MedEdPublish (May 2018)
Online Profile of Canadian Diagnostic Radiology Residents: Do Residents Alter Their Profile When Applying for Fellowships?
Abstract
Objective: Survey the online profile of Canadian Diagnostic Radiology residents at the University of Alberta and determine whether residents alter it when applying for fellowships, due to the perceived assessment of their profile by Fellowship Selection Committees. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed by distributing an anonymous questionnaire to 31 residents at the University of Alberta. Descriptive and ANOVA statistical analyses were performed. P-value less than 0.01 was considered statistically significant. Results: 26 questionnaires were completed. The average age was 28.9. 91.4% of residents have Facebook, followed by Instagram (30.4%) and ResearchGate (30.4%). 52.5% viewed their profile at least once daily, although 83.3% make changes to it less than once per month. The profiles were primarily for personal use (72.7%) and none were solely for professional use. 53.8% felt that Fellowship Selection Committees assess their profile and 69.2% were neutral or agreed with this. In anticipation, 70.6% would restrict profile viewership, while 29.4% would change their profile name, predominantly due to the sensitive and personal information. 92.8% would make the changes at least 2 months prior to the application deadline. There was no statistical difference between age and having a profile (p=0.597), agreement with Fellowship Selection Committees using a resident's profile for selection (p=0.91), how often residents viewed (p=0.827) or changed (p=0.934) their profile. Conclusion: Nearly all Canadian residents at our institution have an online profile and over half view it at least once daily. The majority of residents perceived that their profile is assessed by Fellowship Selection Committees, but are not against it. In anticipation, most residents would alter their profile prior to the application deadline mainly due to the sensitive and personal information.
