The Impact of Signaling in Diagnostic Radiology Residency.

ABSTRACT

Signaling in the US Residency MATCH process allows medical students to indicate preference for specific programs. In diagnostic radiology, "Gold" and "Silver" signals significantly increase the chances of securing interviews from targeted programs. Specialty advisors should strategically evaluate applicant competitiveness and program desirability to optimize signal placement. METHODS: This study included fourth-year medical students and US or Canadian medical school graduates applying for the 2024 Match. Participants completed a survey on signaling use, interview invitations, and the resources and advice received. RESULTS: Interview invitations for programs with gold, silver, and non-signaled programs were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and generalized estimating equation models. CONCLUSION: Signaling significantly increases the likelihood of receiving interviews in diagnostic radiology, emphasizing the importance of strategic signal placement. Further research is needed to assess its overall impact on the MATCH process.