In the Era of pass/fail: Medical student perceptions on optimizing their surgical residency applications

Abstract

Background

It is unclear how changes to the 2023–2024 Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) application will impact future applicants. We investigate students’ perceptions about applying to residency during this transition period.

Methods

An anonymous electronic survey was sent to medical students through social media of a women's surgical society. Questions reflected aspects of the ERAS application.

Results

There were 415 responses, with 68 ​% planning to apply into surgical specialties (SS) and 17 ​% into non-surgical specialties (NSS). Compared with the NSS group, SS students reported decreased confidence in successfully matching, less attainable applicant expectations, and increased personal sacrifices to pursue their residency of interest. Students interested in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (PRS) placed 3-times more importance on the number of publications than General Surgery students. Away rotations were rated significantly more important for Otolaryngology, Orthopaedic, and PRS students.

Conclusion

Students applying into surgical residencies experience unique stressors. Values among SS students differed across surgical subspecialties in preparation for the match. Further investigation characterizing the relationship between these values and characteristics of successful resident applicants is warranted.