Applicants' Self-Reported Priorities in Selecting a Residency Program

• DOI: 10.4300/jgme-d-14-00142.1
• Publication Date: 2014-12-19T21:39:17Z
• Authors: Roy Phitayakorn; E. A. Macklin; J. Goldsmith; Debra F. Weinstein
• Keywords: Salary; Specialty; Underrepresented Minority

Residency recruitment is a high-stakes activity for all participants, yet there limited information about how applicants choose among programs.This study evaluated the importance place on various residency program attributes; whether applicant priorities vary by sex, race/ethnicity, or specialty choice; and of these factors changes over time.Highly ranked to programs at 2 academic medical centers were surveyed annually from 2004 2012 regarding 26 characteristics in selecting program. Mean ratings each factor analyzed assess priority overall group, differed subgroups (by specialty).Of 9669 surveyed, 6285 (65%) responded. The 5 with highest rating (overall across subgroups) program's ability prepare residents future training position, resident esprit de corps, faculty availability involvement teaching, depth breadth faculty, variety patients clinical resources. Small but significant differences some sex and/or group identified. Institution-level characteristics, such as call rooms, salary, benefits, relatively unimportant. Applicant stable 9-year period.Highly competitive value educational aspects most highly, along morale. Top consistent 9 years study. These findings have implications strategies.