Successful Matching Research Articles

Information Frictions and Skill Signaling in the Youth Labor Market

This paper provides evidence that information frictions limit the labor market trajectories of US youth. We provide credible skill signals—recommendation letters based on supervisor feedback—to a random subset of 43,409 participants in New York’s summer jobs program. Letters increase employment the following year by 3 percentage points (4.5 percent). Earnings effects grow over four years to a cumulative $1,349 (4.9 percent). We find little evidence of increased job search or confidence; instead, signals may help employers better identify successful matches with high-productivity workers. Pulling youth into the labor market can, however, hamper on-time graduation, especially among low-achieving students. (JEL D82, H75, J13, J24, J31, J64)

Updated Research Publication Standards and Expectations for Successful Matching in Urology Residency Following Step 1 Scoring Changes.

To analyze the research productivity of 2024 urology residency applicants and its impact on match outcomes following the transition of the Step 1 exam to a Pass/Fail scoring system. We conducted a retrospective review of PubMed-indexed publications for 98 applicants matched to the top 25 urology residency programs, as ranked by Doximity. Metrics such as the number of publications, citations, journal impact factors, and authorship rank were analyzed. Statistical comparisons of publication rates between top-ranked and lower-ranked programs were made using independent samples t-tests. The average number of publications per applicant was 5.95, with those entering top-ranked programs exhibiting higher research outputs. Most publications were found in journals like "Urology" and "Urology Practice." A significant portion of the research was published in the final year of medical school, indicating a push for paper acceptances prior to the urology application deadline date. The increase in research output among applicants reflects the shifting weights of factors important for residency competitiveness following the Step 1 Pass/Fail scoring changes. Early engagement and mentorship in research have been shown to increase the research output of students. The findings of this study clarify the research expectations of matching successfully into a top urology program and can be used by both medical students and program directors in the current and upcoming cycles.

Matching in practice: how to find the right family foster home for the right child

The concept of matching refers to the process of selecting a family foster home to fit an individual child in placement. Matching is important for the quality of care, as the carers need the necessary resources to meet the child’s needs. Failure in matching can have negative consequences, such as a ‘breakdown’. The aim of this article is to explore the social workers’ practice when matching children and foster carers to ensure the children will receive good care and avoid a placement change. The article uses a qualitative approach and is based on interviews with 31 participants. Social workers and managers at municipal social services, as well as consultants, were interviewed about their work. The professionals reflected on what aspects they perceive as most important in matching and what challenges they encounter that complicate the process. Narratives of successful matches often focused on the characteristics, competence and experience of the foster carers to meet the needs of the children. Some of the challenges highlighted were time pressure and a lack of family foster homes to choose from. This means that professionals have to compromise and prioritise what is most important in relation to the needs of the child.

Effectiveness of tolvaptan on renal replacement therapy in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease: a retrospective cohort study from the TriNetX global collaborative network

Background and hypothesis Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) is a major genetic contributor to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Current evidence on tolvaptan primarily focuses on slowing estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline and kidney volume growth. However, direct confirmation of its effectiveness in reducing the need for hemodialysis in ESKD remains limited. Methods We included ADPKD patients aged ≥18 years using TriNetx data from Sep 2, 2018, to Sep 3, 2023. Propensity score matching (PSM) ensured baseline comparability (standardized mean difference (SMD) <0.1). Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) evaluated outcomes, and subgroup analyses were performed. Results After 1:1 PSM, both groups comprised 673 patients. The average age was 45, with generally good health (3–5% diabetes, 2-3% ischemic heart disease). Baseline eGFR averaged ∼55 ml/min/1.732m2. Post-matching, all SMDs were <0.1, indicating successful matching. Tolvaptan users exhibited lower eGFR (51.45 ± 30.09 vs. 57.37 ± 33.65, p < 0.001) and higher risk of stage 4-CKD (HR: 2.436, 95% CI:1.649, 3.599) compared to non-users. However, tolvaptan users showed significantly reduced chances of initiating hemodialysis (HR:0.362, 95%CI:0.176, 0.745), experiencing urinary tract infections (HR:0.581, 95%CI:0.354, 0.956), and all-cause mortality (HR:0.355, 95% CI:0.180, 0.700). Kaplan-Meier curves for hemodialysis initiation indicated higher survival rates among tolvaptan users across age and number of medication refill subgroups. Conclusions This real-world study, employing precise matching, reveals tolvaptan’s role in reducing hemodialysis initiation risk in ADPKD, despite initial hemodynamic-induced lower eGFR.

