Fellowship forum: Create a welcoming Web site for prospective applicants
Ahhhhhh. All your fellows are now safely ensconced into their subspecialties, and all of your national data are submitted. Sigh of relief!
But, wait! There’s one more important thing for fellowship coordinators to do before heading for the beach (mountains, desert, mom and dad’s…). It’s time to update your own program’s Web site because clear-thinking residents are already looking around at subspecialty options.
What should be revised on your program’s Web site? Any and all information that you want to make available to the general public. Begin with a fresh introduction to your program in the context of your larger institution. Highlight a few recent awards or interesting new facts about your program.
Then you might want to answer the following questions:
- What is the duration of your training program?
- Do you use ERAS? To what extent? Only for applications?
- What are the criteria for entering the program? Specify information such as, how many letters of recommendation applicants must submit, minimum USMLE scores, and whether Step 3 required prior to admission to the program.
- When does your application season begin, and when does it close?
- When does your interviews season begin, and when does it close?
- Do you accept foreign medical graduates?
- Does your program accept visas? J-1s? HB-1s?
- Does your program accept DOs, or just MDs?
- Do you provide transportation, meals, or hotel accommodations for applicants?
- What training advantages does your program offer?
- Contact information. This one is critical. Does your program director want to be contacted, or should all questions be funneled through you? Do you want your phone number and/or your e-mail address provided? Fax? Mailing address?
Take time now to update and make your web site welcoming. Not only does it make a great impression for your program, it saves you lots of headaches later when those inquiries start rolling in full force!
What other information do you include or update on your Web site? Leave your suggestions in the comment box below.
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Sally Miller
Sally Miller is the fellowship coordinator for the department of medicine at University of Virginia Health System.Sally has written 6 posts.
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