National Trends and Characteristics of Success in the Urology Match Process

We examined temporal trends in urology residency applicant statistics and characteristics through time.

Match statistics during 2006 to 2016 were obtained from the American Urological Association and examined through time. Additionally applicant self-reported data were obtained from Urologymatch.com for those successfully matching in urology during the application cycles from 2014 to 2016. Variables including United States Medical Licensing Examination® Step 1 score, number of urology subinternships, research productivity, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society status and application specific characteristics were trended through time. Univariable linear and logistic regression was used to determine statistical significance of trends.

A total of 4,262 applicants entered the urology match between 2006 and 2016. The number of applicants increased by 19.1% yearly and the number of positions increased by 25.1% yearly during the study period. Of the applicants 2,934 (68.8%) successfully matched, with an annual match rate ranging from 60.9% to 79.1%. Of 874 applicants matched successfully between 2014 and 2016, 417 (47.7%) self-reported complete match data. During the study period the mean ± SD number of programs applied to by matched applicants increased from 60.0 ± 18.2 to 65.2 ± 19.3 (p = 0.037). Mean ± SD number of subinternships completed increased from 2.6 ± 0.7 to 2.8 ± 0.6 (p = 0.004).

Urology has remained a highly competitive specialty with a competitive match rate and increasing number of applicants. These data may guide future applicants in achieving desired professional goals.