Identification of Candidate Characteristics that Predicted a Successful Anesthesiology Residency Program Match in 2024: An Anonymous, Prospective Survey.

Background: The primary aim of our study was to identify candidate characteristics that predicted a successful outcome for applicants to anesthesiology residency programs in the 2024 Main Residency Match. The secondary aim of our study was to assess the impact of gold and silver signals on the application process.

Methods: The Baylor Scott & White Research Institute institutional review board approved this study. Study investigators created a REDCap survey by consensus that included questions about demographic and academic characteristics for participants in the 2024 Match who applied to anesthesiology residency programs. A link to an invitation to participate in our study was posted to 2 social media platforms. The survey was accessible from March 19, 2024, to March 28, 2024.

Results: One hundred and fourteen matched and 23 unmatched applicants completed the survey. Matched applicants reported a higher mean US Medical Licensing Examination Step 2 score than unmatched applicants (252 versus 245, < .01) along with more interview invitations (11 versus 6, < .01). Matched and unmatched applicants submitted a mean of 44 and 55 applications to residency programs without a gold or silver signal, respectively, that resulted in a median of 1 interview invitation for both cohorts.

Conclusions: The results of our study indicate that matched applicants had higher self-reported US Medical Licensing Examination Step 2 scores and interview invitations than unmatched applicants. Additionally, applications to programs that did not receive a gold or silver signal yielded only 1 additional interview invitation and resulted in a high financial cost to the applicant.