The Current State of the Residency Match

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Orthopedic Surgery

Background:

• The 2020 orthopedic surgery residency match highlights challenges in applicant screening.
• Current methods may not reliably predict surgeon competence.
• The process is evolving due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Step 1 exam changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the effectiveness of current orthopedic surgery residency applicant screening.
• To discuss anticipated changes to the residency application process.
• To explore improvements for applicant-program matching and diversity.

Main Methods:

• Review of current applicant screening practices in orthopedic surgery.
• Analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on the 2020 match.
• Discussion of the implications of a pass/fail USMLE Step 1 exam.

Main Results:

• Current screening methods' utility in predicting surgeon competence is questioned.
• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated adaptations in the application and interview process.
• The transition to a pass/fail Step 1 exam will alter applicant evaluation.

Conclusions:

• Revising applicant screening with predictive factors of resident success is crucial.
• Enhancing the match process can improve applicant-program alignment.
• Increasing diversity, including female and underrepresented minorities, is essential for orthopedics.