Designing stable ride-sharing for commuting trip chain with role flexibility

AbstractIn ride-sharing, fixing the roles of commuters with vehicles could come at an opportunity of missed balance between riders and drivers. The decisions made by commuters with vehicles about roles are related to both to-work travel and return-home travel. Commuters may choose not to drive when they have a confirmed ride back home. This study designs a stable ride-sharing model with role flexibility for the commuting trip chain. The preferences of commuters over matching partners in trip chains are formulated. A stable matching algorithm based on commuting trip chain is designed. To assess the performance of the proposed model and algorithm, real-life data from a resident trip survey in Dalian are used to design experimental cases. The results indicate that stable matching based on the trip chain is not a consequence of the repetition of successive one-period stable matching. Compared with matching in two phases, the matching rate of commuters increases by an average of 10%. When the number of commuters with role flexibility increases by four times, the matching rate of commuters increases by an average of 5.6%.

Periarticular Injection With or Without Adductor Canal Block for Pain Control Following Total Knee Arthroplasty

Periarticular injections (PAIs) have become a critical part of multimodal anesthetic regimens for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study assessed the effect of adductor canal blocks (ACBs) alone, periarticular injections (PAIs) alone, and the combination of both ACBs and PAIs on postoperative pain management in patients undergoing primary TKA. We hypothesized that there would be no significant difference in postoperative outcomes, including pain scores and narcotic use. Patients who underwent primary TKA were retrospectively identified from February 2022 to February 2023. Patients were stratified based on perioperative local/regional anesthetic regimen (PAI only, PAI with an ACB, and ACB only) and matched in a 1:1:1 ratio. Patients were propensity score matched based on age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, body mass index (BMI), and preoperative narcotic usage. Patient demographics, as well as intra- and postoperative variables including narcotic refills, postoperative morphine requirements, pain scores, and readmissions, were compared. After successful matching, there were 40 patients in each cohort. First post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) visual analog pain scale (VAS) scores after surgery were not significantly different across all groups (P = 0.082). Pair-wise comparisons of patients receiving either PAI alone or ACB alone showed that patients receiving PAIs had lower narcotic usage at six hours (P = 0.037). A PAI alone also demonstrated a shorter length of stay compared to ACB alone (P = 0.001). Postoperative narcotics refills were similar between ACB only and PAI only (P = 0.056); however, PAI with an ACB had lower postoperative narcotic refills (P = 0.017). The rate of same-day physical therapy (PT) clearance was lowest in the ACB only group (37.5% [15 of 40]) (P = 0.002). As hypothesized, there was no difference in pain scores immediately after surgery; however, postoperative morphine requirements at six hours, same-day physical therapy clearance, and length of stay were better in the PAI group. The use of PAIs may confer a benefit for both patients and healthcare systems as an adjunct to perioperative pain control.

Editorial Comment on “Evaluating the Impact of the Standardized Letter of Recommendation on a Successful Match in Urology”

Editorial Comment on “Evaluating the Impact of the Standardized Letter of Recommendation on a Successful Match in Urology”

Point cloud-based feature extraction and surface reconstruction for parts paring in high-precision assembly

Abstract Assembly plays a crucial role in industrial manufacturing in industrial manufacturing, but the efficiency of conventional manual methods for parts pairing is limited. Previous research has demonstrated the feasibility of deep learning for point cloud feature extraction and 3D reconstruction. An innovative method utilizing deep learning for high-precision feature extraction and surface reconstruction is introduced to optimize parts pairing in this paper. Geometric dimensions and surface topography data are obtained by defining key assembly features and utilizing the Random Sample Consensus method. Deep learning is then used to directly regress the Surface Distance Function from point samples, facilitating comprehensive part surface modeling and supporting assembly simulation in the digital twin. To validate this approach, a case study demonstrates successful matching of 30 shaft parts and 30 hole parts after optimization, with an increase in average uniformity by 0.024. This highlights the proposed method’s superior effectiveness and accuracy in feature extraction and surface reconstruction.

