match rate of 79%. The results of the study demonstrate the effectiveness of eDNA-based detection tools for the monitoring of dung beetles compared to standard surveying and identification techniques. Moreover, the adapted collecting device developed for the study could be used for similar surveys of other terrestrial invertebrates or even re-adapted. Ultimately, we hope this study encourages more non-invasive studies of insects by enabling others to utilize these emerging, non-destructive molecular techniques and therefore foster wide insect monitorings and conservation programs. Standardization and optimization of sampling protocols for inventorying and monitoring is key to unlock invertebrates’ studies and conservation evaluations. Here we show how molecular tools, such as eDNA, are a promising way to gather rapidly ecological information without killing targeted populations by adapting traditional inventory tools. Newly developed NDC traps for dung beetles, inspired by CSR traps, allowed qualitative and quantitative information gathering in temperate agropastoral ecosystems opening the way to large scale eDNA monitoring to inform management and conservation schemes.

We estimate the impact of a matched savings account program on high school students’ college enrollment and persistence through a randomized controlled trial carried out in Italy. The tested program (Percorsi) provided low-income high school students with a 4:1 match rate for savings dedicated to higher education expenditures and required that they attended financial education classes. The program increased rates of enrollment and persistence in university by about nine percentage points. Effects were even larger for vocational school students, who have poorer social backgrounds and lower academic preparation. Incentivized savings programs have potential to reduce social disparities in higher education participation, though the lower saving capacity of poorer households can generate regressivity in program design.

The researchers extracted a disproportionate stratified random sample from 40 years of thesis bibliographic records at Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec. Match rates for thesis authors in th...

This paper presents an extern program, developed 10 years ago, which recruited unmatched medical graduates and involved them in publishing articles in academic journals, presenting poster presentations, writing grants, and networking with psychiatrists. The study examined how involvement in the extern program affected the candidates’ Match reapplication outcome. Respondents were previous externs who joined the extern program. They were sent questionnaires on how the program affected their Match reapplication outcome. Out of 22 externs surveyed, 15 completed the questionnaire. Results showed that the externship offered graduates opportunities in academic and clinical work, which improved their chances of getting a Match. The 15 respondents had a 100% match rate into a psychiatry residency program upon completing an average of 16 months of academic work in the externship. Respondents agreed that the extern program was beneficial, and they would highly recommend it to struggling medical graduates. Unmatched graduates urgently need guidance during the critical gap year. They should be given options and interventional plans, such as Dr. Rahn K. Bailey’s extern program. The externship provides participants exposure to research and the scientific underpinnings of clinical medicine. It continues to expand and grow, serving unmatched medical graduates and students who need help getting into medical school or a PhD program. Further studies should be conducted on unmatched candidates, in particular, international medical graduates, who reapply and eventually match. This will provide information and insight into what they can do to advance themselves during the intervening period.

The purpose of this study was to compare factors that contribute to increased match rates into general surgery.Survey study.University of Kansas School of Medicine Campuses.A survey assessing experiences and perceptions during their surgical clerkship was sent to graduating medical students from a single university with a hybrid (academic-affiliated community-based) campus, and an academic campus. Specific questions were asked with regard to residents and attendings, procedural experiences, perceived lifestyle, and general interest in surgery before and after clerkship.The match rate into general surgery was significantly higher on the hybrid campus (14.7% vs 4.0%, p = 0.215). Factors that were positively correlated with interest in surgery included interactions with attendings (0.86) and residents (0.63), time spent in the OR (0.77), participation in the OR (0.62), and complexity of cases (0.61). Students on the hybrid campus spent more weeks on general surgery services (6 vs 4, p0.001). More students from the hybrid campus were "Not interested at all" in surgery prior to their surgery clerkship (26.5% vs 16.0). Significantly more academic students indicated they were "Not interested at all" in surgery after their surgery clerkship (52.0 vs 17.6%), while more students on the hybrid campus indicated they were "extremely interested" (29.4 vs 12.0%, p = 0.005) after their surgery clerkship.The rate of students matching into general surgery between the 2 campuses are different, with the hybrid campus having nearly 4 times the rate of students matching into general surgery. Programs may be able to increase their match rate by allowing students more opportunities to participate in the operating room, spending more time on a general surgery service, and by ensuring that medical students are included as members of the surgical team.

Tourists' need for experience activities on farms has increased over the past decade; thus, this study adopted a co-branding perspective to examine the best match between farm image and experience activities, and examined whether farm marketers can design farm experience activities based on different source. A total of 706 samples were collected. The results indicate: (1) When a farm's promotional image and the perceptions of tourists visiting that farm are the same, a higher optimal match rate between farm imagery and farm experience activities is achieved, which results in more positive tourist responses. (2) When tourists and farm operators both identify a farm's image as the same, it results in the farm's image being identified as a particular kind of farm, whether by farm operators or tourists, resulting in an optimal match rate between farm imagery and experience activities, with both resulting in a positive tourist response. This study contributes further insights into the farm marketing strategy based on these research findings.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to (1) determine the incidence of a research gap year (RGY) in orthopaedic residency applicants at a single institution over a seven-year span; (2) compare applicant characteristics between applicants who did a RGY with those who did not, and (3) report variables associated with match success for RGY applicants. Methods: Applicants who reported taking a year out from medical school to pursue research on their Electronic Residency Application Service to a single institution from 2014 to 2015 through 2020 to 2021 were reviewed. Results: A strong positive correlation was noted between the percentage of applicants who participated in a RGY and time (Pearson correlation: r = 0.945 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.666­0.992], P = 0.001). Over the study period, 11% of applicants had done a RGY, most commonly after their third year of medical school (82.7%). Most RGY applicants matched orthopaedics (72.8%) and 19.4% matched at the same institution they did their RGY. Conclusion: The percentage of RGY applicants to the study institution nearly doubled between 2014 to 2015 and 2020 to 2021. RGY applicants had a higher match rate than nationally published match rates. Further study is needed on a national level.

Background The reliability of DeepL Translator (DeepL GmbH, Cologne, Germany) for the translation for medical articles has not been verified yet. In this study, we investigated the accuracy of machine translation from Japanese to English for a medical article using the DeepL Translator. Methodology The subject of this study was an English-language medical article translated from Japanese, which had already been published. The original Japanese manuscript was translated into English using DeepL Translator. The translated English article was then back-translated into Japanese by three researchers. In turn, three other researchers compared the back-translated Japanese sentences with the original Japanese manuscript and calculated the percentage of sentences that retained the intended meaning. Results The mean ± standard deviation of the match rate for the entire article was 94.0 ± 2.9%. The match rate in the Results section was significantly higher than that in the other sections; while the match rate in the Materials and Methods section was significantly lower than the rate in the other sections. Compound sentences and sentences with an unclear subject and predicate appeared to be significant predictors for mismatched translation. Conclusions The translation for a medical article from Japanese to English was performed accurately by DeepL Translator.

Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze the match rates of psychology predoctoral internship applicants by disability type. Method: Through the use of publicly available data from the 2008, 2011, 2012, 2015, and 2016 Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers internship applicant surveys, differences in match rate for applicants with different types of disabilities, as compared with nondisabled applicants, were analyzed. Additionally, trends in match rates for applicants with different disability types over time were analyzed. Results: Across disability type, applicants with disabilities tended to have lower match rates than did applicants without disabilities. These differences were particularly large in applicants with physical/orthopedic disabilities and learning disabilities. These gaps in match rates were narrowing for some types of disabilities but widening for others. Conclusion: Disabled internship applicants experience consistent, negative disparities internship match rates compared with their nondisabled peers. Psychologists must take action to identify and ameliorate the causes of these disparities and address the chronic underrepresentation of psychologists with disabilities. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:Urology is historically a highly selective residency, and the 2021 urology match rate of 74% was the lowest in 5 years. It is unclear whether this is a result of COVID-re...

BACKGROUND Overlapping surgery is a long-standing practice that has not been well studied. The aim of this study was to assess whether overlapping surgery is associated with untoward outcomes for orthopaedic patients. METHODS Coarsened exact matching was used to assess the impact of overlap on outcomes among elective orthopaedic surgical interventions (n = 18,316) over 2 years (2014 and 2015) at 1 health-care system. Overlap was categorized as any overlap, and subcategories of exclusively beginning overlap and exclusively end overlap. Study subjects were matched on the Charlson comorbidity index score, duration of surgery, surgical costs, body mass index, length of stay, payer, and race, among others. Serious unanticipated events were studied. RESULTS A total of 3,395 patients had any overlap and were matched (a match rate of 90.8% of 3,738). For beginning and end overlap, matched groups were created, with a match rate of 95.2% of 1043 and 94.7% of 863, respectively. Among matched patients, any overlap did not predict an unanticipated return to surgery at 30 days (8.2% for any overlap and 8.3% for no overlap; p = 0.922) or 90 days (14.1% and 14.1%, respectively; p = 1.000). Patients who had surgery with any overlap demonstrated no difference compared with controls with respect to reoperation, readmission, or emergency room (ER) visits at 30 or 90 days (a reoperation rate of 3.1% and 3.2%, respectively [p = 0.884] at 30 days and 4.2% and 3.5% [p = 0.173] at 90 days; a readmission rate of 10.3% and 11.0% [p = 0.352] at 30 days and 5.5% and 5.2% [p = 0.570] at 90 days; and an ER visit rate of 5.2% and 4.6% [p = 0.276] at 30 days and 4.8% and 4.3% [p = 0.304] at 90 days). Patients with surgical overlap showed reduced mortality compared with controls during follow-up (1.8% and 2.6%, respectively; p = 0.029). Patients with beginning and/or end overlap had a similar lack of association with serious unanticipated events; however, patients with end overlap showed an increased unexpected rate of return to the operating room after reoperation at 90 days (13.3% versus 9.7%; p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS Nonconcurrent overlapping surgery was not associated with adverse outcomes in a large, matched orthopaedic surgery population across 1 academic health system. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

BACKGROUND Pediatric orthopaedic surgery fellowships in North America have been organized, assigned, and administered through the San Francisco Match Program since 2011. However, trends in application numbers and match rates have not been assessed to this point. The purpose of this study is to describe these trends and applicants' perspective of the fellowship match. METHODS The San Francisco Match databank was queried for program and applicant data from 2011 to 2018. Specifically, we obtained data regarding the number of applicants, programs, match rates, and match results. Each year, applicants also completed an anonymous post-match survey administered by the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America fellowship committee, which included information on the number of applications, interview process, estimated costs, and suggested changes. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, and univariate statistics were used to assess differences in categorical and continuous variables. RESULTS From 2011 to 2018, 524 applicants participated in the pediatric orthopaedic fellowship match, and the mean number of annual applicants was 66 (range, 55 to 76). The mean number of fellowship programs and available positions during the same time period was 43 (range, 40 to 47) and 69 (range, 63 to 74), respectively. Each fellowship interview was estimated by the applicant to cost a mean of $458 (range, $372 to $566), and annual application costs across all applicants were extrapolated to be over $200,000/year. The mean overall match rate was 81% (range, 74% to 91%). The mean match rate for North American applicants was 98.7% and international applicants were 40.9% (P

Changes were made to the independent plastic surgery residency in 2009 to 2010 that included full prerequisite training and increased from 2 to 3 years of independent residency. The authors sought to determine subsequent match trends and predictors of a successful match.With American Council of Academic Plastic Surgeons approval, the San Francisco Match provided data for the independent match (2010-2018). Trends in the independent plastic surgery were reviewed. Applicant variables were analyzed to determine correlation with a successful match and a match at top-ranked programs using Doximity Residency Navigator.Total independent applicants per cycle decreased 18% while foreign medical school applicants increased from 19.4% to 27%. Available positions decreased from 97 to 66 (32%) and match rate decreased from 82% to 78%. Applicants who matched were from US medical schools, had higher USMLE Step 1 scores, were from University and top General surgery residencies, and averaged more interviews (p0.05). By multivariate regression, number of interviews completed (odds ratio [OR] 15.35 95% confidence interval [CI] 7.7-30.6, p0.001) and having completed prerequisite training at a university based program in addition to having graduated from an allopathic medical school (OR 1.78 95% CI 1.1-2.97, p = 0.027) were predictive of a successful match. Step 1 score ≥ 240 (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.0-10.2, p = 0.046), Alpha Omega Alpha membership (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.1-4.9, p = 0.048), and having completed prerequisite training at the same institution (7.6, 95% CI 2.2-25.7, p0.001) were predictive of matching at top-ranked programs.Since 2010, independent plastic surgery applicant and program participation have decreased. Greater number of interviews, university-based prerequisite training, and allopathic medical school background are variables that correlate with a successful match. Factors predictive of a match at top-ranked Doximity Residency Navigator plastic surgery programs include high Step 1 scores, Alpha Omega Alpha membership, and prerequisite training at the same institution.

