Abstract
Applicants in the National Residency Matching Program for pediatric surgery have little objective data available regarding factors predicting successful matching. The authors analyzed data from applicants at their institution (Department of Surgery, The Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas, MO) to attempt to identify parameters correlated with 3 outcomes: successfully matching or attaining either a top 10 or top 3 ranking in their final submitted match list. After institutional review board approval, we reviewed Electronic Residency Applications Service documents for all applicants (n = 146) over 3 years (candidates for the 2007, 2008, and 2009 fellowship years). An interview was offered to 75% of the applicants. They analyzed more than 20 factors including demographics, number of publications and first author publications, number of book chapters, national presentations, prior match attempts, advanced degrees, quality of recommendation letters, and American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination) scores. Significant variables were evaluated with multiple logistic regression analysis to identify independent predictors. Variables correlated with successful outcome for each of the 3 end points. The number of peer-reviewed publications and first author publications, and Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) membership were highly correlated with a favorable outcome for all 3 end points. High American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination scores were significantly correlated with a top 10 rank. Research experience and outstanding letters of recommendation were significantly associated with a top 10 ranking and overall match success. Variables associated only with overall match success included number of book chapters, graduation from a US medical school, quality of recommendation letters, and being granted an interview at our institution. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated no independent factors for overall match success; the number of publications was significant for both top 10 and top 3 ranking (P = .006 for each), and the number of first author publications (P = .002) and AOA membership (P = .03) were independent predictors for top 3 ranking. Applicant variables associated with success in the match included quality of letters, number and type of publications, research experience, graduation from a US medical school, and AOA membership. Factors not correlated with outcome included advanced degrees (PhD, masters), other fellowship training, and community-based vs university-based residency training. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated no independent factors for overall match success.
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