PURPOSE: A previous study by the authors noted a decline in independent plastic surgery residency programs and rising applicant participation. This study updates match trends, influential predictors, and gathers program leaders’ views on the future of the independent track.
METHODS: After American Council of Academic Plastic Surgeons’ approval, we accessed 2019-2022 data from SF Match. Variables influencing match success were analyzed and chiefs/program directors were surveyed to gauge desirable applicant traits and program trajectories.
RESULTS: From 2019-2022, 243 of 428 applicants matched. Programs and positions declined by 10% and 9.5%, respectively. Applicants rose 42.3%, but match rates fell from 82% to 56%. Osteopathic and international graduates increased by 100% and 53.8%. Successful matches were associated with Allopathic and US medical school graduates, university-affiliated general surgery programs, more interviews, higher USMLE scores, and higher PGY1-3 Absite/inservice scores (PGY1: 64.7%, PGY2: 61.2%, PGY3: 60.7%) (p<0.05). Interview count was an independent match predictor (AOR:1.45,CI:1.27-1.65,p<0.001). Matching is optimized with a minimum of 8 interviews. Of surveyed programs, 55.6% aim to continue, 7.4% to discontinue in the next year, 22.2% in 2-5 years, 7.4% within the decade, and 7.4% unsure. Top applicant attributes were strong letters of recommendation, followed by Absite/inservice scores, research, and USMLE scores.
CONCLUSION: While support for the independent plastic surgery track remains, program participation diminishes as applicant interest increases, intensifying match challenges. Increasing number of interviews improves match potential. Program leaders display varied commitments, with looming discontinuation concerns. Applicant selection pivots on strong recommendations, research, and test scores.