Background Despite the frequency of medical students' participation in ophthalmology clerkships away from their home institution, the impact and benefit of these clerkships have remained uninvestigated. To date, no study has focused specifically on medical student perspectives of away ophthalmology clerkships. Objective The purpose of the study was to evaluate the medical students' perspectives on and experience with away rotations in ophthalmology, and assess their effect on residency Match outcomes. Methods An anonymous, original, online survey was designed and distributed to applicants of the 2015 to 2018 ophthalmology Match cycles. Results A total of 69 responses from nine medical institutions were collected (62% response rate). Forty-one respondents (59%) chose to perform at least one away rotation. Among away rotators, the mean number performed was 1.44. Thirty-seven away rotators (90%) reported receiving an interview from at least one host institution they visited. The average estimated cost of an away rotation was ∼1,709 U.S. dollars. With a 95.7% overall match rate among the respondents, no statistically significant difference was seen in match rates between away rotators and nonaway rotators (p = 0.564). Among the away rotators, the mean position on their rank order list matched was 2.34, while the nonaway rotators matched at a mean position of 2.13 (p = 0.383). Conclusion No association between away participation and success in the San Francisco Match was observed in this study. However, study participants did experience non-Match-related benefits from away elective participation.

INTRODUCTION Students seek gap years to enhance knowledge and improve chances of professional success. Although many institutions offer research opportunities, no studies have examined outcomes after these experiences. This study evaluates a dedicated year of orthopaedic research on a cohort's ultimate orthopaedic surgery match rate. METHODS From 2001 to 2018, 129 learners spent a year with our Department of Orthopedic Surgery at a major academic medical center. The students were either completing a gap year after college, during or after medical school, or after an unsuccessful match. Participants were asked to respond to a survey, which included demographics, educational information, and metrics related to the program. For the subcohort of students who ranked orthopaedic surgery, the match rate was compared with the mean for the US orthopaedic surgery match rates from 2006 to 2018 using a chi-square analysis. In addition, a Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the number of publications before and after the year. RESULTS One hundred three students (80%) returned completed questionnaires. Of all learners who applied to and ranked orthopaedic surgery, 91% matched into an orthopaedic surgery residency program. These results compared favorably with the US orthopaedic match from 2006 to 2018 (67.9%; P < 0.001), despite a 4-point lower United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 score for the research cohort. Finally, the research cohort had a greater percentage of women (23%) and minorities (40%) than the proportion of woman and minority practicing orthopaedic surgeons. CONCLUSION Students who completed a gap year in research matched into orthopaedics at a higher rate than the national average, despite a lower Step score. Mentors may also target traditionally underrepresented groups to help increase the pool of diverse applicants.

Online news and social networking sites have been significantly used in recent years. There has been a lot of efforts to provide appropriate contents for the end users; however, they proved not to be effective. We believe the semantic web (as the third generation of the web) is mature enough to undertake the responsibility of generating more user-centric content. One way to exploit the semantic web's capabilities for such purpose is to construct an ontology that establishes the relationships between hashtags. In this paper, we present the construction process of a news feed system based on the hierarchical relationships of geographic hashtag. Our experiments demonstrated that our proposed semantic-based hierarchical location tagging news feed system increases the quality of the user experience as well as the publication rate of the news while boosting the content match rate to the target audiences. The proposed system of this paper can be considered as a real step towards the realization of semantic web.

Many patients who undergo endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVR) also undergo repeat procedures, or reinterventions, to address suboptimal device performance and prevent aneurysm rupture. Quality improvement initiatives measuring reintervention after EVR has focused on fee-for-service Medicare patients. However, because patients aged less than 65 years and those with Medicare Advantage represent an important growing subgroup, we used a novel approach leveraging a state data source that captures patients of all ages and with all types of insurance.We identified patients who underwent EVR (2011-2015) within the Vascular Quality Initiative registry and were also listed in the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System all-payer claims database of New York. We linked patients in the Vascular Quality Initiative to their Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System claims file at the patient level with a 96% match rate. We compared outcomes between fee-for-service Medicare eligible, defined as age 65 or older or on dialysis, versus ineligible patients, defined as those younger than 65 and not on dialysis. Our primary outcome was reintervention. We used Cox proportional hazards regression and propensity score matching for risk adjustment.We studied 1285 patients with a median follow-up of 16 months (range, 1-57 months). The mean age was 74 years, 79% were male, and 84% of procedures were elective. Nearly one in six patients were not Medicare eligible (14%), and the remainder (86%) were Medicare eligible. Medicare-eligible patients were less likely to be male (77% vs 91%; P .001), have a history of smoking (79% vs 93%; P .001), and have a nonelective procedure (15% vs 23%; P = .013). The 3-year Kaplan-Meier rate of reintervention was 21%. We found similar rates of reintervention between Medicare-eligible patients and those who were not (19% vs 20%, log-rank P = .199; unadjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.49-1.16). This finding persisted in both the adjusted and propensity-matched analyses (adjusted HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.50-1.34; propensity-matched HR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.36-1.37).Reintervention can be monitored using administrative claims from both Medicare and non-Medicare payers, and serve as an important outcome metric after EVR in patients of all ages. The rate of reintervention seems to be similar between older, Medicare-eligible individuals, and those who are not yet eligible.

This paper is the first to explore the question of whether images that are classified incorrectly by a face analytics algorithm (e.g., gender classification) are any more or less likely to participate in an image pair that results in a face recognition error. We analyze results from three different gender classification algorithms (one open-source and two commercial), and two face recognition algorithms (one open-source and one commercial), on image sets representing four demographic groups (African-American female and male, Caucasian female and male). For impostor image pairs, our results show that pairs in which one image has a gender classification error have a better impostor distribution than pairs in which both images have correct gender classification, and so are less likely to generate a false match error. For genuine image pairs, our results show that individuals whose images have a mix of correct and incorrect gender classification have a worse genuine distribution (increased false non-match rate) compared to individuals whose images all have correct gender classification. Thus, compared to images that generate correct gender classification, images that generate gender classification errors do generate a different pattern of recognition errors, both better (false match) and worse (false non-match).

Background Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) is one of the more recently established surgical fellowships, with many candidates applying due to a perception of inadequate exposure to advanced MIS during residency. The desire for advanced training should be reflected in increased competitiveness for fellowship positions. The aim of this study is to determine the desirability of MIS fellowships over time through review of national application data. Methods We reviewed the fellowship match statistics obtained from The Fellowship Council, the organizing body behind the MIS fellowship match. Data from January 1, 2008 - December 31, 2019 were included. We compared match rates to other specialties using the National Resident Matching Program, a nonprofit organization established for US residency and some fellowship programs. Results In the period of 2008 to 2019, the number of certified MIS fellowship programs increased from 124 to 141. While this program expansion was associated with a 19% increase in available positions, the number of applications increased 36%. As a result, the number of positions filled increased from 83% to 97%, but the match rate among US applicants fell from 82% to 71% during this interval. In comparison, the match rates for pediatric surgery, surgical oncology, vascular surgery, and surgical critical care fellowships remained largely unchanged, most recently 50%, 56%, 99%, and 100% respectively. Conclusion Over the last decade, US residents have shown an increased interest in pursuing MIS fellowship positions. As a consequence, the match process for MIS fellowships is becoming increasingly competitive.

