Optimizing Cerebellum Data

This guide reviews best practices to optimize data in Cerebellum. It also provides options for programs that did not utilize the full Thalamus and Cortex suite of features thereby limiting available data in Cerebellum. 

For information on how data in Cerebellum is aggregated, visit our Overview of Cerebellum Data. 

How to optimize data in Cerebellum for programs using Cortex and/or Thalamus:

Thalamus and Cortex manages data on a season-by-season basis for programs. At the end of a season data is archived, allowing for read only access and some limited modification (marking applicants as matched).

Once a season ends, data cannot be updated in Cerebellum for that program (other than marking candidates as matched). This is to ensure data integrity for all programs.

Should your program opt to start a SOAP season in Thalamus, this instantly places the prior season’s data in an archived state.

Programs that use both Cortex and Thalamus:

To optimize data within Cerebellum, it is recommended that programs:

In Cortex:

1. Upload all of their applicants into Cortex (this can be done at any point of the season and in bulk, even post-match). This will provide all data for applicants that applied to the program in Cerebellum. Visit our guide for Uploading Applications into Cortex.

In Thalamus:

1. During the recruitment season, Invite and schedule applicants through Thalamus. Thalamus applicant statuses will update appropriately throughout interview season and this data will be included in Cerebellum. Do not invite applicants after the application season has ended.

2. Score and rank all interviewed applicants on the scoring/rank list modules.

3. Mark all applicants that the program did not rank as DNR on the applicant rank list. Visit our guide on Viewing and Ordering the Default Applicant Rank to learn how to mark an applicant as DNR. 

4. Assign applicants that matched at the program a status of “Matched”. Visit our guide on Marking Applicants as Matched.

Below are scenarios presented for programs not using Cortex or for situations in which incomplete data is available. Recommendations here are designed to optimize the data that is displayed in Cerebellum.

Programs that did not use Cortex (i.e. programs that only use Thalamus):

1. During recruitment season, upload all applicants that will be invited to interview into Thalamus Core. Please note that we do not recommend uploading all applicants that applied to your program into Thalamus Core. Visit our Importing guides:   Uploading Applicants into Thalamus from ERAS  or Uploading Applicants into Thalamus NON ERAS.
   
   This upload should include all supported fields within a Thalamus CSV file including:

   1. Self Identification

   2. Sex or Gender (either is acceptable) 

   3. Medical School of Graduation

   4. Current Address Fields (Including state + country) Note: Permanent address fields are currently supported only in Cortex and not in Thalamus.
      
      

2. Invite and schedule the applicants within Thalamus during recruitment season per their regular practices.

3. Score and rank applicants, and for applicants that were interviewed and scored, but not intended to be ranked as “DNR.” View our guides on Creating Custom Scoring Algorithms and Scoring an Applicant Through the Applicant Dashboard. 

4. Assign applicants that matched at the program a status of “Matched”. Visit our guide on Marking Applicants as Matched.
   
   Note: Thalamus was designed to support the subset of a program’s applicant pool that will be invited to interview. We do not recommend uploading all applicants that applied to your program into Thalamus (especially for larger programs receiving thousands of applications).

Programs that used Thalamus for scheduling, but did not score and rank applicants in Thalamus

1. Enter an overall, Golf score, into Thalamus for all ranked applicants, to populate the rank list. This will allow you to conveniently score each applicant with their position on your rank list, and the rank list will automatically populate in Thalamus. Visit our guide Creating a Quick Golf Score to Populate your Rank list. 

2. Assign applicants that matched at the program a status of “Matched”. Visit our guide on Marking Applicants as Matched.

For any additional questions about optimizing your Cerebellum data, please contact our Customer Care team at customercare@thalamusgme.com

If you are interested in adding Cortex onto your plan to fully optimize your Cerebellum data, contact us at sales@thalamusgme.com.