Bradley L Young1, Colin K Cantrell2, Brent A Ponce3, Jonathan H Quade3. 1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center. 2. School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham. 3. Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Abstract
Background: A program's web site can attract or deter fellowship applications. It can also impact applicants' final rank lists. Web-based information may allow applicants to apply more selectively, decreasing interview costs for themselves and programs. The accessibility and content of program web sites for several orthopaedic subspecialties have been analyzed for inadequacies. The goal of this study was to perform an analysis for the web sites of orthopaedic trauma fellowships. Methods: A list of accredited orthopaedic trauma fellowships was obtained from the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) Fellowship Directory. Web site accessibility was determined by presence of a functional hyperlink in the directory and the web site's searchability using Google®. Web site content was evaluated based on 21 criteria. Results: 53 programs were identified, offering 84 positions. 27 had web sites accessible through the OTA fellowship directory via functioning links. 19 additional web sites were accessible using Google®. Seven programs lacked web sites entirely. Web site content varied between programs. Over half of the web sites lacked information for 13 of the 21 content criteria. A complete list of results can be located in Table 1. Conclusions: Inadequacies exist in the accessibility and content of OTA accredited Orthopaedic Trauma Fellowship web sites. We draw attention to 21 standard content areas pertinent to applicants that could be considered by the OTA and individual programs to include on their respective web sites. Standardization across web sites may allow for a more direct comparison between programs and improve the match process. Level of Evidence: Review Article.
Background: A program's web site can attract or deter fellowship applications. It can also impact applicants' final rank lists. Web-based information may allow applicants to apply more selectively, decreasing interview costs for themselves and programs. The accessibility and content of program web sites for several orthopaedic subspecialties have been analyzed for inadequacies. The goal of this study was to perform an analysis for the web sites of orthopaedic trauma fellowships. Methods: A list of accredited orthopaedic trauma fellowships was obtained from the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) Fellowship Directory. Web site accessibility was determined by presence of a functional hyperlink in the directory and the web site's searchability using Google®. Web site content was evaluated based on 21 criteria. Results: 53 programs were identified, offering 84 positions. 27 had web sites accessible through the OTA fellowship directory via functioning links. 19 additional web sites were accessible using Google®. Seven programs lacked web sites entirely. Web site content varied between programs. Over half of the web sites lacked information for 13 of the 21 content criteria. A complete list of results can be located in Table 1. Conclusions: Inadequacies exist in the accessibility and content of OTA accredited Orthopaedic Trauma Fellowship web sites. We draw attention to 21 standard content areas pertinent to applicants that could be considered by the OTA and individual programs to include on their respective web sites. Standardization across web sites may allow for a more direct comparison between programs and improve the match process. Level of Evidence: Review Article.
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