Number
640
Name
Early Exit Polling of the ResidencyCAS Platform for OB/GYN Residency Applications
Date & Time
Sunday, June 15, 2025, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Location Name
Exhibition Hall C
Speakers
Kyle Bauckman - Nova Southeastern University College of Medicine
Presentation Topic(s)
Student Support
Description

Purpose
The transition from the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) to ACOG’s new ResidencyCAS platform marks a significant change for obstetrics and gynecology residency programs beginning in the 2024-25 application cycle. ResidencyCAS offers a holistic, streamlined approach to aligning candidates with OB/GYN residency programs. The platform promises to enhance applicant-program alignment, increase diversity, reduce costs, and alleviate administrative burdens. This research explores medical students’ and residency program directors’ (PDs) perceptions of the platform, focusing on its usability, efficiency, and ability to deliver on its goals. The findings of this study offer an early assessment of ResidencyCAS’s impact and identify areas for improvement as it is more widely implemented.

Methods
An anonymous survey was distributed to OB/GYN residency PDs and medical student representatives from ACOG-registered interest groups (IRB#:2024-506) to assess perceptions of ResidencyCAS during the application process. We received feedback from 23 PDs/assistant PDs, 5 students currently applying to OB/GYN residencies, and 1 OB/GYN Resident.

Results
Initial findings were mixed with responders divided on first impressions of ResidencyCAS with 31% harboring negative impressions. 41% of responders felt switching to ResidencyCAS was unnecessary. Cost savings were indicated as the most positive feature of the initial launch. Interestingly, 59% of responders were unconfident with ResidencyCAS’ ability to reduce PD and applicant burden relative to ERAS. 79% indicated concern with the current technical challenges with ResidencyCAS with “not user-friendly” being the most common free response phrase.

Conclusions
Initial responses reveal mixed sentiment regarding ResidencyCAS. While the platform is expected to improve holistic evaluations and reduce costs, challenges related to learning curves, data security, and technical issues persist. Response to these concerns will determine how effective ResidencyCAS is able to achieve their intended aims.