An Analysis of Preliminary General Surgery Residents’ Matriculation into Categorical Positions

Abstract

To analyze the effects of a pipeline program for preliminary general surgery (GS) residents to optimize their future enrollment into categorical positions. Retrospective review of non-designated preliminary (NDP) GS residents between 2014 and 2020 was conducted. Preliminary conversion rates (CRs) were analyzed for residents who matriculated to categorical GS residency or non-GS residency positions. Howard University Hospital, Department of Surgery; tertiary academic hospital. PGY-1 (n = 14) and PGY-2 (n = 26) NDP GS residents RESULTS: Forty NDP GS residents studied (14 PGY-1 and 26 PGY-2). CR for the total cohort was 67.5% (n = 27), with 59.3% (n = 16) acquiring categorical GS positions and 40.7% (n = 13) obtaining categorical positions in other specialties. CR for PGY-1 residents into categorical GS position was 50% (n = 7), while PGY-2 residents had a CR of 34.6% (n = 9). No significant difference was observed between residents successfully matriculating into GS residency as a preliminary PGY-1 or PGY-2 (p = 0.34). Twelve preliminary residents secured categorical GS positions at this institution with 58.3% (n = 7) obtaining a PGY-1 position, 16.7% (n = 2) obtaining a PGY-2, and 25.0% (n = 3) obtaining a PGY-3 position. 7.1% (n = 1) of preliminary PGY-1 and 46.2% (n = 12) of preliminary PGY-2 residents went unmatched as of 2021. 67.5% of preliminary residents enrolled in categorical positions. Success rates were highest during the PGY-1 year. A residency program committed to uniform clinical curriculum, and standardized, metric-based decisions may have increased CR for preliminary GS residents. Public sharing of preliminary CRs to applicants may influence residency selection decisions, both for applicants and programs.