RYSEFAX: A Virtual Recruitment Initiative Targeting Internal Medicine Fellowship Applicants Committed to Program Inclusion.

Abstract

Background Graduate medical education programs have implemented strategies to enhance recruitment of diverse applicants who value inclusive training environments, yet there are few published fellowship recruitment strategies. Objective To assess the acceptability and feasibility of a virtual recruitment and engagement program for internal medicine (IM) fellowship applicants. Methods In 2020, we developed a virtual recruitment program (RYSEFAX) centered on IM fellowship applicants. From 2020 to 2022, fellowship programs invited all self-declared underrepresented in medicine applicants who interviewed in their respective programs; since 2023, the program expanded to all interviewed applicants. Participants met with current fellows, faculty, and leadership in one-on-one sessions and groups. Program components included introduction to the department chair, discussions with fellowship and diversity, equity, and inclusion leaders, breakouts with current fellows, and conversations with mentor-mentee teams. Applicant participation rates, fellowship Match outcomes, and 2022-2023 participant surveys were used to examine perceptions of program value. Results From 2020 to 2023, 721 individuals were invited, 158 attended, and 50 (31%) matched with one of our fellowship programs. In 2022 and 2023 feedback surveys, respondents (n=22) indicated increased interest and ranking of one of our fellowship programs after RYSEFAX: 19 (86%) indicated that participation increased their likelihood of seeking employment with us, and all 22 ranked our institution following attendance. Open-ended feedback described perceptions that RYSEFAX strengthened our reputation as an inclusive training environment. Conclusions A virtual fellowship recruitment and engagement program for subspecialty medical fellowship programs is feasible and appears to positively influence applicant perceptions of the program.