School of Medicine Publications and Presentations
Surveying Obstetrics and Gynecology Residents About Their Residency Applications, Interviews, and Ranking
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-2021
Abstract
Background
Residency applications have increased in the last decade, creating growing challenges for applicants and programs.
Objective
We evaluated factors associated with application and match into obstetrics and gynecology residency.
Methods
During the annual in-training examination administered to all obstetrics and gynecology residents in the United States, residents were surveyed on the residency application process.
Results
Ninety-five percent (5094 of 5347) residents responded to the survey. Thirty-six percent reported applying to 30 or fewer programs, 26.7% applied to more than 31 programs, and 37.1% opted not to answer this question. Forty-nine percent of residents received honors in their obstetrics and gynecology clerkship and 37.1% did not. The majority of residents (88.6%) reported scoring between 200 and 250 on USMLE Step 1. Eighty-six percent matched into one of their top 5 programs. The only factor associated with matching in residents' top 5 programs was receiving honors in their clerkship (OR 1.29; 95% CI 1.08–1.54; P < .005). The only factor associated with matching below the top 5 programs was a couples match (OR 0.56; 95% CI 0.43–0.72; P < .001). In choosing where to apply, residents identified program location and reputation as the most important factors, while for ranking, location and residency culture were the most important.
Conclusions
Most obstetrics and gynecology residents reported matching into their top 5 choices. Receiving an honors grade in the clerkship was the only factor associated with matching in applicants' top 5 programs. Location was the most important factor for applying to and ranking of programs.
Recommended Citation
Karen E. George, Gregory M. Gressel, Tony Ogburn, Mark B. Woodland, Erika Banks; Surveying Obstetrics and Gynecology Residents About Their Residency Applications, Interviews, and Ranking. J Grad Med Educ 2 April 2021; 13 (2): 257–265. doi: https://doi.org/10.4300/JGME-D-20-00939.1
Publication Title
J Grad Med Educ
DOI
10.4300/jgme-d-20-00939.1
Academic Level
faculty
Mentor/PI Department
Obstetrics and Gynecology