Dataset Information

A Computer Simulation Model to Analyze the Application Process for Competitive Residency Programs.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The residency match process for competitive specialties hinders programs' ability to holistically review applications.

Objective

A computer simulation model of the residency application process was created to test the hypotheses that (1) it is advantageous to medical students to apply to the maximum number of programs under the current system, and (2) including a medical student's residency program preferences at the beginning of the application process improves the efficiency of the system for applicants and programs as quantified by the number of interview invitations received.

Methods

The study was conducted in 2016 using 2014 Otolaryngology Match data. A computer model was created to perform simulations for multiple scenarios to test the hypotheses. Students were assigned scores representing easy and hard metrics and program preferences, simulating a mixture of individual student preference and general program popularity.

Results

We modeled a system of 99 otolaryngology residency programs with 292 residency spots and 460 student applicants. While it was individually advantageous for an applicant to apply to the maximum number of programs, this led to a poor result for the majority of students when all applicants undertook the strategy. The number of interview invitations improved for most applicants when preference was revealed.

Conclusions

Offering applicants an option to provide program preference improves the practical number of interview invitations. This enables programs to review applicants holistically-instead of using single parameters such as United States Medical Licensing Examination scores-which facilitates a selection of applicants who will be successful in residency.

SUBMITTER: Whipple ME

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6375320 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

A Computer Simulation Model to Analyze the Application Process for Competitive Residency Programs.

Whipple Mark E ME Law Anthony B AB Bly Randall A RA

Journal of graduate medical education 20190201 1

<h4>Background</h4>The residency match process for competitive specialties hinders programs' ability to holistically review applications.<h4>Objective</h4>A computer simulation model of the residency application process was created to test the hypotheses that (1) it is advantageous to medical students to apply to the maximum number of programs under the current system, and (2) including a medical student's residency program preferences at the beginning of the application process improves the eff ...[more]

PMID: 30805093

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Dataset Information

A Computer Simulation Model to Analyze the Application Process for Competitive Residency Programs.

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Publications

A Computer Simulation Model to Analyze the Application Process for Competitive Residency Programs.

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