A Closer Look at the 2013 to 2014 Integrated Plastic Surgery Match

Abstract

Successful applicants had a Step 1 score that was 1 SD greater than the U.S. mean. Having a plastic surgery residency program affiliated with an applicant's medical school was an important predictor of match success. Objective measures (step scores, Alpha Omega Alpha membership, and number of publications) were not predictive of match success.

Effect of COVID-19 Restrictions on 2021 Integrated Plastic Surgery Match Outcomes

“… 6 The number of applicants matching from programs that did not have an affiliated plastic surgery program was also statistically lower than previously published data (p = 0.004). 4 Trends seen in regional match rates were similar to historical data; however, there was a statistically significant increase in the number of South regional applicants staying in the South (p = 0.007). 6 There was no change in the statistical significance of applicants from Top 40 programs matching at higher ranked research programs; however, the representation of medical students from Top 40 medical schools successfully matching overall was statistically increased (p = 0.002).…”

“…Home institution matches represent about 15% of successful matches and visiting subinternship matches represent a higher proportion at 27% to 30%. 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 …”

Evaluating the Importance of Sub-Internships on the 2022 Integrated Plastic Surgery Match During Continued COVID-19 Regulations

“…The match rate for medical students without an affiliated plastic surgery program was increased from 2021 (p=.03) and similar to pre-pandemic levels (p=.38). 1 , 12 See Table 1 for comparison data between 2022, 2021, and historic controls.…”

“… 17 Interestingly, rates of matching at an institution where an applicant completed a visiting sub-internship in 2022 stayed consistent with historical controls, with 32% of applicants matching at an institution where they rotated in 2022 compared to 29% historically. 11 , 12 …”

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Plastic Surgery Match Rates

“… 4 In an analysis of the 2013 and 2014 integrated plastic and reconstructive surgery match, 29 percent matched at a program where they had completed a visiting clinical rotation. 5 However, with COVID-19 restrictions eliminating this key factor, both programs and applicants have been left with a paucity of information about one another, with only virtual modalities (virtual subinternships and interviews) to address this deficit.…”