Step 1: Explore the Specialty
Before you pursue a career in Orthopedic Surgery, it's important to be well informed about the specialty. We've put together a great collection of articles and resources which are essential reading for the aspiring orthopedic surgeon.
These articles will give you a better idea of the pros and cons of a career in the field, trends in the specialty, and hot-topic issues for trainees.
Hot Topics, Concerns, and Future Directions in Orthopedic Surgery
Step 2: Review Orthopedic Surgery Match Data
Orthopedic Surgery can be considered a highly competitive specialty. In the 2018 NRMP Match, 132 of the 810 U.S. seniors applicants failed to match, making orthopedic surgery one of the most competitive specialties.
Relatively few of the available positions in orthopedic surgery residency programs are filled by international medical graduate and osteopathic applicants. Osteopathic students may also apply to AOA-approved residency programs in orthopedic surgery. Over 30 such programs exist.
Orthopedic Surgery-Charting Outcomes in the Match for U.S. MD 2018
National Resident Matching Program, Charting Outcomes in the Match: U.S. Allopathic Seniors, 2018. National Resident Matching Program, Washington, DC 2018.
Orthopedic Surgery-Charting Outcomes in the Match for U.S. DO 2018
National Resident Matching Program, Charting Outcomes in the Match: U.S. Osteopathic Seniors, 2018. National Resident Matching Program, Washington, DC 2018.
Orthopedic Surgery-Charting Outcomes in the Match for IMGs 2018
National Resident Matching Program, Charting Outcomes in the Match for International Medical Graduates, 2018. National Resident Matching Program, Washington, DC 2018.
Step 3: Understand Residency Selection Criteria
"We receive approximately 400 - 500 completed applications through ERAS each year," writes the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Oklahoma. "Our Screening Committee reviews these applications and approximately 45-50 applicants are invited to interview...Most applicants invited to interview are well-rounded individuals who are in the upper one-third of their class and have high board scores. Many are members of AOA."
To maximize your chances of matching with your first-choice residency program in orthopedic surgery, you must become well informed as early as possible. In particular, you need to know the criteria residency programs use to select residents. We recommend beginning with the following resources:
Orthopedic Surgery-2018 NRMP Program Director Survey
National Resident Matching Program, Data Release and Research Committee: Results of the 2018 NRMP Program Director Survey. National Resident Matching Program, Washington, DC. 2018.
Check out these other recommended resources
Step 4: Develop your Strategy for Success
As competition for positions in the orthopedic surgery residency match intensifies, it's more important than ever to have in place the "right" strategy for success. To develop the optimal strategy, use our book, The Successful Match. It's been designated recommended or required reading by the Association of American Medical Colleges, American Medical Women's Association, and numerous allopathic and osteopathic medical schools. AMSA wrote the book "provides the medical student reader with detailed preparation for the matching process." For more powerful information, sign up for our weekly update.
Step 5: Make the Most of your Preclinical Years
Step 6: Apply for Scholarships and Awards
Winning medical school scholarships and awards can provide a major boost to your residency application, and set you apart from your peers. Awards can be placed in the application, MSPE (Dean's Letter), letters of recommendation, and CV. We have found that interviewers often ask about awards during residency interviews.
Step 7: Assess your USMLE Step 1 Score or COMLEX 1 Score
Step 8: Strive for Success During Clerkships, Observerships and Externships
Step 9: Prepare a Powerful Residency Application
Step 10: Develop a Powerful Personal Statement
Step 11: Deliver an Impressive Interview Performance
What if I didn't match?
If you were unsuccessful during your initial match cycle, you'll need to sit down with your dean or advisor to review your match strategy. In planning your reapplication, each of the steps above becomes even more important.
For those who seek additional expert assistance, we can provide that. Dr. Desai has had significant experience in helping re-applicants match successfully.
This is provided via a Strategy for Success Session. Dr. Desai will perform a comprehensive review of your credentials, assess your strengths and weaknesses, and provide you with a specific plan to implement tailored to your unique situation.