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Decoding Applicant Discourse: Analyzing Social Media Discussions Around Urology Match Preference Signaling
Cedrick B. Chiu, BS,
Katherine Merport, BA, Brielle Barclay-Rochefort, DPT, Luke Maietta, BA, Xinyue C. Tan, MD, Jennifer Fantasia, MD, Ashley Alford, MD.
UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
BACKGROUND: Social media has transformed the residency application process, offering access to peer-shared insights. Platforms like Reddit and Discord serve as key hubs for anonymous applicant discussions. The 2021-2022 Urology Match introduced preference signaling to improve equity, sparking extensive online dialogue. This study analyzes these conversations to identify trends that could help residency programs and the SAU enhance the match process.
METHODS: A qualitative review of Reddit’s Urology Match spreadsheets and the Urology Match Discord channel was conducted for the 2021-2022(C1), 2022-2023(C2), and 2023-2024(C3) cycles. Conversations mentioning “signal” were coded by two independent reviewers, with a third resolving discrepancies. Percent changes were analyzed for statistical significance using a z-test.
RESULTS: Table 1 summarizes trends from 139 conversations over three cycles. The increase in signals from 5 to 30 between C1 and C2 led to a 161.54% rise in discussions (p<0.001), followed by a 33.82% decline in C3 as limits stabilized (p=0.001). Sentiment was mostly neutral (55.29%), with 17.65% positive and 27.96% negative discussions. Discussions on residency application numbers appeared in C3 at 12.33% (p<0.001). Signal distribution discussions increased 176.92% in C2 (p=0.012) and grew another 52.36% in C3 (p=0.071). Mentions of signal-to-interview conversion decreased 43.34% in C3 (p=0.012), while geographic preferences resurfaced in C3 after being absent in C2.
CONCLUSIONS: The expansion of the signaling system increased applicant discussions on logistics and competitiveness, while sentiment remained predominantly neutral. These insights highlight the need for clear communication and support from residency programs and the SAU to help applicants navigate signaling complexities. Further studies should assess long-term effects on match equity and applicant experience.
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