Time and Financial Costs for Students Participating in the National Residency Matching Program (the Match^©): 2015 to...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Graduate Medical Education
• Residency Matching

Background:

• The residency Match process is critical for medical students' career decisions.
• Information is needed to guide students, faculty, and staff through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) Match.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide data assisting stakeholders in making informed decisions about the residency Match.
• To analyze student experiences and identify areas for process improvement.

Main Methods:

• A survey questionnaire was developed and administered to fourth-year medical students from 2016-2020.
• Thematic analysis was used to code narrative feedback on interviewing experiences and suggestions.
• Response rates and demographic data were collected and analyzed.

Main Results:

• An overall response rate of 86.1% was achieved across the study period.
• Family medicine and internal medicine were the most common specialties applied to.
• Application numbers and interview durations varied significantly across specialties and years.

Conclusions:

• Students desire more guidance, efficiency, transparency, and reduced pressure in the Match process.
• Reducing the volume of applications is essential for system improvement.
• Applicant behavior will only change when students feel secure with lower, realistic application numbers.