Geographic Trends in the Plastic Surgery Match

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Residency Matching
• Geographic Analysis

Background:

• The integrated plastic surgery match is highly competitive.
• Previous research has not comprehensively examined geographic influences on match outcomes.
• This study investigates regional biases in plastic surgery residency selection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the extent of regional matching in integrated plastic surgery residency.
• To identify potential geographic disparities in the plastic surgery match.
• To provide data for optimizing the residency application process.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of integrated plastic surgery residents who matched between 2011-2015.
• Data collection from residency program websites and the Student Doctor Network.
• Comparison of resident's medical school region with their residency program region.

Main Results:

• 622 residents from 67 programs were analyzed; 15.1% matched at their home institution.
• 48.9% of residents matched in the same geographic region as their medical school.
• Regional differences were observed, with Southern programs matching more in-region residents (60.8%) than Western programs (30.8%).

Conclusions:

• A notable proportion of residents match within their medical school's region.
• Geographic factors appear to influence the plastic surgery match, though underlying reasons are unclear.
• These findings can inform applicants and programs to better navigate the residency match process.