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How the Reputation of Orthopaedic Residency Programs Influences the Spine Surgery Fellowship Match Results
Andrew J Sama1, Joshua T Kaiser1, Chester J Donnally2
1University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.
Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances
|June 27, 2025
Summary
Orthopaedic spine fellowship applicants from top-ranked residency programs secured more interviews and matched into preferred fellowship positions. This data aids applicants in selecting programs and fellowship directors in refining interview strategies.
Area of Science:
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Medical Education
- Surgical Fellowships
Background:
- The orthopaedic spine fellowship match is highly competitive.
- Residency program reputation is a potential factor influencing match success.
- Understanding the impact of residency ranking on fellowship outcomes is crucial for applicants and programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the relationship between orthopaedic residency program reputation and fellowship match success.
- To analyze how Doximity residency rankings correlate with fellowship interview invitations and match outcomes.
- To identify trends in fellowship application and selection strategies based on residency tier.
Main Methods:
- Data collected included applicant residency program, fellowship match results, and program/applicant rankings.
- Residency programs were tiered using the 2018 Doximity orthopaedic residency reputation rankings.
- Statistical analysis compared outcomes for applicants from different residency tiers.
Main Results:
- Applicants from Tier-1 Doximity-ranked residency programs received more interview invitations.
- These top-tier applicants applied to fewer programs compared to those from lower-ranked programs.
- Applicants from Tier-1 programs were significantly more likely to match into their first or second-choice fellowship (p < 0.01).
Conclusions:
- Residency program reputation, as indicated by Doximity rankings, significantly impacts orthopaedic spine fellowship match success.
- Applicants from highly-ranked programs demonstrate greater efficiency in the application process.
- Fellowship programs may benefit from a more selective interview strategy, considering residency program prestige.
