the otolaryngology resident applicant dilemma alex marston, md pgy-4 otolaryngology resident mayo...
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Program-specific paragraphTRANSCRIPT
The Otolaryngology
Resident Applicant Dilemma
Alex Marston, MDPGY-4
Otolaryngology residentMayo Clinic
Rochester, MN
The Match• 425 applicants for 295 spots in 20141
• Median number of programs ranked for U.S. seniors (2014)1
o Matched: 12o Unmatched: 5
• Goal to maximize the number of interviews applicants apply to many programs
1Charting Outcomes in the Match, 2014, National Resident Matching Program
Program-specific paragraph
Program-specific paragraph
• Encourages applicants to investigate each program in detail
• With more critical analysis, applicants may decide some programs are not a good fit
• Challenges:o Some residency programs have out-of-date
descriptions posted onlineo Added time commitment
Applicant perspectives • “My main issue was with the timing
of the request; only one month before ERAS was due.”
• “Had I been given earlier notice, I would have spent more time refining my reasons for applying to each institution.”
Applicant perspectives • “It really wouldn't cut down on the
number of places people apply to next year because the students already know about the personal statements. And they have all year to work on the personal statements. Unlike us who were told only about 3 weeks before ERAS was due.”
Applicant perspectives • “Many paragraphs started to sound
generic, even for programs I truly cared for.”
• “It just created more work for us to do during a time when we were already busy with applications and away rotations.”
Applicant perspectives • “Personally, I still applied to just as
many programs as I would have if there was not a unique paragraph for each school. I am very passionate and motivated for a future career in otolaryngology, which means applying broadly no matter what.”
Applicant perspectives • “It is unrealistic to think any
applicant will really know why they like the program unless they have rotated there.”
• “I imagine this leads to a great majority of the paragraphs sounding very similar.”
Applicant perspectives • “Having to look up each program did
make me re-evaluate whether I actually wanted to spend 5 years there.”
• “Overall, I think the paragraph is a great addition as long as applicants are given ample time prior to ERAS opening to complete the paragraphs.”
Mayo Clinic experience
Year 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010
Total applicant
s266 325 320 241 242 237
Conclusion• Applicants feel pressure to apply to
many programs
• Paragraph requirement decreased the number of applicants to each program this year
• Important to have up-to-date program descriptions online
