Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program Websites: Assessing Information Gaps and Opportunities for Attracting Applicants

Abstract

Introduction: The quality and volume of information on orthopaedic surgery residency program websites are helpful for informed decision making of prospective applicants. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the content on orthopaedic surgery residency program websites and identify areas for improvement. Methods: In November 2023, 203 orthopaedic surgery residency programs were reviewed using the Association of American Medical Colleges Residency Explorer tool. Fourteen nonfunctional websites were excluded, leaving n = 189. Websites were assessed for 11 variables: resources for assisting resident research (eg, biomechanics laboratory, research assistant, and advisors), residents' past institutional affiliations, current resident profiles (including hometown and interests), alumni data, fellowship matches, American Board of Orthopedic Surgery I/II pass rates, Alpha Omega Alpha Society affiliation, target United States Medical Licensing Examination/ Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Learning Exam Step 2 scores, educational activities (journal club, grand rounds, didactics), evaluation methods, and mentorship. Results: Website variables differed markedly among identified program types, which included community programs, university programs (UPs), and affiliated programs (APs). Disparities were noted in the disclosure of residents' previous institutions (P = 0.001), the availability of alumni names (P = 0.001), research resources (P = 0.001), academic activities (P = 0.007), assigned mentorship programs (P = 0.006), and fellowship match information (P = 0.027). Notably, community programs shared statistically significantly less information in these areas compared with UPs and APs (P = 0.001). While there was a proportionate sharing of information between UPs and APs, UPs exhibited a slightly higher overall percentage of websites sharing more detailed information. Conclusion: The quality and comprehensiveness of information on orthopaedic surgery residency program websites vary markedly. Most of the orthopaedic surgery residency programs provided information on residents' past institutions and academic activities. However, very few provided information on designated mentorship programs or objective measures such as target Step 2 examination scores and ABOS pass rates. Improving the quality of information available on program websites will enhance transparency and consistency, enabling prospective applicants to make more informed decisions about where to apply and interview.