Canadian and American Emergency Radiology Fellowship websites: An evaluation of content

Abstract Purpose The internet is commonly employed by Radiology trainees to investigate and learn about potential fellowship programs. As a new and emerging subspecialty, Emergency Radiology requires strong internet presence and training program website content. This is vital to ensure good exposure of the fellowship programs to inform medical students, radiology trainees and program directors, highlight unique aspects of a fellowship and raise awareness of the discipline at large. Methods To assess the standard and depth of information available online, Canadian and American Radiology fellowship websites were evaluated for content. Thirty-six criteria related to application process and recruitment, departmental structure, incentives, education and research and clinical training were evaluated for presence or absence. Results Sixteen Emergency Radiology fellowship program websites were assessed from the United States and Canada for 36 criteria across five individual areas; application process and recruitment, departmental structure, incentives, education and research, and clinical training. Overall there was an absence of information found across all five areas. In particular areas for improvement were identified in education and research, and incentives both with median values of 12.5% of criteria present. Conclusion Most Emergency Radiology fellowship program websites demonstrate several information deficiencies. This relative lack of comprehensive information represents an actionable opportunity for individual programs and the field to better educate trainees, program directors and the public about the unique training of Emergency Radiologists.