Abstract
BackgroundAlthough specific specialties and residency programs have investigated student performance factors affecting matching, there is a paucity of information from medical schools. Furthermore, factors contributing to matching into first-choice residency have not been examined. This study aimed to identify academic performance factors affecting matching into first-choice residency and highly competitive specialties.MethodsThe authors conducted a study of 1726 graduates from their institution from 2010 to 2017 and assessed pre−/post-admission academic variables associated with matching into first choice and highly competitive specialties.Results53.9% of graduates matched into their first choice. This was associated with passing COMLEX Level 2 CE (p = 0.01), PE (p = 0.02) on first attempt, and higher COMLEX Level 2 CE and USMLE 2 CK scores (p < 0.001 and 0.002; 14.1 and 3.9-point difference in mean scores respectively). Pre-clinical GPA (p = 0.002) and highest MCAT score (p = 0.02) were associated, however differences in means were < 1 point for both. Factors associated with matching into first choice included: MCAT (OR 0.95, 95% CI = (0.92, 0.98)), Level 2 CE score (OR = 1.01, 95% CI = (1.01, 1.02)) and passing Level 2 PE (OR = 3.68, 95% CI = (1.2, 11.28)). 12% of graduates matched into high- and 63% into low-competitiveness specialties. Matching into highly competitive specialties was associated with passing COMLEX Level 1 (p < 0.001), Level 2 CE (p < 0.001), USMLE Step 1 (p < 0.001) and Step 2 CK (p = 0.03) on first attempt. Mean scores of students matching into high- versus low-competitiveness specialties differed as follows: COMLEX Level 1 62.7 points, Level 2 CE 50.5 points, USMLE Step 1 13.6 points, Step 2 CK 7 points (all p < 0.001), as did pre-clinical GPA (2.4 points, p < 0.001). Level 1 score was the strongest predictor for matching into highly competitive specialties (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = (1.02, 1.05)).ConclusionsLicensing exam performance is important for matching into first-choice residency and into highly competitive specialties. Differences in exam scores were more pronounced for matching into highly competitive specialties than into first choice, with a larger difference in mean scores between students matching into specialties of high versus low competitiveness, than between students matching into their first- versus non first-choice residency. These results may help faculty prepare students and inform curriculum design to improve matching.
Highlights
Specific specialties and residency programs have investigated student performance factors affecting matching, there is a paucity of information from medical schools
53.9% of graduates self-reported matching into their first-choice residency and 63% matched into specialties that are considered low competitiveness
Student performance parameters associated with matching into first-choice residency We found that 53.9% of our graduates matched into their first-choice residency over the eight-year period of the study, which is comparable to the 53% of US allopathic seniors for the 2016 match [10]
Summary
Specific specialties and residency programs have investigated student performance factors affecting matching, there is a paucity of information from medical schools. Students can apply to and attend either an allopathic medical school that leads to the Medical Doctor (MD) degree, or an osteopathic medical school that awards a Doctor of Osteopathic medicine (DO) degree While training in both MD and DO programs is 4 years and very similar in content (with the exception of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment that DO students learn), national licensing examination requirements differ. DO students are required to pass the COMLEX Level 1, Level 2 Cognitive Evaluation (CE) and Level 2 Physical Examination (PE) exams in order to graduate and enter graduate medical education During their final year of study, both osteopathic and allopathic medical students apply to residency programs where they can specialize. During the first year of graduate medical education, residents must take and pass the last part of their respective licensing exams (USMLE Step 3 for MDs and COMLEX Level 3 for DOs) to obtain a license to practice medicine in any of the 50 states in the US
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