To investigate whether there is a correlation between the proportion of female faculty and residents at urology residency programs and the proportion of females matched to those programs.We utilized official results from 3 consecutive AUA match cycles from 2018 - 2020 to obtain the number of females matched to each program. The number of female residents and faculty members in each program was acquired through querying program websites and contact with residency program coordinators. The correlation between the proportion of females in the newly matched class of residents and the proportion of current female faculty members and residents in that program was calculated for each match cycle.There was a positive correlation between the proportion of matched female applicants and the proportion of female residents in each program for the 2018, 2019, and 2020 match cycles (R = 0.23, P = .01; R = 0.21, P = .02, R = 0.11, p.001, respectively). There was a positive correlation between the proportion of matched female applicants and the proportion of female faculty at their matched program in the 2018 and 2020 match cycles (R = 0.22, P = .02; R = 0.06, P.01, respectively). There was no significant predilection of females matching to programs with a female program director or chairperson, and geographic location of program (based on AUA section) did not appear to influence female applicant match rates.There has been a consistent trend in the proportion of matched female applicants to urology programs correlating positively with the proportion of female residents at those programs over the past three years. This is indicative of the increased potential for female mentorship and leadership opportunities. Further research is needed to investigate the factors that draw female applicants to urology programs with increased female representation.

Facial appearance can be substantially altered through the application of facial cosmetics. In addition to the widespread, socially acceptable, and in some cases even expected use for the purpose of beautification, facial cosmetics can be abused to launch so-called makeup presentation attacks. Thus far, the potential of such attack instruments has generally been claimed to be relatively low based on experimental evaluations on available datasets. This paper presents a new dataset of such attacks with the purpose of impersonation and identity concealment. The images have been collected from online sources, concentrating on seemingly highly skilled makeup artists. A vulnerability assessment of face recognition with respect to probe images contained in the collected dataset is conducted on state-of-the-art open source and commercial off-the-shelf facial recognition systems with a standardised methodology and metrics. The obtained results are especially striking for the impersonation attacks: the obtained attack success chance of almost 70% at a fixed decision threshold corresponding to 0.1% false match rate is significantly higher than results previously reported in the scientific literature.

Due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic (COVID-19), guidelines regarding both elimination of visiting subinternships and substitution of virtual interviews for the 2021 match were adopted. We hypothesize that these changes will result in an increase in home institution match rates compared to previous years.Program match data was obtained using information posted to residency program Instagram pages and the hashtag #PRSMatch2021. Chi square was used to assess differences between groups.Medical school regions were categorized as West, Midwest, South, and Northeast and compared to match program region.Matched candidates to integrated plastic surgery residencies RESULTS: A total of 181/187 (96.8%) integrated plastic surgery matched candidates were identified. Compared to historical controls, there was a statistically significant increase in the home match rate (24.3%, p = 0.004) and statistically significant decrease in match rate for students without a home plastic surgery program (21.0%, p = 0.004). Similar to prior years, applicants were more likely to match in their own region for all regions (p0.001); however, there was a statistical increase in students staying in the South region for residency compared to previous years (p = 0.007).The 2021 match cycle resulted in an increase in home program match rates, while decreasing match rates among students without a home plastic surgery program. COVID-19 polices may have resulted in disadvantages to students from diverse institutional backgrounds. Influences of virtual subinternships and virtual interviews should be further evaluated.

Objective To rank percentages of underrepresented residents in surgical subspecialties and understand the experience of mentees and mentors who participated in the inaugural University of California, San Francisco Urology UnderRepresented Trainees Entering Residency (UReTER) Mentorship Program for Black, Indigenous, and/or LatinX medical students applying into urology. Methods Medical student mentees across the country were recruited via social media and email listservs. Demographic information and photos of mentors were presented on the UReTER website. Medical students could choose a mentor, and once matched, both parties were notified. A survey was emailed to all participants on Urology Match Day 2021. Result The 2018 –2019 ACGME Databook showed underrepresented minority residents made up 7.6% of urology residents, lagging behind neurosurgery, vascular surgery, general surgery, and obstetrics and gynecology. 71 mentees and 101 mentors volunteered for the UReTER Mentorship Program (71 mentor-mentee couplets). Overall response rate was 51% [33 mentors and 32 mentees]. Of mentees who completed the survey, 16 (47%) participated in the 2021 Urology Match; 15 (94%) matched and 6 (38%) felt that UReTER helped them match. Conclusion Feedback on this pilot program was very positive including a high match rate among those who participated. Future changes to the program include expanded student outreach, increased structure, broadened mentor network. The implementation of a low-cost program to increase underrepresented applicants into Urology has great potential to increase representation and improve the field. This program can and should be replicated in all subspecialties.

Background and Objectives: There is a shortage of physicians in rural communities in the United States. More than other types of primary care physicians, family physicians are the foundation for care in rural areas.1 There are also critical shortages of other specialties such as general surgery, pediatrics, internal medicine, and psychiatry in rural America.2-7 This study assessed student participation in the University of Washington School of Medicine’s (UWSOM) Targeted Rural Underserved Track (TRUST) program as a predictor for family medicine (FM) and needed workforce specialty residency match. Methods: The study group was 156 medical students from 2009-2014; 102 were accepted to the TRUST program compared to a control group of 54 who were not accepted into the TRUST program but did matriculate to UWSOM. Student characteristics for the two groups were compared using t tests. Logistic regression analysis determined whether acceptance in TRUST predicted the outcomes measures of FM residency match or residency match into a needed rural physician workforce specialty; t tests compared match rates to family medicine for TRUST applicants and graduates, UWSOM graduates, and US allopathic seniors. Results: TRUST program graduates had the same FM residency match rate and match rate in needed workforce specialties as the control group. The FM match rate for TRUST graduates was 29.1% compared to UWSOM at 16.9% and US seniors at 8.7% (P

Morse code is a system of representation of letters, numbers, punctuation marks and signals using a code of dots and lines that are arranged to represent certain characters in the alphabet or certain signals (signs) that are agreed upon for use throughout the world was studied by nilas[1]. This code was coined by Samuel F.B. Morse and Alfred Vail in 1835 was studied by ming[2]. This research aims at how to apply the Background Subtraction method in the design of the morse sign language receiver in the invisible light. Build an Android-based application for recognition of Morse sign language by keeping messages sent using Morse sign language secret through infrared light from the sight of those who can read the message. From the results of the tests that have been carried out, it is concluded that the level of accuracy of testing using the False Match Rate (FMR) obtained a success percentage of 65% from the 26 character data tested. From the 26 character data tested, it was obtained data with the number of characters that were successfully counted correctly, namely 17 characters, while the character data that failed to be counted was 9 characters with a detection result of 26 characters.

