Cost considerations and applicant characteristics for the Pediatric Surgery Match

Success in the Pediatric Surgery Match: a survey of the 2010 applicant pool

“…This increased financial strain on a group that was already carrying significant debt. Distressingly, these results are not new, as similar cost implications were identified by Little et al [2] 5 years ago. Furthermore, the process of the current match, consisting of individual interviews in up to 35 programs located across Canada and the United States, has essentially remained unchanged.…”

“…National Resident Matching Program data from the last several years have demonstrated a consistent but sobering match success rate of approximately 50% [1]. Previous studies have shown that research experience, publication record, and national presentations lead to a higher likelihood of success in the Pediatric Surgery Match [2,4]. Indeed, in an analysis of the 2003 match, Little et al [2] identified that 90% of successful applicants completed dedicated basic science research time.…”

“…Previous studies have shown that research experience, publication record, and national presentations lead to a higher likelihood of success in the Pediatric Surgery Match [2,4]. Indeed, in an analysis of the 2003 match, Little et al [2] identified that 90% of successful applicants completed dedicated basic science research time. Based on this information, it is not uncommon for applicants to be counseled to pursue research fellowships to improve their chances of obtaining a coveted match position [5].…”

“…These results may be reflective of the applicants' perceptions regarding the small number of pediatric surgeons who continue with basic science research once fellowship has been completed. Indeed, only 5% of candidates continue any form of basic science research after fellowship training, suggesting that the "investment" made by the candidate during residency training may not be worth it in the long term [2]. Clinical research may also lend itself well to almost any working environment by imposing less cumbersome requirements for ongoing funding or infrastructure.…”

“…Traditionally, applicants have been counseled to complete research training in basic science and to publish in these fields to improve their chances of success [2]. Our institution has noted a change in the applicant's research experience, including applicants with little or no research experience at all.…”