Gender Distribution in Paediatric Cardiology Training Programs in Canada

BackgroundDespite female medical students being the majority, there are certain medical specialities that continue to have a prevalence of male trainees, such as adult cardiology. The purpose of this study is to examine gender distribution within Canadian paediatric cardiology training programs. MethodsBoth application and successful matches to core paediatric residency programs and paediatric cardiology programs were obtained through the Canadian Resident Matching Service. Analysis was performed to determine if the association between gender of paediatric residents and paediatric cardiology applicants/fellows was significant. ResultsBetween 2016 and 2024, 12% (n = 3/26) of individuals who successfully matched into a Canadian paediatric cardiology training program identified as female and 88% (n = 23/26) identified as male. Between 2013 and 2023, 78% (n = 947/1220) of individuals who successfully matched into a Canadian paediatrics residency identified as female and 22% (n = 273/1220) identified as male. There was a statistically significant difference between the gender of paediatric residents and the gender of paediatric cardiology residents (P < 0.0001). There was no significant association between applicant gender and match outcome within paediatric cardiology training programs (P < 0.23). ConclusionsThere is a gender discrepancy within Canadian paediatric cardiology training programs with a predominance of male trainees in the recent era. It appears that female under-representation in the field is due to the low number of female applicants. Although limited by sample size, there was no clear association between applicant gender and success of admission to a paediatric cardiology training program.

Evaluating the Impact of the Standardized Letter of Recommendation on a Successful Match in Urology Residency

ObjectivesTo evaluate the contribution of the SLOR to the likelihood of matching in urology residency by applying a novel scoring system and characterize utilization in the 2022 application cycle. MethodsWe conducted an investigation of all applicants to our urology residency program during the 2022 cycle. We developed a scoring system to assess SLOR strength across all templates. Match outcomes were verified with the Society of Academic Urologists listing. Statistical analysis was performed to assess for factors predictive of a successful match. ResultsOut of 386 total applicants, 239 (61.9%) had at least one SLOR in their application. SLOR utilization was more prevalent in MD applicants, in those with higher Step 2 scores, and in those who matched (p < 0.01). The majority of SLOR scores (66.5%) were above a 3.5/5 in our cohort. Step 1 score, number of research entries, and presence of a SLOR were predictive of successful match. However, a SLOR score of < 3 was strongly associated with not matching (OR 0.021, p < 0.01). ConclusionsThe presence of a SLOR in our cohort overall was associated with a successful match. A poor SLOR score was highly deleterious to an applicant’s chance of matching in urology. Our SLOR scoring system can be used across all letter templates and demonstrates that strength of SLOR can significantly impact an applicant’s chance of matching.

Predictors for success and failure in international medical graduates: a systematic review of observational studies

BackgroundInternational Medical Graduates (IMG) are an essential part of the international physician workforce, and exploring the predictors of success and failure for IMGs could help inform international and national physician labour workforce selection and planning. The objective of this study was to explore predictors for success for selection of IMGs into high stakes postgraduate training positions and practice and not necessarily for informing IMGs.MethodsWe searched 11 databases, including Medline, Embase and LILACS, from inception to February 2022 for studies that explored the predictors of success and failure in IMGs. We reported baseline probability, effect size in relative risk (RR), odds ratio (OR) or hazard ratio (HR) and absolute probability change for success and failure across six groups of outcomes, including success in qualifying exams, or certificate exams, successful matching into residency, retention in practice, disciplinary actions, and outcomes of IMG clinical practice.ResultsTwenty-five studies (375,549 participants) reported the association of 93 predictors of success and failure for IMGs. Female sex, English fluency, graduation recency, higher scores in USMLE step 2 and participation in a skill assessment program were associated with success in qualifying exams. Female sex, English fluency, previous internship and results of qualifying exams were associated with success in certification exams. Retention to work in Canada was associated with several factors, including male sex, graduating within the past five years, and completing residency over fellowships. In the UK, IMGs and candidates who attempted PLAB part 1, ≥ 4 times vs. first attempters, and candidates who attempted PLAB part 2, ≥ 3 times vs. first attempters were more likely to be censured in future practice. Patients treated by IMGs had significantly lower mortalities than those treated by US graduates, and patients of IMGs had lower mortalities [OR: 0.82 (95% CI: 0.62, 0.99)] than patients of US citizens who trained abroad.ConclusionsThis study informed factors associated with the success and failure of IMGs and is the first systematic review on this topic, which can inform IMG selection and future studies.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO: CRD42021252678.

