Effectiveness of an Orthopaedic Trauma Research Fellowship to Produce Successfully Matching Residents

Orthopaedics is becoming increasingly competitive. Approximately 25% of applicants to orthopaedic surgery go unmatched each year. The mean US Medical Licensing Examination step scores and average publication numbers have increased markedly in recent years. Reapplicants have a match rate of <60%. This study describes the results of an orthopaedic trauma research fellowship and its effectiveness in obtaining a successful orthopaedic match.

A 1 to 2-year research fellowship was established at a level 1 academic trauma center. Prefellowship and fellowship metrics of 11 fellows were recorded, including undergraduate and medical schools; step-1 + step-2 scores; Alpha Omega Alpha appointment; and publication, podium, poster, and chapter accomplishments.

The average step-1 score of the fellows was 218 (range, 192 to 252) and 232 (range, 212 to 254) for step-2. Seven of 11 fellows were reapplicants. Prefellowship, the average number of journal publications was 1, one podium, two posters, and zero textbook chapters. During fellowship, the average publications was 5, five podiums, six posters, and 1.5 textbook chapters. Ten of 11 fellows successfully matched into an orthopaedic residency, with six of seven being reapplicants.

Six of 7 reapplying fellows (86%) successfully matched highlighting the effectiveness of this fellowship. Research fellowships should be considered as an excellent choice for applicants who may be less than ideal candidates or reapplicants.