Applicant Characteristics For A Successful Plastic Surgery Match
Alexander H. Sun, MD, MHS1, Melanie Major, MD1, Fan Liang, MD2, Michele Manahan, MD, MBA1, Scott Lifchez, MD1, Scott Lifchez, MD1, Scott Lifchez, MD1.
1Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA, 2University of Maryland Medical System, Baltimore, MD, USA.
PURPOSE: The plastic and reconstructive surgery residency match is highly competitive. This study assesses candidate attributes that may contribute to a successful match and provides information that may guide both programs and students.
METHODS: This study was IRB-approved. Data was collected from applications submitted during the 2020-2021 application cycle. Additional information was gathered from the Internet.
RESULTS: Of 271 applicants included in the study, 162 (59.8%) matched. USMLE scores did not vary by degree program, but research productivity did. For U.S. MDs, research productivity was significantly associated with both medical school research ranking and taking a gap year. Matched individuals were ranked in the top 5 on the ACAPS form, while non-matched individuals were ranked between 5-10. A multiple logistic regression model showed that Step 1 score, total academic productivity (the sum of published works, presentations and submitted work) and average rank on the ACAPS form were found to be significant (p<0.01). This model correctly predicted 87.6% of successful matches and 63.0% of non-matches.
CONCLUSION: Applicants from top-ranked research institutions were associated with having greater academic productivity and taking gap years. A regression model could accurately predict match status, but does not capture factors such as qualitative assessments or contact between faculty. In the setting of changes to USMLE grading and the plastic surgery application process, awareness of these factors will allow programs to reflect on the attributes that they find most important, while also reflecting on the pitfalls of emphasizing attributes which may promote algorithmic bias.
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