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Mining for Gold: A Mixed-Methods Study on Personal Statements in General Surgery Residency Applications
Gordana Rasic1, Brendin R Beaulieu-Jones1, Aaron P Richman1
1Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts.
The Journal of Surgical Research
|September 10, 2024
Summary
Personal statements (PSs) are crucial for general surgery residency applications. Higher-scored PSs, featuring personal stories and mentioning DEI or service, correlate with interview invitations, highlighting their importance in candidate selection.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Residency Admissions
Background:
- Numeric data in general surgery residency applications are decreasing.
- Personal statements (PSs) may be critical for identifying suitable candidates for interviews.
- This study investigated differences in PS qualities between invited and non-invited applicants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if personal statements (PSs) of general surgery residency candidates invited for interviews differ in quality and content from those not invited.
- To assess the association between specific PS content and interview selection.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 308 general surgery residency applications from 2022.
- Qualitative analysis of PS content using a priori coding scheme.
- Comparison of PS scores and content related to program alignment (DEI, SDOH, underserved communities).
Main Results:
- Applicants invited for interviews had higher-scored PSs (median 4.25 vs. 3.5, P < 0.001).
- Highly scored PSs were more likely to include personal stories (74% vs. 59%, P = 0.01).
- PSs mentioning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, social determinants of health (SDOH), or service to underserved communities were associated with interview invitations (62% vs. 37%, P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- PS quality and content significantly influence interview selection in general surgery residency.
- High-quality PSs often contain personal narratives and align with institutional values like DEI and community service.
- Residency programs should prioritize PSs as indicators of candidate-institutional alignment.
