The Effect of a Dedicated Research Year in the Integrated Plastic Surgery Match

Dedicated research years allow students to improve their application, but they also have financial and opportunity costs. The authors analyzed the benefit of taking a research year on a medical student's chance of matching in plastic surgery.

The authors reviewed applications to the Johns Hopkins University integrated plastic surgery residency program during the 2022 to 2025 match cycles. Application characteristics including research years and research productivity were considered. Institutions were categorized by the size of National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding. Regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of matching in plastic surgery. Subgroup analysis was performed for students without home programs.

Seven hundred eighty-eight applications were reviewed. Applicants who took a research year had significantly higher research productivity than those who did not. On regression analysis, Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) membership, an increased USMLE step 2 score, and increased research productivity predicted matching in a plastic surgery residency. Attending a NIH top 40 funded medical school and taking a research year additionally predicted matching at a top 40 NIH-funded institution. For students without home residency programs, taking a research year and increased research productivity predicted matching in a NIH top 40 funded institution.

Taking a research year did not independently predict overall match in plastic surgery but did predict matching at a highly funded research institution, especially for students with no home program. Although not necessary for matching, a research year may benefit students pursuing an academic career by improving their chances of matching in a research-focused institution.