Integrated Plastic Surgery Match Trends After Step 1 Pass/Fail Implementation: Data Analysis and Literature Review

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Residency Matching

Background:

• Integrated plastic surgery (IPS) programs are highly competitive.
• The transition of the USMLE Step 1 exam to a pass/fail format has created uncertainty in application evaluation for prospective residents.
• This study aims to identify key applicant factors for success in IPS matching.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze trends in integrated plastic surgery residency applications from 2020-2024.
• To identify factors correlating with successful matches in integrated plastic surgery programs.
• To provide guidance for future applicants navigating the post-Step 1 pass/fail landscape.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional analysis of National Residency Matching Program data (2020-2024).
• Comparison of application aspects between matched and unmatched applicants (MD, DO, IMG).
• PubMed literature review on plastic surgery residency matching.

Main Results:

• The ratio of IPS positions to applications remained stable from 2020-2024.
• Mean USMLE Step 2 scores for matched applicants showed minimal change post-Step 1 pass/fail transition.
• Higher publication/presentation counts, Alpha Omega Alpha honors, and NIH funding of medical schools correlated with higher match success.
• Away rotations, interviews, and letters of recommendation were identified as important subjective factors.

Conclusions:

• Integrated plastic surgery remains a competitive specialty.
• USMLE Step 2 scores are important, but have not seen an increase in average scores for matched applicants since the Step 1 change.
• Program directors value research output, strong letters of recommendation, positive away rotation performance, and high-quality interviews.