Application and Match Rates in the Complex General Surgical Oncology Match

Abstract

Background The Society of Surgical Oncology collaborates with the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) to facilitate the Complex General Surgical Oncology (CGSO) Match. Objective The purpose of this study was to understand trends in CGSO Match outcomes. We hypothesized that (1) match rates would increase with time; (2) US allopathic graduates would have higher match rates than non-US allopathic graduates; and (3) most applicants would match at one of their top three ranked choices. Methods The NRMP provided applicant and program data from the CGSO Match (2014–2021). Chi-square tests elucidated temporal trends and match rates by applicant archetype. Results The annual number of applicants decreased from 103 to 90 (13% decrease), while the annual number of fellowship positions increased from 56 to 67 (20% increase) from 2014–2021. The annual percentage of applicants who did not match decreased from 46% to 26% ( p < 0.05). Annual match rates increased from 54% to 74% ( p < 0.05). US allopathic graduates had higher match rates than non-US allopathic graduates but this disparity narrowed over time (84% vs. 55% in 2021; p < 0.001). Approximately half of all applicants matched at one of their top three choices (first, 29%; second, 12%; third, 8%). Applicants matching at one of their top three choices increased from 36% to 50% ( p < 0.05). Conclusions CGSO Match rates have increased over the past decade, thus primarily benefiting non-US allopathic graduates. Most applicants match at one of their top three choices. More research is needed to understand disparities in match rates by applicant and residency program characteristics.

Perceptions of Readiness for Practice After Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellowship: A Survey Study

“…4 An increase in subspeciality fellowships that overlap clinically with the CGSO fellowship, such as breast surgical oncology, surgical endocrinology, colon and rectal surgery, and hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgery may be contributing to this phenomenon. 5 , 6 Although subspecialized training has led to improved patient satisfaction and survival rates amongst those treated by specialists, such as breast surgeons, specialized training may limit a surgeon’s scope of practice and breadth of expertise. 7 Furthermore, a recent 2019 survey study highlighted the clinical practice patterns of CGSO graduates, finding that most graduates return to their hometown or previous training institutions, or both.…”

Supply and Demand: Is the Surgical Oncology Match in a Bear Market?

“…In this issue of Annals of Surgical Oncology , investigators from the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and Howard University College of Medicine evaluate application and match rate characteristics as well as trends during the last 8 years of the CGSO match, encompassing nearly the entire era of ABS board certification. 6 …”