Thread by @DrMalikaSiker

@ARRO_org It's a fluke or the tide is turning in #radonc. Hypercompetitive students drawn to the "hot" field may go elsewhere d/t concerns discussed. Hopefully other quality students who may have otherwise been intimidated by match will join us instead. We may be better off. Time will tell

@ARRO_org WHOA😮 Went to bed, then early tumor board, then @ASTRO_org #CHEDI leader call & now 20+ notifications. Want to clarify some points: 1. ~30 open slots of 200 if true is NOT a good look & nothing to be happy about. Period. 2. This is either a fluke or the start of new trend 1/n

@ARRO_org @ASTRO_org 3. Could very well be that concerns mentioned here & SDN (valid or not) are turning folks away from rad onc. These concerns, esp oversupply, should be taken SERIOUSLY and INVESTIGATED with transparent findings that are disseminated to the best we can predict 2/n

@ARRO_org @ASTRO_org 4. Many good students, esp woman & minorities, are intimidated by the super competitive match process & are afraid to apply. I mentor A LOT of women & minority students outside of #radonc & see this. #impostersyndrome is real 3/n

@ARRO_org @ASTRO_org 5. AAMC/ACGME data support this. Fields with less equity tend to be the more competitive ones with exception of derm where there is a wealth of female mentors 4/n

@ARRO_org @ASTRO_org 6. If word gets out that the match is not as arduous as it once was, we may end up with just as many qualified people to fill these slots as others find the courage to apply & believe they can match 5/n

@ARRO_org @ASTRO_org 7. It could be that this year reflects a demographic shift in who is applying to #radonc & the numbers will sort themselves out once word gets out that you can still get in even if you are an “average” applicant on paper 6/n

@ARRO_org @ASTRO_org 8. Dedication, passion, commitment, grit, work ethic are not necessarily reflected in boards/grades but are not excluded in those who excel academically either. I do not mean to call anyone out! 7/n

@ARRO_org @ASTRO_org 9. #Radonc is still a great field & these discussions are important to understand the issues & take control of our future 8/FIN

DISCLOSURES: Female "minority" attending at academic institution in the Midwest w/ focus on improving equity in medicine.

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