Assistant Professor of Surgery (Urology), University of Massachusetts.
Associate Professor of Surgery (Urology), Rutgers University.
Urology. 2021 Aug;154:57-61. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2021.01.042. Epub 2021 Feb 2.
To outline the principles and premise, pros and cons of the use of preference signaling (PS) in the Urology Match.
PS is a standardized system in which a student may send a signal or token to a particular program to demonstrate genuine interest in advance of application review and interview selection. The available literature of the use of PS in other fields was assessed and applied to the unique construct of the Urology Match. Potential benefits and challenges are discussed and a process and timeline for implementation are presented.
PS requires a limited number of signals to maintain value, a transparent system to disclose and distribute signals and continuous data assessment for optimization. It standardizes pre interview communication and highlights for programs which applicants have sincere interest although it does not directly address application overload.
PS is a viable and equitable method for applicants to indicate interest directly, confidentially and intentionally indicate interest in a program which can allow a program to maximize scarce resources such as time and interview slots in the match process.
概述在泌尿外科匹配中使用偏好信号（PS）的原则和前提、利弊。
PS 是一种标准化系统，学生可以在申请审查和面试选择之前向特定计划发送信号或标记，以表明真正的兴趣。评估了其他领域使用 PS 的现有文献，并将其应用于泌尿外科匹配的独特结构。讨论了潜在的好处和挑战，并提出了实施的流程和时间表。
PS 需要有限数量的信号来保持价值，一个透明的系统来披露和分发信号，并持续进行数据评估以实现优化。它标准化了面试前的沟通，并突出显示了哪些申请人对该计划有真正的兴趣，尽管它并没有直接解决申请过多的问题。
PS 是一种可行且公平的方法，让申请人直接、保密地表示对一个计划的兴趣，并有意向该计划表示兴趣，这可以让该计划在匹配过程中最大限度地利用稀缺资源，如时间和面试时间。
