Medical student attitudes toward inclusion of a research year within diagnostic radiology residency: a survey of students participating in the 2002 NRMP match. National Resident Matching Program

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to solicit medical student opinion regarding establishment of a research track within diagnostic radiology residency and to determine the method of implementation most favorable to candidates who self-identified as future researchers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After the deadline for submitting rank lists (February 21, 2002), a questionnaire was mailed to 588 U.S.-resident medical students who applied to the authors' residency in the 2002 match. Returned questionnaires post-marked before match day (March 21, 2002) were included in the analysis. Students were asked to rate their level of interest in different residency curricula; to indicate whether they were most likely to pursue a position in private practice, clinical academics, or research academics; and to indicate their preferred time of choosing a training track, preferred duration of the residency to dedicate to research, and when they most wished to undertake research. RESULTS: A total of 161 students (27.4%) responded. Overall, students preferred institutions with both clinical and research tracks rather than a single track for all residents, to delay their choice of track for as long as possible, and to do research during postgraduate year 4. Students indicated greatest interest in 3-6 months of research. Among those who self-identified as future academic researchers, interest in a research residency track was greater than among those who indicated the greatest interest in private practice positions. CONCLUSION: Many students are interested in performing research during their radiology residency. Interest in a research track is positively correlated with interest in a research academic career and negatively correlated with interest in private practice.