The National Resident Matching Program Code of Conduct: What Is the Perceived Degree of Compliance During the Urology Match Process?

• Published in: Urology (Ridgewood, N.J.) N.J.), 2018-12, Vol.122, p.37-43
• Main Authors: Sebesta, Elisabeth M., Lipsky, Michael J., Nunez, Michele, Cooper, Kimberly L., Badalato, Gina M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0090-4295; 1527-9995
• DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2018.04.046

To assess the incidence of violations to the National Resident Matching Program Code of Conduct during the Urology Match. We sent a survey to all 285 applicants to a single urologic program during 2017 Match cycle; the questions pertained to illegal interview questions, postinterview communication, second-look qualifications, and the applicant's perceived impact of these factors. At total of 166 responses were obtained (response rate 58%). Ninety-six (58%) applicants received follow-up communication from at least 1 program, the majority from multiple programs. Of those who received postinterview communication, 13% reported verbal communication, and 19% felt misled by communication to believe they had a higher chance of matching at a program. Fifty (30%) respondents did a second-look visit, and 44% reported feeling obligated to do so in order to match. Finally, 141 of 166 (85%) applicants reported being asked illegal questions regarding personal life, rank list, and/or other interviews. Female applicants reported being asked illegal questions significantly more frequently than male applicants (P < .01). During the 2017 Urology Match, a high proportion of applicants experienced violations of the National Resident Matching Program Code of Conduct. Violations included illegal questions, postinterview written and verbal communication, and pressure to do second-look visits. These findings corroborate numerous anecdotal reports, and may provide the groundwork to improve the fairness of the residency application process for the future.