What Predicts Dermatology Residency Match Success?

🔍 Key Finding Higher USMLE Step 1 scores, having a home dermatology program, and attending more interviews were associated with successfully matching into dermatology residency. Applicants participating in the couples match had a 100% match rate and often employed the strategy of applying to programs where their partner also had interviews.

🔬 Methodology Overview

• Design: Cross-sectional survey study.
• Participants: Dermatology residency applicants to Mayo Clinic (Scottsdale in 2018-2019, Scottsdale/Rochester/Jacksonville in 2019-2020).
• Data Collection: Initial survey before Match Day (demographics, academic information, interviews); follow-up survey on Match Day (match status, couples match data).
• Variables: Age, gender, race, ethnicity, marital status, children, USMLE scores, publications, rotations, interviews, couples match participation and outcomes.
• Statistical Analysis: Descriptive statistics, t-tests, chi-square tests.
• Combined Analysis: Data from both application cycles combined for analysis.

📊 Results

• Higher Match Rates Associated With: Higher USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK scores, presence of a home dermatology program, and a greater number of interviews.
• USMLE Scores and Matching: Median USMLE Step 1 score for matched applicants was 251 (IQR 243-257) vs 242 (IQR 216.75-252.25) for unmatched. Median USMLE Step 2 CK score was 259 (IQR 253-267) for matched vs 246 (IQR 238-257) for unmatched.
• Home Program Advantage: 80.2% of applicants with a home dermatology program matched compared to 64.3% without.
• Gender and Match Rate: Similar match rates observed for males (85.2%) and females (89.0%). However, females had lower median USMLE Step 1 (247 vs 253) and Step 2 CK (247 vs 251) scores than males.
• Applicants with Children: Lower average USMLE Step 1 (241 vs 251) and Step 2 CK (246 vs 258) scores compared to those without children.
• Couples Match Success: 100% (17/17) of couples match participants matched into dermatology, with 82.4% matching at the same institution. These participants had a higher average number of interviews offered (13.6 vs 9.8) and attended (11.3 vs 8.9) compared to non-couples match applicants.

💡 Clinical Impact This research identifies key factors associated with matching into dermatology residency, including high USMLE Step 1 scores, having a home dermatology program, and attending a greater number of interviews, which can inform medical students’ application strategies. Additionally, it highlights the unique challenges and considerations faced by couples matching into dermatology, potentially prompting residency programs to offer more support and resources for these applicants.

🤔 Limitations

• The survey is from a single institution and had a limited number of respondents.
• Low response rate.
• Subanalyses (children and couples matching) were underpowered with the limited number of participants.
• Accuracy of the data is dependent on the applicants’ honesty in self-reporting.
• Information such as the Medical Student Performance Evaluation letter, letters of recommendation, or personal statements were not gathered.

✨ What It Means For You Dermatology applicants should prioritize maximizing their USMLE Step 1 score and securing a home dermatology program to improve their chances of matching. Couples matching applicants may benefit from strategically applying and interviewing at programs where their partner also has interviews, but should be prepared for the possibility of matching at different institutions. This data reinforces the highly competitive nature of dermatology residency and offers practical advice for applicants navigating the match process.

Reference Harvey JA, Costello C, Besch-Stokes J, Bhullar P, DiCaudo DJ, Tollefson MM, Tolaymat LM, Ochoa S. Characteristics of Matched vs Nonmatched Dermatology Applicants. Cutis. 2023;111:E8-E15. https://doi.org/10.12788/cutis.0692