Post-mortem to ante-mortem facial image comparison for deceased migrant identification

The identification of deceased migrants is a global challenge that is exacerbated by migration distance, post-mortem conditions, access to ante-mortem data for comparison, inconsistent international procedures and lack of communication between arrival and origin countries. Due to low technology requirements, fast speed analysis and ease of transferring digital data, facial image comparison is particularly beneficial in those contexts, especially in challenging scenarios when this may be the only initial ante-mortem data available to identify the deceased. The Facial Identification Scientific Working Group (FISWG) professional guidelines for facial image comparison were developed for living facial appearance, and, therefore, a tailored protocol for the application of post-mortem to ante-mortem facial image comparison was proposed and evaluated in this research. The protocol was investigated via an inter-observer and an accuracy study, using 29 forensic cases (2001–2020) from the University of Milan, provided by the Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology and Odontology. In order to replicate a migrant identification scenario, each post-mortem subject was compared to all 29 ante-mortem targets (841 comparisons). The protocol guided the practitioner through stages of facial image comparison, from broad (phase 1) to more detailed (phase 3), eventually leading to a decision of ‘exclusion’ or ‘potential match’ for each post-mortem to ante-mortem case (phase 4). In phase 4, a support scale was also utilised to indicate the level of confidence in a potential match. Each post-mortem subject could be recorded with multiple potential matches. The protocol proved to be useful guide for facial image comparison, especially for less experienced practitioners and the inter-observer study suggested good reproducibility. The majority (82–96%) of ante-mortem subjects were excluded at the first stage of the protocol, and 71 full post-mortem to ante-mortem facial image comparisons were carried out. On average, two or three potential matches were recorded for each post-mortem subject. The overall accuracy rate was 85%, with the majority (79%) of ante-mortem non-targets correctly excluded from the identification process. An increased number and quality of available ante-mortem images produced more successful matches with higher levels of support. All potential matches involving non-targets received low levels of support, and for 73% of the post-mortem subjects, the ante-mortem target was the only recorded potential match. However, two ante-mortem targets were incorrectly excluded (one at the first stage of the protocol) and therefore changes to the protocol were implemented to mitigate these errors. A full protocol and a practical recording chart for practitioner use is included with this paper.

Predicting a successful match among applicants to reproductive endocrinology and infertility fellowship

To identify independent predictors of a successful match to reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI) fellowships, and to develop and internally validate a prediction model for REI match results. Retrospective cohort study. REI fellowship applications sent to the University of Pennsylvania from 2019 to 2023 (excluding 2020), which represented nearly all REI applicants nationally according to National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) data. Demographics, education, training, and academic achievements. Match result, confirmed through online search and communication with program administrators. Univariate analyses identified variables associated with match, which were then included in multivariable models to identify independent predictors. Bootstrapping was used to assess model discrimination and calibration. The final model was integrated into a web-based tool. Of 286 applications (99.0% of REI applications to the NRMP), 199 (69.6%) resulted in a successful match. In univariate analyses, variables associated with match were younger age, attendance at an allopathic U.S. medical school, USMLE and CREOG scores, residency rank, residency affiliation with a fellowship, research experiences, first-author publications, abstracts/articles in progress, and poster presentations. In the adjusted model, independent predictors of match included residency affiliation with an REI fellowship (aOR 5.43, 2.02-14.64), residency rank (aOR 1.77, 1.25-2.50), USMLE score (aOR 1.05, 1.02-1.08), at least one first-author publication (aOR 2.32, 1.08-4.96), projects in progress (aOR 1.26 (1.02-1.55), and poster presentations (aOR 1.07, 1.00-1.15). Attendance at an international medical school was a negative predictor (aOR 0.32, 0.11-0.88). The model achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.883, with 88.5% sensitivity and 65.8% specificity. A refined model without USMLE scores maintained strong performance (C-statistic 0.85, 0.81-0.91; calibration slope 0.91, 0.72-1.24). Affiliation with an REI fellowship, residency reputation, and research output strongly predicted match success. Gender, race, and ethnicity were not major predictors, yet underrepresentation of certain racial and ethnic groups limited the power to detect potential differences. Our prediction model correctly classified >75% of candidates' match results. These findings may help candidates optimize applications and estimate chances of a successful match into REI fellowship, as well as assist programs in critically reviewing their selection criteria for fellowship match.

