Current Trends in Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Applications and Match Rates

Abstract

Background:The current U.S. orthopaedic residency application process is becoming increasingly impersonal in the wake of an increasing number of applications. Through an analysis of orthopaedic surgery residency application statistics, we have highlighted the effect that the number of orthopaedic applications has on match rate, and we have suggested methods for a more personalized application process.Methods: Data from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) for United States orthopaedic residency applicants from 2008 to 2018 were collected. These data included the average number of applications submitted per applicant, the average number of applications received per program, the total number of residency positions offered in the U.S., the total number of U.S. applicants, and the total number of U.S. applicants who matched to a U.S. orthopaedic surgery residency program. U.S. applicant match rates and the average number of applications received per residency position offered were calculated. Linear regression models were used to determine the rate at which these variables changed over time.

The Evolving Impact of COVID-19 on Medical Student Orthopedic Education: Perspectives From Medical Students in Different Phases of the Curriculum

“…However, matching into orthopedic surgery has become increasingly more competitive each year, which has led some medicals students to commit to orthopedic surgery from the onset of their medical school experiences, in order to position themselves as a more competitive applicant. 4 , 18 , 19 A previous study reported that 51% of fourth year medical students and interns who selected orthopedics, had already decided to pursue this field prior to their third-year rotation. 20 , 21 In a published commentary of the orthopedic residency applications “arms race,” Dr. Joseph Zuckerman notes, “students already are specializing too early.” Instead of going to medical school to become a physician first and an orthopedic surgeon second, many seem to bypass the physician part.…”

Surveying Obstetrics and Gynecology Residents About Their Residency Applications, Interviews, and Ranking

“…5 This problem is not unique to obstetrics and gynecology; other specialties seek to discourage overapplication to allow for a more in-depth review of applications. 3,7 The AAMC publishes the number of programs needed to apply to successfully match. 8 The ''point of diminishing returns'' (PDR) varies by specialty, type of medical school, and Step 1 score.…”

Systems-Level Reforms to the US Resident Selection Process: A Scoping Review

“…41,44,45 The cited advantages of application caps include cost-savings to applicants and decreased application volume for programs, presumably facilitating holistic review. 5,24,[26][27][28]39 Challenges include determining the optimal cap and limited program data currently available to inform applicant decisions. 40 Signaling Program Preference: Eleven articles promoted supplemental applications to express program preference, including a program-specific paragraph in the personal statement, written or video statements of interest, or secondary applications.…”

“…40 Signaling Program Preference: Eleven articles promoted supplemental applications to express program preference, including a program-specific paragraph in the personal statement, written or video statements of interest, or secondary applications. 4,18,[26][27][28]40,41,[46][47][48][49] This proposal frequently co-occurred with application caps (n ¼ 7) as a mechanism for reducing application volume through their time-intensive nature. 24,50,51 However, requiring applicants to submit these materials results in an increase in resources needed for application review.…”