SUN-863 - The Changing Face of Endocrinology Fellowship Training: Seventeen Years of Match Data

Background: There is a current and anticipated labor shortage of endocrinologists in the United States. This study analyzes the Endocrinology Fellowship Match from 2009 to 2025 to provide insight into applicant trends, academic backgrounds, and match outcomes.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from the National Resident Matching Program from 2009 to 2025. Analyzed variables included applicant volume, number of available positions and programs, matching into a desired program, match rates, and applicants’ academic backgrounds. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, and trend analysis was performed using a χ² goodness-of-fit test, with a p-value < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: Over 17 years, data were collected from 6,279 applicants and 5,017 available positions, of which 4,695 were filled (93% occupancy). The academic backgrounds of matched applicants were Non-US IMG 39.3% (1,843/4,695), US MD 37.3% (1,750/4,695), US IMG 14.4% (676/4,695), US DO 8.9% (420/4,695), and Canadian 0.1% (6/4,695). Overall, 82.2% (3,860/4,695) of applicants matched into one of their top three program choices, while 22.3% (1,400/6,279) of applicants were unmatched. Endocrinology experienced a period of significant growth, with a 50.2% increase in applicants (χ²=101, p< 0.001). Non-US IMG applicants led this growth with an 86.2% increase (χ²=143, p< 0.001). There was also a significant increase in the number of new programs (χ²=39.5, p< 0.001) and available positions (χ²=172, p< 0.001). Furthermore, applicant outcomes improved, with a significant 53.1% increase in matching within the top three choices (χ²=69.8, p< 0.001) and a 30.7% decline in unmatched applicants (χ²=314, p< 0.001). In contrast, US MD applicants experienced a non-significant 3.8% decline, with a mild 15.2% increase in match rate.

Conclusion: Despite declining interest among US MD applicants, the Endocrinology fellowship has demonstrated improved outcomes, including higher rates of matching within the top three choices, high position occupancy, fellowship growth, and declining unmatched rates. These trends were sustained by a significant rise in Non-US IMG applicants, with increased match rates among IMGs and DOs, particularly Non-US IMGs, who now represent the largest matched cohort.

*Unless otherwise noted, all abstracts presented at ENDO must not be released to the press or the public until the date and time of presentation. For oral presentations, the abstracts are embargoed until the session begins. The Endocrine Society reserves the right to lift the embargo on specific abstracts that are selected for promotion prior to or during ENDO.*