An Update on the Independent Plastic Surgery Match (2019-2022): Trends, Predictors, and Program Leaders' Perspectives.

A previous study by the authors noted a decline in independent plastic surgery residency programs and rising applicant participation. This study provides updates on match trends and influential predictors, and gathers program leaders' views on the future of the independent track. Match data (2019-2022) were obtained from the San Francisco match after American Council of Educators in Plastic Surgery approval. Variables influencing match success were analyzed, and program leaders were surveyed about desirable applicant traits and program trajectories. From 2019 to 2022, 243 of 428 applicants matched. Programs and positions declined by 10% and 9.5%, respectively. Applicants rose to 42.3%, but match rates fell from 82% to 56%. Osteopathic graduates doubled, whereas international graduates increased to 53.8%. Successful matches were associated with US allopathic medical school graduates, university-affiliated general surgery residencies, eight or more interviews, United States Medical Licensing Examination scores greater than 230, and high post graduate year (PGY)1-3 American Board of Surgery In-service Training Examination scores (PGY1-64.7%, PGY2-61.2%, PGY3-60.7%; P < 0.05). Of surveyed programs, 55.6% aimed to continue running the independent track in the next year. Conversely, 7.4% planned to discontinue in the next year, 22.2% within 2-5 years, 7.4% within the next decade, and 7.4% were unsure. Although support for the independent plastic surgery track remains, program participation diminishes as applicant interest increases, intensifying match challenges. Increasing number of interviews improves match potential. Program leaders display varied commitments, with looming plans for some programs to discontinue offering this track. Applicant evaluation pivots on strong recommendations, research, and test scores.

Excitation/emission-enhanced heterostructure photonic crystal array synergizing with "DD-A" FRET entropy-driven circuit for high-resolution and ultrasensitive analysis of ctDNA

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is an emerging biomarker of liquid biopsy for cancer. But it remains a challenge to achieve simple, sensitive and specific detection of ctDNA because of low abundance and single-base mutation. In this work, an excitation/emission-enhanced heterostructure photonic crystal (PC) array synergizing with entropy-driven circuit (EDC) was developed for high-resolution and ultrasensitive analysis of ctDNA. The donor donor−acceptor FÖrster resonance energy transfer ("DD-A" FRET) was integrated in EDC based on the introduction of simple auxiliary strand, which exhibited higher sensitivity than that of traditional EDC. The heterostructure PC array was constructed with the bilayer periodic nanostructures of nanospheres. Because the heterostructure PC has the adjustable dual photonic band gaps (PBGs) by changing nanosphere sizes, and the "DD-A" FRET can offer the excitation and emission peak with enough distance, it helps the successful matches between the dual PBGs of heterostructure PC and the excitation/emission peaks of "DD-A" FRET; thus, the fluorescence from EDC can be enhanced effectively from both of excitation and emission processes on heterostructure PC array. Besides, high-resolution of single-base mutation was obtained through the strict recognition of EDC. Benefiting from the specific spectrum-matched and synergetic amplification of heterostructure PC and EDC with "DD-A" FRET, the proposed array obtained ultrasensitive detection of ctDNA with LOD of 12.9 fM, and achieved the analysis of mutation frequency as low as 0.01%. Therefore, the proposed strategy has the advantages of simple operation, mild conditions (enzyme-free and isothermal), high-sensitivity, high-resolution and high-throughput analysis, showing potential in bioassay and clinical application.

