Evaluating gender discrepancies in the time to successful match into a small animal surgery residency program

To determine any association between gender and likelihood of first attempt match and overall time to match into an American College of Veterinary Surgery (ACVS)-registered small animal surgical residency program (SASRP).

Online survey.

A total of 100 (77 female, 23 male) ACVS small animal surgery residents or diplomates participating in a SASRP during the past 5 years.

An online survey was sent to eligible individuals. Respondents anonymously provided information related to demographics, postgraduate internships, and qualifications at the time of each surgical residency application. First attempt and overall match success were evaluated by gender through univariable analysis and then via a multivariable model.

Men were 2.89 times more likely to match directly into a SASRP following a rotating internship than women (p = .041), and women completed more total internships than men prior to successful match into a SASRP (p = .030); however, men were found to have more publications at the time of first residency application (p < .001) or successful match (p = .018). Multivariable analysis revealed no association between gender on overall match success or first attempt match rate when considering all other qualifications.

No evidence for gender bias was found during the Veterinary Internship and Residency Matching Program (VIRMP) SASRP applicant selection process; however, gender specific patterns in research qualifications were identified.

Gender-blinded assessment is not considered necessary for the VIRMP small animal surgical resident selection process. Efforts should be made to educate applicants about the impact of research on the residency selection process and encourage research engagement of female students and graduates.