Previously studied fingerprint readers usually used Minutiae feature. Minutiae uses both directional maps and skeleton images because of its high FMR (False Match Rate). But unlike security attacks on Minutiae, research on directional maps and skeletal image attacks is not going well. In this paper, fingerprint images are generated using the new Pix2Pix model and analyzed representation attack vulnerabilities for the images. When the restored fingerprint by the model was recognized to the fingerprint recognizer, it showed a high recognition success rate and demonstrated the vulnerability for representation attacks on fingerprint readers that also use skeletal images.

The Annonaceae family of plants is one of the most anatomically and structurally uniform families. Chemotaxonomy is a common practice to determine the chemical patterns within these families at different phylogenetic levels. The aim of this study was to build a dataset of all the secondary metabolites isolated within the Annonaceae family and to perform the respective chemotaxonomic analysis using self-organizing maps (SOMs). This dataset is composed of 5321 botanical occurrences and 1860 unique molecules present in all subfamilies of the Annonaceae. Diterpenes account for 366 unique compounds and 533 botanical occurrences seen in both Annonoideae and Malmeoideae subfamilies. The Annoneae, Xylopieae and Miliuseae tribes had the highest number of botanical occurrences and were therefore selected for the analysis. Molecular descriptors of the diterpenes and their respective botanical occurrences were used to generate the SOMs. These SOMs demonstrated clear and indicative tribe separations, with a match rate higher than 70%. Our results corroborate with the morphological and molecular data. These models can be used to predict the phylogenetic location of certain diterpenes and to accelerate the research of Annonaceae secondary metabolites and their biological potentials.

Introduction In 2018, orthopaedic trauma had the lowest match rate among orthopaedic subspecialties. The purpose of this study was to determine the importance of factors evaluated by orthopaedic trauma fellowship directors when ranking applicants after the interview. Methods An electronic survey was submitted to fellowship directors and consisted of 16 factors included in a fellowship application. Respondents were asked to rate the importance of these factors for applicants they interviewed on a 1 to 5 Likert scale, with 1 being not at all important and 5 being critical. Results Thirty-seven fellowship directors responded (63.8%). The highest-rated factor was the applicant interview (mean score 4.82), followed by the quality of letters of recommendation (4.69), personal connections made to the applicant (3.89), and potential to be leader (3.86). Fellowship directors at academic programs rated interest in an academic career (P = 0.003), research experience (P = 0.023), and exposure to well-known orthopaedic traumatologists (P = 0.003) higher than their counterparts at private institutions. Programs with more than one fellow rated potential to be a leader higher than programs with one fellow (P = 0.02). Discussion Trainees may use this study when compiling an application to optimize their chances of matching at the program of their choice.

Medical students are anxious about not getting a preferred residency position. We described elective patterns of two recent cohorts and examined associated match outcomes.We conducted a retrospective review of the final-year electives of all students who participated in the residency match (first iteration) at one school for 2017 and 2018. We categorized elective patterns and associated them with aggregated match outcomes. We examined high-demand/low-supply (HDLS) disciplines separately.We described three elective patterns: High Dive, Parallel Plan(s), and No Clear Pattern. Many students had High Dive and Parallel Plans patterns; only a few showed No Clear Pattern. Match rates for High Dive and Parallel Plan patterns were high but many students matched to Family and Internal Medicine. When we separated out HDLS predominance, the match rate remained high but a significant number matched to disciplines in which they did not have a majority of electives. Most High Dive and Parallel Plan students who went unmatched did so with HDLS discipline electives.Many students chose High Dive and Parallel Plan strategies to both high-capacity and HDLS disciplines. Match rates were high for both patterns but students also matched to non-primary disciplines. Back-up planning may reside in the entire application, and not just electives selection.Les étudiants en médecine sont anxieux à l’idée de ne pas obtenir le poste de résidence souhaité. Nous avons décrit les profils de stages à optionde deux cohortes récentes et examiné les résultats des jumelages associés.Nous avons mené une évaluation rétrospective des stages à option d’externat senior effectués par l’ensemble des étudiants qui ont participé au jumelage de résidence (premier tour) dans un programme de médecine pour 2017 et 2018. Nous avons classé les profils de stage et les avons associés aux résultats de jumelage agrégés. Nous avons examiné les disciplines à demande élevée et à offre faible (DEOF) séparément.Nous avons décrit trois profils de stages à option : le « grand saut », le plan parallèle B et aucun schéma précis. De nombreux étudiants présentaient des profils de type « grand saut » et plans parallèles. Seuls quelques-uns ne présentaient aucun profil précis. Les taux de jumelage pour les schémas grand saut et plan parallèle étaient élevés, mais de nombreux étudiants étaient jumelés à Médecine familiale et Médecine interne. Quand nous avons séparé la prédominance DEOF, le taux de jumelage restait élevé, mais un nombre important d’étudiants obtenaient un poste dans des disciplines pour lesquelles ils n’avaient pas fait une majorité de stages à option. La plupart des étudiants avec profils « grand saut » et plan parallèle qui n’avaient pas été jumelés avaient fait des stages à option dans des disciplines DEOF.De nombreux étudiants avaient choisi des stratégies « grand saut » et plan parallèle pour des disciplines à haute capacité ainsi que des disciplines DEOF. Les taux de jumelage étaient élevés pour les deux profils, mais les étudiants se jumelaient également à des disciplines autres que leur premier choix. Une solution de rechange peut se trouver dans l’ensemble du processus, et non pas seulement dans la sélection des stages à option.

