117 - Geographic Impact on Relative Locations of Interventional Spine Fellows Relative to Residency and First Job Placement

Interventional Spine (IS) is a new but rapidly evolving field that utilizes minimally invasive and novel techniques to treat spinal/back pain. This study analyzes recent geographical trends of IS fellows since the accreditation from the North American Spinal Society (NASS) in 2020 (2020 to 2024). 

Design:

The relative distance from residency to fellowship (RTF), residency to first job (RTFJ), and fellowship to first job (FTFJ) were analyzed. Relative locations were categorized as within 100 miles, same state, same region, or different region. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for the relative locations of each geographical region. 

Results:

A total of 136 fellows from 27/29 (93.1%) NASS IS programs were included. The majority of fellows stayed within the same region from residency to fellowship (63.2%), residency to first job (66.7%), and fellowship to first job (64.7%). Fellows from the Northeast were more likely to stay within 100 miles (OR: 1.81), same state (OR: 2.05), and same region (OR: 2.57) as their residency. From residency/fellowship to first job, Northeast fellows had an increased likelihood of staying within 100 miles (OR: < 0.001/0.01), same state (OR: < 0.001/0.02), and same region (OR: 0.002/0.001). For West fellows, RTFJ and FTFJ, there was a decreased likelihood of matching within all three relative locations. Similarly, Midwest fellows and Southeast fellows had a decreased likelihood of matching within the three relative locations for RTF and RTFJ, respectively.

Conclusions:

Overall, IS fellows were more likely to stay within the same region as their residency and for their first job placement. Additionally, fellows from the Northeast had a significantly greater likelihood of staying within 100 miles, same state, and same region for all three pathways except for within 100 miles for residency to fellowship.