What Changed? Variables Associated With the General Surgery Match

• Published in: The Journal of surgical research 2024-09, Vol.301, p.599-609
• Main Authors: Khalil, Ramy, Shehabat, Mouhamad, Karabala, Muhammad, Wen, Jimmy, Maheta, Bhagvat J., Karabala, Yousef, Puglisi, José, Frezza, Eldo E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: General surgery; Match; Residency; Residency location; USMLE scores
• ISSN: 0022-4804; 1095-8673; 1095-8673
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2024.07.045

Between 1994 and 2014, despite an increase in applicants, successful matches into general surgery (GS) decreased by 13%. We aim to (1) understand the trends in competitiveness for a GS residency, and ascertain the associations between (2) geographical distribution and (3) research experiences on matching. National Resident Matching Program data (2013-2022) were analyzed for (1) annual positions and matches, (2) United States Medical Licensing Examination scores, and (3) research experiences. Geographical locations of general surgery residency programs (GSRPs) for matched US seniors were obtained from medical school websites and through contacting institutions. Distances between medical schools and respective matches were assessed for the proportion of students matching within 100 miles, in the same state or same region, or in a different geographical region than their medical school. Of 28,690 applicants, 15,242 (53.12%) matched into a GS residency. Matched GS applicants had higher United States Medical Licensing Examination scores compared to applicants who matched in Emergency Medicine and Family Medicine (P