Applicant Perspective on the Plastic Surgery Common Application (PSCA): A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the 2021–2022 National Residency Matching Program Applicant Pool

Shih, Sabrina; Askinas, Carly; Vernice, Nicholas A.; Otterburn, David M.

doi:10.1016/j.bjps.2023.01.041

Cited by 1 publication

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“…We should be careful to note, however, that a more holistic review of applicants that takes additional qualities into account not reflected in the NRMP data is currently afoot. [53][54][55][56][57][58] Reghunathan et al 28 suggested a checklist that contains both preinterview and interview day components, which would allow programs to achieve this holistic review of applications. This includes creation of a diverse selection committee, reviewing as many applications as possible, and blinding of USMLE step scores and other academic metrics.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Law of Diminishing Returns in the Integrated Plastic Surgery Residency Match: A Deeper Look at the Numbers

Elemosho,

Sarac,

Janis

2024

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - Global Open

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Background: The highly competitive nature of the integrated plastic surgery residency match justifies the need for objective data that provide insights into some of the residents’ selection criteria. Many studies have sought to provide information on these criteria, but to our knowledge, none has described the inflection point where the match probability does not further increase. Although our study provides this information to potential applicants, it will also help them assess and optimize their chances of a successful match. Methods: We pooled and analyzed the data available on matched and unmatched integrated plastic surgery applicants on the national residency match program database between 2016 and 2022. Results: Step 2 score of 250 or more (P < 0.0001), number of publications more than 15 (P = 0.0007), number of research experiences five or more (P = 0.018), number of contiguous ranks more than 10 (P < 0.0001), number of volunteer experiences five or more (P < 0.0001), being a US MD applicant (P < 0.0001), and Alpha Omega Alpha membership (P < 0.0001) were all associated with increased probability of matching into the integrated plastic surgery program. Match probability did not further increase after 15 publications, five research experiences, 15 contiguous ranks, and 10 volunteer experiences have been reached. Having a PhD (P = 0.149) or a non-PhD graduate degree (P = 0.07) was not associated with increased match probability. Conclusion: The law of diminishing returns sets in for applicants to the integrated plastic surgery match after 15 publications, 15 contiguous ranks, five research experiences, and 10 volunteer experiences have been reached.

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