Match Outcomes for Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship Training: 2010 to 2021

Abstract

Background This study elucidates recent trends in application and match rates in the Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship Match. We hypothesized that (1) match rates have increased with time; (2) match rates are highest for US allopathic graduates; and (3) most candidates match at 1 of their top 3 ranked fellowship choices. Methods and Results This was a retrospective cohort study of all applicants in the Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship Match from 2010 to 2021 (n=14 674). Chi‐square tests were used to compare trends over time and match rates by applicant archetype (US allopathic graduates and non‐US allopathic graduates). The annual number of applicants increased from 1184 to 1575 (33% increase) while training positions increased 718 to 1045 (46% increase) over the study period. The percentage of applicants that matched increased from 61% in 2010 to 66% in 2021 ( P =0.090). The average match rate was 70% over the study period. During each year, US allopathic graduates had higher match rates than non‐US allopathic graduates ( P <0.001), but this disparity narrowed with time (83% versus 41% in 2010 and 83% versus 54% in 2021). Most applicants matched at 1 of their top 3 choices (first, 37%; second, 12%; third, 7%). Applicants matching at 1 of their top 3 choices decreased from 51% in 2010 to 48% in 2021 ( P =0.704). Conclusions The Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship Match has remained equally competitive over the past decade. US allopathic graduates have an advantage over non‐US allopathic graduates. Most applicants match at 1 of their top 3 ranked fellowship choices.