Surveying Obstetrics and Gynecology Residents About Their Residency Applications, Interviews, and Ranking

Background: Residency applications have increased in the last decade, creating growing challenges for applicants and programs. Objective: We evaluated factors associated with application and match into obstetrics and gynecology residency. Methods: During the annual in-training examination administered to all obstetrics and gynecology residents in the United States, residents were surveyed on the residency application process. Results: Ninety-five percent (5094 of 5347) residents responded to the survey. Thirty-six percent reported applying to 30 or fewer programs, 26.7% applied to more than 31 programs, and 37.1% opted not to answer this question. Forty-nine percent of residents received honors in their obstetrics and gynecology clerkship and 37.1% did not. The majority of residents (88.6%) reported scoring between 200 and 250 on USMLE Step 1. Eighty-six percent matched into one of their top 5 programs. The only factor associated with matching in residents' top 5 programs was receiving honors in their clerkship (OR 1.29; 95% CI 1.08-1.54; P < .005). The only factor associated with matching below the top 5 programs was a couples match (OR 0.56; 95% CI 0.43-0.72; P < .001). In choosing where to apply, residents identified program location and reputation as the most important factors, while for ranking, location and residency culture were the most important. Conclusions: Most obstetrics and gynecology residents reported matching into their top 5 choices. Receiving an honors grade in the clerkship was the only factor associated with matching in applicants' top 5 programs. Location was the most important factor for applying to and ranking of programs.