To analyze the trends in international medical graduates (IMGs) matching into diagnostic radiology residency programs in the United States (US).The National Resident Match Program data was accessed for years 2005-2020 and diagnostic radiology residency-specific data was extracted for US MD, osteopathic (DO), and IMG applicants. IMGs were categorized into US-citizen IMGs and non-US citizen IMGs per the National Residency Match Program. Variables collected for each year included the number of positions, number of applicants in each group, positions filled/unfilled, and fill rate of each group. Additional data for some years included USMLE Step 1 score, United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 2 clinical knowledge (CK) score, number of research experiences, number of abstracts/publications, and additional degrees obtained. Trends were analyzed using simple linear regression model and p value0.05 was considered significant.The number of diagnostic radiology residency programs increased from 203 (2006) to 212 (2020). The total number of diagnostic radiology residency positions increased from 1011 (2006) to 1113 (2020), with the peak of 1145 in 2014. The overall "match rate," that is, proportion of positions filled to positions available, increased from 96.4% (2006) to 97.3% (2020), with a brief decline to 86.7% in 2015. Among the filled positions, the proportion filled by US medical school graduates significantly declined from 89.7% (2006) to 69.2% (2020) (p0.001), and the proportion of positions filled by osteopathic seniors and graduates significantly increased from 2.2% (2006) to 15.1% (2020; p0.001). The proportion of US IMGs increased from 3.2% (2006) to 5.4% (2020), while the proportion of non-US IMGs increased from 4.4% (2006) to 9.4% (2020), with overall IMG match rate increased significantly from 7.6% to 14.9% (p = 0.009). The mean Step 1 scores of US IMGs and non-US IMGs were 238 and 237.3, and the mean Step 2 CK scores were 241.67 and 241, respectively. Cumulatively over the study period, a total of 736 US IMGs and 1051 non-US IMGs have matched into diagnostic radiology residency.There is an increasing proportion of IMGs, especially the non-US citizen IMGs, matching into US radiology residency programs in the last decade. Diagnostic radiology remains a competitive specialty evidenced by average USMLE scores higher than national average and research experiences of matched candidates.

Psychiatric classifications before the early 1900s generally are viewed as chaotic and not worthy of analysis. Sixteen different classificatory systems were identified that were pre-World War I and that were pre-Kraepelinian. A total of 827 names were collected from these 16 classifications. As expected, classification unreliability was a problem in these systems. Across the seven American classifications, the average match rate in names was 15% (i.e., 15% of the diagnoses in one system appeared with the same name in another system). The names that were most consistently recognized across these 16 classifications were "mania," "acute mania," "chronic mania," "melancholia," "general paralysis," "senile dementia," "epileptic insanity," "hysterical insanity," "moral insanity," "idiocy," and "cretinism." These 11 names summarize 19th century American views of psychopathology.

Background and Objectives: Medical students who train in rural communities are often exposed to physicians practicing a broad scope of care, regardless of discipline. We examined how rural education is associated with practice specialization rates for students who match in primary care or general core specialties. Methods: We linked practice and specialty data (2016 AMA Masterfile dataset), demographics (American Medical College Application Service data), and internal college data for 1974-2011 Michigan State University College of Human Medicine graduates who received clinical education on either the Upper Peninsula (rural) or Grand Rapids (urban) campuses. Current practice was verified using internet searches. We compared specialty and practice data by rural or urban campus, controlling for multiple variables. Results: More rurally-trained graduates entered primary care (PC) residencies (128/208, 61.5%) than urban-trained graduates (457/891, 51.3%; P

Although the field of otolaryngology has experienced a decline in the number of applicants to our residency programs, otolaryngology remains a highly competitive field with an extremely strong applicant pool. Many highly qualified candidates cannot obtain a position in our field each year, and many of these candidates choose to reapply the next year. Data are lacking regarding reapplicants’ success rate and the best gap year employment and training options for these reapplicants. Reapplicants were studied prospectively via a two-stage survey during the 2014–2015 and 2015–2016 application cycles. Success rates for the overall group were compared to those from published data, and success rates between subgroups were also compared. First-time reapplicants in the study performed extremely well. Their match rate (19/22) was not significantly different from that of traditional otolaryngology applicants (551/619, p = 0.73) and was significantly higher than that of nontraditional applicants not in our cohort (23/62, p < 0.001). No significant difference was found between applicants by employment/training activities, with both researchers (11/12) and surgical interns (8/10, p = 0.57) performing well. Predictors of reapplicant success could not be assessed because only 3 reapplicants in the cohort were unsuccessful. First-time otolaryngology reapplicants remain a highly competitive group of applicants to our field, regardless of employment/training activities undertaken after graduating medical school.

Objective Recently, a multitude of new U.S. medical schools have been established and existing medical schools have expanded their enrollments. The National Residency Match Program (NRMP) reports that in 2016 there were 23,339 categorical residency positions offered in the match and 26,836 overall applicants with 17,789 (66.29%) of the total candidates being U.S. allopathic graduates. In view of the rapid growth of medical school graduates, the aim of this study is to determine if current trends suggest a shortage of residency positions within the next ten years. Design The total number of graduates from U.S. medical schools was obtained from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) for 2005-2014 academic years and was trended linearly for a 10-year prediction for the number of graduates. The yearly number of categorical positions filled by U.S. graduates for calendar years 2006-2015 was obtained from the NRMP and was trended longitudinally 10 years into the future. Analysis of subspecialty data focused on the comparison of differences in growth rates and potential foreseeable deficits in available categorical positions in U.S. residency programs. Results According to trended data from AAMC, the total number of graduates from U.S. medical schools has increased 1.52 percent annually (15,927 in 2005 to 18,705 in 2014); with a forecast of 22,280 U.S. medical school graduates in 2026. The growth rate of all categorical positions available in U.S. residency programs was 2.55 percent annually, predicting 29,880 positions available in 2026. In view of these results, an analysis of specific residencies was done to determine potential shortages in specific residencies. With 17.4 percent of all U.S. graduates matching into internal medicine and a 3.17 percent growth rate in residency positions, in 2026 the number of internal medicine residency positions will be 9,026 with 3,874 U.S. graduates predicted to match into these positions. In general surgery, residency positions note a growth rate of 1.55 percent. Of all U.S. graduates, 5.6 percent match into general surgery. Overall this projects 1,445 general surgery residency positions in 2026 with 1,257 U.S. graduates matching. In orthopedics with a growth rate of 1.35 percent and a match rate of 3.75 percent, there are projected to be 827 positions available with 836 U.S. graduates projected to match. Conclusions Despite the increasing number of medical school graduates, our model suggests the rate of growth of residency positions continues to be higher than the rate of growth of U.S. medical school graduates. While there is no apparent shortage of categorical positions overall, highly competitive subspecialties like orthopedics may develop a shortage within the next ten years.

