Understanding characteristics of internal medicine residents matching into pulmonary critical care medicine fellowships.

Background: Internal medicine (IM) residents face significant challenges when pursing subspecialty fellowships. This study determined the factors that differentiate IM residents entering pulmonary and critical care medicine (PCCM) fellowships from those pursuing other careers.

Methods: We completed a retrospective study of 12 classes of IM residents at a single institution completing residency between 2010 and 2021. Data included pre-residency characteristics, global residency performance, and PCCM-specific experiences. Logistic regression models examined associations between these variables and the primary outcome of matching into a PCCM fellowship within one year of completing IM residency.

Results: Among 522 residents, 10.3% matched into PCCM. Completing a pulmonary elective significantly increased the odds of matching into PCCM (OR 7.78, 99% CI 3.10-19.53, p < 0.0001). Residents who match into PCCM were more likely to have < 3 publications than 3 + (OR 3.51 (1.20-10.25), p = 0.003)." A stated intent to enter PCCM was positively associated with matching into PCCM in the univariable, but not the multivariable, model.

Conclusions: Matriculating into PCCM fellowship was significantly associated with completing a pulmonary elective during residency. PCCM-bound residents were less likely to achieve high numbers of publications, suggesting these residents' preferences for clinical learning and practice over scholarship. This study provides insights into characteristics of residents who match into PCCM and guides mentors as they counsel residents considering PCCM.