YPL-SLAM: A Simultaneous Localization and Mapping Algorithm for Point-line Fusion in Dynamic Environments.

Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) is one of the key technologies with which to address the autonomous navigation of mobile robots, utilizing environmental features to determine a robot's position and create a map of its surroundings. Currently, visual SLAM algorithms typically yield precise and dependable outcomes in static environments, and many algorithms opt to filter out the feature points in dynamic regions. However, when there is an increase in the number of dynamic objects within the camera's view, this approach might result in decreased accuracy or tracking failures. Therefore, this study proposes a solution called YPL-SLAM based on ORB-SLAM2. The solution adds a target recognition and region segmentation module to determine the dynamic region, potential dynamic region, and static region; determines the state of the potential dynamic region using the RANSAC method with polar geometric constraints; and removes the dynamic feature points. It then extracts the line features of the non-dynamic region and finally performs the point-line fusion optimization process using a weighted fusion strategy, considering the image dynamic score and the number of successful feature point-line matches, thus ensuring the system's robustness and accuracy. A large number of experiments have been conducted using the publicly available TUM dataset to compare YPL-SLAM with globally leading SLAM algorithms. The results demonstrate that the new algorithm surpasses ORB-SLAM2 in terms of accuracy (with a maximum improvement of 96.1%) while also exhibiting a significantly enhanced operating speed compared to Dyna-SLAM.

Characteristics Associated with Successful Residency Match in General Surgery.

To evaluate characteristics of matched and unmatched general surgery residency (GSR) applicants. Given the recent change of the United States Medical Licensing Exam Step 1 grading to pass/fail, understanding the factors that influence GSR match success is integral to identifying potential interventions to improve match rates for diverse medical students. Retrospective review of GSR National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) applicant and Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) active resident data between 2011 and 2022. Data included application characteristics for United States ("US") and "independent" applicants, factors cited by program directors in the interview and ranking process, paths pursued if applicants went unmatched, and racial/ethnic representation. A total of 9149 US and 3985 independent applicants applied to GSR between 2011 and 2021. Matched versus unmatched applicants had higher step 1 scores (US: 236 vs 218, P = 0.005; independent: 237 vs 228, P = 0.001), higher step 2 scores (US: 248 vs 232, P = 0.006; independent: 245 vs 234, P < 0.001), more likely to belong to alpha omega alpha (US: 17.1% vs 1.6%, P = 0.002) or to attend a top 40 National Institutes of Health-funded school (US: 31.0% vs 19.4%, P = 0.002) compared to unmatched applicants. Program directors heavily factored step 1 and step 2 scores, letters of recommendation, interactions with faculty and trainees, and interpersonal skills when interviewing and ranking applicants. The proportion of active general surgery residents versus applicants was lower for Asians (12.3% vs 20.9%, P < 0.001), Black/African American (5.0% vs 8.8%, P < 0.001), Hispanic/Latino (5.0% vs 9.4%, P = 0.001), and underrepresented in medicine students (10.3% vs 19.1%, P < 0.001). In the pass/fail step 1 era, factors including step 2 score and other subjective metrics may be more heavily weighted in the GSR match process.

Unmatched. What's Next? Is a Preliminary Year of Residency or Research Fellowship Better for Reapplicants to Plastic Surgery?

