Resident and Medical School Characteristics Associated With Successful Otolaryngology Match

Introduction: Otolaryngology has grown to be among the most competitive residency programs. In 2022, 574 applicants applied for only 361 spots, leaving 37% percent of applicants unmatched. Previous studies have found board scores, U.S. News and World Report medical school ranking, and publications to be important factors in a successful match. However, a formal analysis of all matched applicants and their medical schools has not yet been conducted.

Methods: Publicly available demographic and bibliometric data were collected between Dec 2022 and Jan 2023 for 1,649 residents attending 163 US-based ACGME accredited otolaryngology residency programs, reflecting the 2018-2022 cohort. Data were analyzed to determine the top “feeder” schools which contributed the greatest number and percent of residents. Using univariable linear regression models, we characterized factors which were associated with feeder school status.

Results: Of 1,649 residents analyzed, 364 (22%) matched to their home program and 918 (56%) stayed in the region of their medical school. The median [IQR] number of published papers and abstracts was 5 [3, 9] with an h-index of 2 [1,4]. Vanderbilt University had the highest percent of successful matches into otolaryngology (n=19, 5.0%) while Louisiana State University (main and Shreveport campuses combined) had the highest absolute number (n=33, 4.7%). Factors associated with producing a greater percent of otolaryngology residents include presence of an interest group, presence of a home program, USNWR rank of the medical school, Doximity rank of the home residency program, pre-residency h-index, and total NIH research funding (each p< 0.001).

Conclusions: In the changing landscape of residency applications after the USMLE Step 1 exam’s transition in January 2022 to pass/fail scoring, it is important to understand characteristics of a successful otolaryngology match applicant. Findings from this study will inform prospective residents and residency programs seeking to improve access to otolaryngology. Future small-scale studies will help further identify driving factors within medical school curricula.