The impact of visiting student electives on surgical Match outcomes

Residency applicants commonly complete visiting student electives (VSEs) hoping to increase their odds of matching at host institutions. Existing evidence on Match outcomes for applicants who complete VSEs is limited. As VSEs involve monetary and opportunity costs to students and administrators, data on their utility are vital for student well-being, preparedness for residency, and, ultimately, success in the Match. We investigated the utilization and impact of VSEs for all applicants. We hypothesized that completion of VSEs would increase the likelihood of matching at a host institution.

A retrospective review was conducted of academic records and National Resident Matching Program outcomes for the graduates of one institution and visiting students to that institution over the course of 7 y.

Utilization of VSEs varied significantly among specialties. Across all specialties and in general surgery, applicants were more likely to match into host programs than others. The size of the effect of VSEs on outcomes varied by specialty. Host programs were applicants' top choice for residency in 48% of cases.

Completion of VSEs may give surgical applicants increased control over Match outcomes. Our findings may assist future students in strategic decision making when determining whether and where to use VSEs.