The Effect of Medical School Reputation and Alpha Omega Alpha Membership on the Orthopedic Residency Match in the United States

• Published in: Medical science educator 2017-09, Vol.27 (3), p.503-507
• Main Authors: Campbell, Sean Thomas, Chin, Garwin, Gupta, Ryan, Avedian, Raffi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Education; Medical Education; Original Research
• ISSN: 2156-8650; 2156-8650
• DOI: 10.1007/s40670-017-0420-6

Introduction: There are a number of factors used to evaluate applicants to orthopedic training programs, including medical school reputation and membership in the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society (AOA). It is unknown if these selection factors are weighted more heavily at top ranked, academic orthopedic residency programs. The purpose of this study was to compare these factors between applicants who matched at the top 25 orthopedic residency programs and those who matched at all other orthopedic programs. Methods: We performed a search to determine the AOA membership status and medical school of origin for each intern in the 2013–2014 residency class whose identity was available publicly. Percentage of residents who belonged to AOA and percentage who had attended a U.S. News top 25 medical school were compared at the top 25 orthopedic programs (based on National Institutes of Health [NIH] funding and U.S. News rank) against all other orthopedic programs. Results: Orthopedic programs affiliated with departments in the top 25 for NIH funding matched significantly more applicants who belonged to AOA. Orthopedic programs in the top 25 for department or medical school NIH funding, or medical school U.S. News rank, matched significantly more applicants who had attended top 25 medical schools. Discussion: Top 25 orthopedic residency programs matched more applicants who had attended top 25 medical schools and who were AOA members. These results provide accurate baseline information regarding the applicant pool and are informative of the general trends in the orthopedic surgery match.