Upon reviewing website accessibility directly from FREIDA, only 5 of 60 programs (8.3%) provided applicants with a link directly to their fellowship page (Table). Most programs (41 [68.3%]) provided a link to the dermatology department website, not to the specific fellowship program page, thus requiring a multistep process to find the fellowship-specific page. The remaining programs had an inaccessible (4 [6.7%]) or absent (10 [16.7%]) link on FREIDA, though a fellowship website could be identified by an Internet search of the program name.
The domain most fulfilled was program information with an average of 51.1% of programs satisfying the criteria, whereas the incentives domain was least fulfilled with an average of only 20.8% of programs satisfying the criteria. Across the various criteria, websites more often included a description of the program (58 [96.6%]), mentioned accreditation (53 [88.3%]), and provided case descriptions (48 [80.0%]). They less often reported information regarding a fellow’s call responsibility (3 [5%]); evaluation criteria (5 [8.3%]); and rotation schedule or options (6 [10.0%]).
The highest number of criteria fulfilled by a single program was 19 (76%). The lowest number of criteria met was 2 (8%). These findings suggest a large variation in comprehensiveness across fellowship websites.
Our research suggests that many current MSDO fellowship programs have room to maximize the information provided to applicants through their websites, which is particularly relevant following the COVID-19 pandemic, as the value of providing comprehensive and transparent information through an online platform is greater than ever. Given the ongoing desire to limit travel, virtual methods for navigating the application process have been readily used, including online videoconferencing for interviews and virtual program visits. This scenario has placed applicants in a challenging situation—their ability to directly evaluate their compatibility with a given program has been limited.3
Earlier studies that analyzed rheumatology fellowship recruitment during the COVID-19 pandemic found that programs may have more difficulty highlighting the strengths of their institution (eg, clinical facilities, professional opportunities, educational environment).4 An updated and comprehensive fellowship website was recommended4 as a key part in facing these new challenges. On the other hand, given the large number of applicants each year for fellowship positions in any given program, we acknowledge the potential benefit programs may obtain from limiting electronic information that is readily accessible to all applicants, as doing so may encourage applicants to communicate directly with a program and allow programs to identify candidates who are more interested.
In light of the movement to a more virtual-friendly and technology-driven fellowship application process, we identified 25 content areas that fellowships may want to include on their websites so that potential applicants can be well informed about the program before submitting an application and scheduling an interview. Efforts to improve accessibility and maximize the content of these websites may help programs attract compatible candidates, improve transparency, and guide applicants throughout the application process.