Plastic and reconstructive surgery is one of the most competitive residency programs, and given the increased number of applicants for a relatively fixed number of positions, successfully matching is a challenge. Match rates have declined since 2018, with a match rate of ~55% in 2022. Two common options before reapplying are a preliminary year of residency (preliminary year) or a research fellowship. This study investigated which option is more beneficial for reapplicants seeking a successful match. This retrospective study included all applicants to an integrated plastic and reconstructive surgery residency from 2015 to 2023. Two cohorts based on reapplication strategy (research fellowship or preliminary year) were created. Demographic, applicant, and match data were collected. Pearson chi-squared, Fisher exact, and Wilcoxon rank sum testing were performed. In total, 125 reapplicants were included. Seventy-one (56.8%) reapplicants pursued a preliminary year, and 29 (23.2%) completed a research fellowship. Research fellowship reapplicants had a greater mean number of first author publications (8.8 versus 3.2, P < 0.001), non-first author publications (11.3 versus 5.9, P = 0.021), poster presentations (9.7 versus 6.0, P = 0.028), and oral presentations (11.8 versus 6.4, P < 0.001). Research fellowship reapplicants were more likely to match into plastic and reconstructive surgery (PRS) than preliminary year reapplicants, with 72.4% (n = 21) of research fellowship reapplicants matching into PRS compared with 39.4% (n = 28) of preliminary year reapplicants (P = 0.003). Research fellowship reapplicants demonstrated greater research productivity and were almost twice as likely to match into PRS compared with preliminary reapplicants.

The Law of Diminishing Returns in the Integrated Plastic Surgery Residency Match: A Deeper Look at the Numbers.

The highly competitive nature of the integrated plastic surgery residency match justifies the need for objective data that provide insights into some of the residents' selection criteria. Many studies have sought to provide information on these criteria, but to our knowledge, none has described the inflection point where the match probability does not further increase. Although our study provides this information to potential applicants, it will also help them assess and optimize their chances of a successful match. We pooled and analyzed the data available on matched and unmatched integrated plastic surgery applicants on the national residency match program database between 2016 and 2022. Step 2 score of 250 or more (P < 0.0001), number of publications more than 15 (P = 0.0007), number of research experiences five or more (P = 0.018), number of contiguous ranks more than 10 (P < 0.0001), number of volunteer experiences five or more (P < 0.0001), being a US MD applicant (P < 0.0001), and Alpha Omega Alpha membership (P < 0.0001) were all associated with increased probability of matching into the integrated plastic surgery program. Match probability did not further increase after 15 publications, five research experiences, 15 contiguous ranks, and 10 volunteer experiences have been reached. Having a PhD (P = 0.149) or a non-PhD graduate degree (P = 0.07) was not associated with increased match probability. The law of diminishing returns sets in for applicants to the integrated plastic surgery match after 15 publications, 15 contiguous ranks, five research experiences, and 10 volunteer experiences have been reached.

Data to Care Pilot Program in Chicago: Experience, Outcomes, and Direction for the Future.

Data to Care (D2C) involves sharing HIV surveillance data between health care facilities and health departments to improve continuity of care for people living with HIV (PLWH). The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) initiated a D2C pilot program at the University of Chicago Medicine (UCM) from June 2016 to September 2019. To describe the proportion of patients reported by UCM as not in care who were able to be matched to CDPH enhanced HIV/AIDS Reporting System (eHARS) and to report the individual-level factors associated with matching and viral suppression. Retrospective program evaluation. UCM, an academic health care center that provides HIV care to adults via a Ryan White clinic on the south side of Chicago. Adult PLWH who had received care at UCM but did not have current documented HIV care visit(s). Proportion of matched patients; factors associated with matching and viral suppression. Overall, 72.4% (n = 813/1123) of patients reported by UCM were matched by CDPH to eHARS. Individuals aged 40 to 49 years (odds ratio [OR] = 1.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-3.62), 50 to 59 years (OR = 2.47; 95% CI, 1.37-4.47), and 60 years or older (OR = 6.18; 95% CI, 3.18-12.32) were more likely to match in eHARS. People who lived outside of Chicago (OR = 0.09; 95% CI, 0.05-0.15) or with unknown zip codes (OR = 0.08; 95% CI, 0.05-0.12) were less likely to match. Men who have sex with men and persons older than 50 years were more likely to be virally suppressed. D2C is an evidence-based strategy for reengagement of PLWH; however, program implementation relies on successful data matching. We found that a large proportion of patients from UCM were not matched, particularly those who were younger or lived outside of Chicago. Additional research is needed to understand ways to improve data matching to facilitate reengagement in HIV care.