Background and purpose To evaluate the impact of student pharmacist participation in a mock interview session on confidence level and preparation regarding residency interview skills. Educational activity and setting The study setting was a mock interview session, held in conjunction with student programming at the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) Annual Meeting. Prior to the mock interview session, final year student pharmacists seeking residency program placement were asked to complete a pre-session survey assessing confidence level for residency interviews. Each student pharmacist participated in up to three mock interviews. A post-session survey evaluating confidence level was then administered to consenting participants. Following the American Society for Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Pharmacy Resident Matching Program (RMP), a post-match electronic survey was sent to study participants to determine their perception of the influence of the mock interview session on achieving successful interactions during residency interviews. Findings A total of 59 student pharmacists participated in the mock interview session and completed the pre-session survey. Participants completing the post-session survey (88%, n = 52) unanimously reported an enhanced confidence in interviewing skills following the session. Thirty responders reported a program match rate of 83%. Approximately 97% (n = 29) of the respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the questions asked during the mock interview session were reflective of questions asked during residency interviews. Discussion Lessons learned from this mock interview session can be applied to PGY1 residency mock interview sessions held locally, regionally, and nationally. Summary Students participating in the ACCP Mock Interview Session recognized the importance of the interview component in obtaining a postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) pharmacy residency.

The aim of this study was to derive a new plan-scoring index using normal tissue complication probabilities to verify different plans in the selection of personalized treatment. Plans for 12 patients treated with tomotherapy were used to compare scoring for ranking. Dosimetric and biological indexes were analyzed for the plans for a clearly distinguishable group (n = 7) and a similar group (n = 12), using treatment plan verification software that we developed. The quality factor (QF) of our support software for treatment decisions was consistent with the final treatment plan for the clearly distinguishable group (average QF = 1.202, 100% match rate, n = 7) and the similar group (average QF = 1.058, 33% match rate, n = 12). Therefore, we propose a normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) based on the plan scoring index for verification of different plans for personalized treatment-plan selection. Scoring using the new QF showed a 100% match rate (average NTCP QF = 1.0420). The NTCP-based new QF scoring method was adequate for obtaining biological verification quality and organ risk saving using the treatment-planning decision-support software we developed for prostate cancer.

In this competitive business era, Klinik Bunga Melati (KBM) has changed its business and management strategies 3 times in the last 2 years with the aim of adjusting internal and external conditions in the health sector and make KBM superior to other competitors. KBM expects the development of technology that can be applied efficiently and integrated between KBM internally. In 2018, KBM teamed up with the Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Sosial (BPJS) Kesehatan. In this regard, BPJS provides a Health Facilities Information System (HFIS) with the aim of making it easier for health units to make claims. But the leader of the KBM considers HFIS not suitable to be implemented in the KBM Welirang Branch. The KBM Welirang Branch staff must do 2x recapitulation of patient medical records every day. There are quite a lot of variables in HFIS besides self-data, staff must also write data related to diagnosis, details of drugs used, drug costs, and doctor's fees. Based on the KBM leaders interview, this is considered to be very time-consuming and costly because HR has to work 2x more and patients need more time to get action. HOT-Fit method is considered suitable for this research because this model can provide an explanation and provide an evaluation of the application a system in the field of health services from human factors (human), technology (technology), organization (organization) and net benefits. The output of this research is an analysis of aspects that need to be improved and the match rate of HFIS implementation in the KBM Welirang.

Humpback whales migrate seasonally from high latitude feeding areas to lower latitude breeding areas for mating and calving. In 2004–2006, a North Pacific basin-wide study called SPLASH was conducted as an international collaboration among various groups of researchers. The Russian Far East consists of multiple high latitude feeding areas and during SPLASH, 102 whales were identified and compared to catalogs from breeding areas. Our goal in this study was to further investigate the migratory destinations of whales from the Russian Far East using a total of 1,459 photographs of whales identified from 2004 to 2014. We compared the latest Russian catalog with the SPLASH catalog from wintering areas (2004–2006) and with two additional regional catalogs from Okinawa (1989–2006) and the northern Philippines (2000–2006). We found a total of 152 matches: 106 with Asian, 35 with Hawaiian, and 11 with Mexican breeding grounds. The match rate was higher in mainland Kamchatka and consisted mostly of whales from the Asian breeding ground. In the Commander Islands, the proportion of whales from Asia was twice that of Hawaii and six times higher than Mexico. The total match rate was low, supporting the hypothesis of some undiscovered humpback whale breeding location in the North Pacific.

Objectives/Hypothesis The objectives of this study were to summarize externship experiences among recent graduates and current residents in otolaryngology residency programs and determine whether externships affect the match process. Study Design Cross-sectional survey. Methods A survey was distributed to otolaryngology residents in allopathic US residency programs and otolaryngology graduates from the past 5 years (2011–2015). There were 2,141 surveys distributed. Results There were 654 subjects who responded, for a 30.5% response rate. Most respondents were residents (n = 438, 67%). Of the residents, 85.6% had completed at least one externship compared to 75.9% of graduates (P = .002). The most common reasons for selecting a particular externship were geographic location (74.2%) and program reputation (71.1%), whereas the most common reason for not completing an externship was being advised not to (59.1%). Furthermore, 82.6% of respondents received at least one interview from their externships, 90% went to those interviews, and 89.1% reported that externship experiences affected their rank list. Respondents had a 32.7% match rate to the externship residency program if it was ranked versus a 48.8% match rate if the program was ranked first. Respondents who matched at the externship residency program matched higher on their rank list (P < .001). Of the respondents, 90.7% found externships to be valuable, and 74.5% recommended completing one. Conclusions Externships are beneficial because they influence the rank list of applicants and are viewed as valuable experiences. Completing an externship is advisable for the experience, but applicants should weigh the benefits versus the possible risk of being judged more harshly during a month-long rotation. Level of Evidence NA Laryngoscope, 2017

For some international medical graduates (IMGs), becoming an American Board of Medicine Diplomate (ABIM) may sound extremely hard or perhaps impossible. Those who think this way forget the obvious fact that almost 25 percent of the medical workforce in the United States started exactly like them as international medical graduates (1). It may also come to everyone's surprise that the number of non-US citizens IMGs continues to grow, and has been the highest ever last year based on the latest National Residency Matching Program Report (2). Moreover, the match rate for non-U.S. citizen IMGs continues to grow to reach 50.5% in 2016, up from 49.4% in 2015. In this paper, we reflect on our own journey from being international medical graduates preparing for the United States Medical Licensing Exams (USMLEs) to American board certified physicians and will take you a step further through the initial steps of fellowship. We hope this will help guide other IMG's and make their dream one day come true. Keywords: Postgraduate Education, International Medical Graduates, Residency

During 2013–2015, oilseed rape samples from various locations in the Czech Republic were analysed for the presence of Verticillium wilt. Samples were evaluated in the lab using ELISA and PCR as well as by visual evaluation during the samples collection. A comparison of detection match in individual methods also was made. ELISA and PCR matched in detecting Verticillium wilt in 60 % of cases. For practical use, a higher match rate would be necessary in cases where samples were to be analysed in various laboratories using only one of these techniques. The possibility was demonstrated to use kits as well as primers not targeted specifically to just Verticillium longisporum but recording both main species on oilseed rape (V. longisporum and V. dahliae). The match rates of lab analyses with visual evaluation of stand infection were surprisingly high at 62 % for ELISA and 77 % for PCR. All three stand evaluation methods matched in 56 % of cases.

