PURPOSE:
Successful attainment of a residency position is a key outcome for medical
students and academic institutions. The residency Match process is complex,
highly variable across specialties. While traditional advising approaches,
such as career advisors and 4th year planning courses are beneficial, earlier
structured guidance may improve student clarity and confidence. This project
evaluated the impact of an early, data-driven seminar series on medical
student perceptions of Match preparedness.
METHODS:
A semester-long evening seminar series was developed, offering customized
Match data for every specialty. Sessions targeted first through third-year
medical students with each session dedicated to one specialty. Presentations
incorporated national datasets (AAMC, ERAS, NRMP, Texas STAR) and
deidentified internal alumni outcomes. Practical advising was tailored to
students’ stage of training. Participants were invited to complete a
voluntary, anonymous survey (IRB# 2023-191). Attendance at one session was
required for the cohort (n=175); 50% responded (n=88).
RESULTS:
All respondents (n=88) reported the sessions were useful. Nearly all found
national data trends (99%) and internal data trends (98%) helpful. A large
majority (94%) felt better or far better prepared to apply to their specialty
of interest following participation. Students reported the highest anxiety
regarding Step 2 CK (72.7% anxious or very anxious). Additional areas of
concern included matching into a competitive program (62.6%), research
expectations (56.8%), AOA eligibility (50%), and matching overall (48.9%).
CONCLUSION:
An early, longitudinal, data-driven seminar series significantly improved
student perceptions of Match preparedness and addressed misconceptions driven
by informal sources including online forums. Students valued the unbiased
presentation of specialty-specific data and the opportunity for open,
judgment-free discussion. Feedback suggested interest adding sessions for
military and couples matching. Preliminary findings indicate this advising
model benefits student wellbeing related to the Match process. Future work
will assess the long-term impact on career readiness as participating cohorts
enter the residency application cycle.