Qualities and characteristics of applicants associated with successful matriculation to pediatric surgery fellowship...

Pediatric surgery (PS) is among the most competitive fellowship opportunities for general surgery residents. Prior investigations into factors associated with successful matriculation to PS have relied on surveys, which have inherent biases.

Data were extracted from the Electronic Residency Application System for applicants from 2012 to 2017 and analyzed after stratification by matriculation status.

Data were gathered on a total of 444 applicants, of which 238 matriculated. The applicant pool was predominantly Caucasian (63.5%), largely graduated from US allopathic school (81%) and had a slight male predominance (54%), although the number of female applicants increased significantly over the study period. Attendance at a US allopathic medical school (OR=4.55, p <0.001), university-based general surgery training (OR=3.02, p <0.001) and training at institutions that offer PS fellowships (OR=3.36, p<0.001) were associated with matriculation. Matriculants had a higher quantity of peer reviewed publications (median 11 vs. 6, p <0.001) and published in high impact factor journals (p<0.001). A total of 65 applicants reapplied at least once, of whom 32% successfully matriculated.

PS applicants' medical school, residency, and research data points correlated with successful matriculation. These data may help guide general surgery residents and medical students aspiring to become pediatric surgeons.

Prognosis study (retrospective) LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.