Regarding all the unfilled spots, why do you think that is? Do you feel that NS is becoming less desirable with today's students?
Nowadays, young people seen to prefer work/life balance, so my guess is that NS will lose its attractiveness.
With the unfilled spots (which occasionally happens in all specialties), I wouldn't say it is a decline in interest in NSGY. As there were MANY unmatched applicants who would have happily filled those spots.
One factor I think played a major role is virtual interviews, applicants can go to many more interviews. Many competitive applicants interviewed at 30+ programs, but can only match at one. A program either didn't interview enough, wasn't realistic about the caliber of applicant they could match, or was really unlucky...
What programs have unfilled spots?
Will you start interviewing mid tier MD and DO applicants? Might as well expand your scope just to be safe for next year
If you managed to recruit the illustrious Dr. Rolle on as faculty next year to teach a fellowship based on the 2% way more competitive applicants will want to come OP