Introduction The current demand for pharmacy residencies far exceeds supply. The primary purpose of this study was to determine if presence of a pharmacy residency elective course has an effect on the American Society of Health System Pharmacists Residency Matching Program (“the Match”) rates. Methods Data from the 2018 residency match were collected. Independent variables such as presence of a residency preparation elective course, residency track availability, school's affiliation with a residency program, interest in residency (as measured by the number of students enrolled in the Match divided by the number of degrees conferred), age of pharmacy school, first-time 2018 North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination pass rates, number of degrees conferred in 2018, funding status, and geographic region were analyzed to determine factors that could affect or had an association with match rates. Results From 139 accredited pharmacy schools, data from 135 schools of pharmacy were included in this study. The match rate for schools with a residency preparation elective course compared to those without was 61% and 62%, respectively. Following univariate linear regression analysis, availability of a residency course did not significantly affect residency match rates. The covariates of geographic region and funding source were significantly predictive of residency match success. Conclusions The presence of a residency preparation elective course in the curriculum did not have a significant effect on 2018 match rates when accounting for various variables. It is uncertain whether enrollment in such an elective would have an effect on match rates.

To describe applicant characteristics and outcomes associated with the ophthalmology fellowship match.Retrospective case-control study.This study took place in San Francisco and matched data for ophthalmology fellowship applicants in the USA. The study population was registrants for the 2010-2017 ophthalmology fellowship match cycles. The match rate took place during the 8-year study period. Applicant characteristics were stratified by match status and factors associated with matching to ophthalmology fellowship positions.Between 2010 and 2017, most applicants (2,558/3,471; 73.7%) were matched into ophthalmology fellowship programs. No difference over time in the proportion of applicants that matched for fellowship was identified (P = .41). On average, ophthalmology residents who were matched into fellowships had higher step 1 (difference: 9; 99% confidence interval [CI]: 6.8-10.9; P.001), step 2 (difference: 9.5; 99% CI: 7-12; P.001), and step 3 (difference: 7.4; 99% CI: 5-9.7; P.001) scores than those who did not match. Applicants who matched also had a greater number of application distributions (difference: 9.6; 99% CI: 7.9-11.2; P.001), and ranked programs on the match list (difference: 6.2; 99% CI: 5.8-6.7; P.001). Among applicants who matched, 15% matched at the same institute, 29% matched in the same state, and 45% matched in the same region. On multivariable analysis, factors associated with an increased likelihood of matching into an ophthalmology fellowship program included graduates from the US versus graduates from non-US residency programs (odds ratio [OR]: 2.09; 99% CI: 1.27-3.44; P.001), increasing percentage of applications ranked (number of ranked programs and/or number of applications distributed) (OR: 1.02; 99% CI: 1.02-1.03; P.001) as well as having ranked more programs (OR: 1.24; 99% CI: 1.17-1.31; P.001). Medical graduate status outside of the US (OR: 0.58; 99% CI: 0.36-0.93; P.001) was associated with decreased odds of matching for fellowship.From 2010 to 2017, approximately three-quarters of residents applying for an ophthalmology fellowship position matched. Factors associated with increased likelihood of matching included the applicant's graduating from a U.S. residency, graduating from a U.S. medical school, ranking more programs, and having a higher percentage of applications ranked (number of programs ranked by applicant and/or number of applications distributed). The information gained from this study may help applicants as they consider applying to fellowship programs.

The Match is a daunting process for everyone, but it can be exceedingly more complicated for couples. Accordingly, the Couples Match was introduced by the National Residency Match Program in 1984 and has been witnessing a steady increase in the number of participating couples over the past 30years. The highest number of couples participating in the match, and the highest match rate among them, was recorded in 2018. In this article, we provide couples considering the Couples Match, with one or both partners planning to apply to emergency medicine, with insights on this process. Although it may initially appear to be complicated, the Couples Match enables partners to obtain postgraduate training in geographic proximity to one another. With good communication between the partners and their advisors, an exciting joint venture can unfold that is fueled by the strength of the couple.

Dermatology is arguably the most competitive residency (81.6% match rate for United States allopathic seniors) with significantly more applicants than available positions. To objectify this process, the National Residency Match Program (NRMP) has produced bi-annual Charting Outcomes in Match (COM) datasets, which aggregate data from the prior two application cycles and tabulate statistics to aid applicants. In parallel, online forums provide medical trainees with vast amounts of information, including residency application insights. Reddit medical school subforum compiles annual spreadsheets of anonymous, individualized applicant data to aid future applicants. We compared this data to NRMP data to show that although the data means are similar (e.g. Step 1), the Reddit dermatology spreadsheet collects more data and the individualized nature aids applicants in a personalized way unlike the mean aggregate data in NRMP. Under univariate analysis, Alpha Omega Alpha status, overall publications, and dermatology-specific publications are associated with interview invitation rates. Although limitations of the study include small data size and reporting bias, this is the first of its kind to our knowledge to compare these two often-used tools to aid dermatology applicants. Future endeavors should expand anonymous data reporting and use the data to carry out more extensive studies to investigate factors influencing the application process.

Statistical matching techniques aim to build a dataset by combining different data sources. In recent years, matching techniques have been employed in various fields. However, because of some difficulties, there are only a few applications to company data. In this study, we proposed a new statistical matching methodology for company datasets by employing multinomial logistic regression model. The weighted distance was used to compute the probability of true match pairs through the model. The probability helps classify the record pairs as truly matched or not. We applied these techniques to a commercial company dataset and the official economic census microdata. The results showed that our method performs better than the nearest neighbor method used in the previous study in terms of true match rate.

We examine the degree to which training models for specific sub-groups within a population can help improve precision and recall in linking historical records. We focus on an application of linking individuals between the 1900–1920 US censuses. Our results are an inverse of the transfer learning question and also relate to the ways in which training data built for the full population can result in biased predictions for minority groups in the population. We find that training a model specifically for German-born Americans improves our precision rate for these links from 79.1% to 92.7% while decreasing our recall from 94.5% down to 91.4%, thus dramatically increasing our true match rate for this subgroup. Similar analysis can be done based on gender, birthplace, race, and uniqueness of one’s surname.