Introduction:

Urology and urologic oncology have traditionally been male-dominant fields. Moreover, urologic oncology has been always one of the most competitive fellowships, especially for international medical graduates (IMGs). The aim of this study is to assess differences and trends in the characteristics of contemporary Society of Urologic Oncology (SUO) fellowship applicants according to their gender, ethnicity, and type of application.

Methods:

Using data from the American Urological Association match reports, applicants who participated in the SUO fellowship match cycles of 2019 to 2024 were included. Applicants were categorized by gender, ethnicity (only available for cycle 2024), and application type (American (US)/Canadian (CAN) chief residents, US/CAN previous graduates, and IMGs). Data were analyzed based on the applicants' features over the study period.

Results:

Out of a total of 492 applicants, 407 (83%) were male, 73 (15%) were female, and 12 (2%) identified as non-binary. The applicants were further categorized by application type: 218 (44%) were US/Canadian chief residents, 60 (12%) were US/Canadian previous graduates, and 214 (44%) were IMGs. The %ethnicity distribution (%match rates) for 2024 cycle applicants (n=72) were as follows: Asian 36% (23%), White 33% (67%), African American 6% (75%), Hispanic 8% (50%), and other/undisclosed 17% (44%). The number of unmatched vacancies vs. available slots for the SUO fellowship match over time is presented in Figure 1. Overall, the number (%) of male applicants was significantly higher than that of females (407 (83%) vs. 73 (15%), P=0.008) and this trend remained stable over time (Figure 2A). However, the overall match rate for female applicants was significantly higher than that for males (82% vs. 54%, P <0.001), which remained consistent over the study period. Regarding application type, the number of IMGs was similar to US/CAN applicants. Nevertheless, their overall (17% vs. 87%, P<0.001) and yearly match rates were significantly lower than those of US/CAN applicants (Figure 2B).

Conclusion:

Despite higher match rates, the number of female SUO fellowship applicants is still significantly lower than males. In addition, IMGs have a significantly lower chance of getting accepted into SUO fellowship than US/CAN graduates.

Funding: N/A