Trends in the match rate and composition of candidates matching into categorical General Surgery residency positions in the United States

Abstract Background The aim of this study is to analyze the trends in the proportion of students from various educational backgrounds who matched into categorical general surgery (GS) residency positions. Methods National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) reports (1994 to 2014) were analyzed and regression was used to estimate the trends for each group. Results The match rate into GS-categorical residency has remained stable; however, since 1994 we witnessed a 13% decrease in US seniors matching into GS. This has corresponded to proportional increases in matches for US citizens from international medical schools (US IMG-1350%) and a 62% increase for non-US citizen international medical graduates (nonUS IMG) into GS. By comparison, US IMG matches into all PGY1 positions increased by 468% while nonUS IMG matches decreased by 15%. Conclusion The stable match rates into categorical GS residencies are not due to US Seniors but rather to a rise in the number of international medical graduates. In contrast to the decreased reliance on nonUS IMGs in all other specialties, GS is accepting a larger proportion of nonUS IMGs.