The Important Factors Applicants Consider When Choosing a Residency: A Survey Study

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Residency Program Selection
• Graduate Medical Education

Background:

• Medical school graduates and residency programs actively recruit top candidates.
• Applicant decisions are influenced by various, often unapparent, factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and evaluate key factors influencing medical residents' program choices.
• To compare the priorities of US medical graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs).

Main Methods:

• A 12-question online survey was distributed to first-year internal medicine residents in the US.
• Respondents ranked factors influencing their program selection.
• Statistical analyses included t-tests, Pearson's correlation, and chi-square analysis.

Main Results:

• Location, program culture, and organization were highly valued by applicants.
• Salary, case volume, and proximity of friends were less significant.
• US graduates prioritized quality of life; IMGs had different priorities.
• Female residents emphasized program culture and work environment improvements.

Conclusions:

• Residency programs can attract stronger applicants by emphasizing modifiable factors.
• Understanding applicant priorities is crucial for effective recruitment strategies.