JBJS Open Access (Jun 2024)

Identification of Factors Associated with Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Programs That Preferentially Match Students Who Performed an Elective Rotation Before the Interview Process

  • Kenneth H. Levy, BS,
  • Akram Al Ramlawi, BS,
  • Lucy R. O'Sullivan, BS,
  • Miguel A. Cartagena-Reyes, BS,
  • Andrew B. Harris, MD,
  • Dawn M. LaPorte, MD, FAOA,
  • Amiethab A. Aiyer, MD, FAOA

DOI
https://doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.OA.23.00165
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 9, no. 2

Abstract

Read online

Introduction:. The role of elective rotations in the orthopaedic residency selection process varies between programs. Our study aims to identify factors associated with residency programs that interview and match a greater proportion of applicants who have completed an elective rotation with their program. Methods:. Data were collected through the American Orthopaedic Association's Orthopaedic Residency Information Network database. Bivariate correlations and multivariate regression models were used to identify independent predictors of programs with a greater proportion of interviewees or residents who completed an elective rotation at the respective program. Results:. One hundred seventy-eight of the 218 existing residency programs were included in this study. Programs that offered fewer interviews and more away rotation positions per year were associated with a greater odds of its interviewees (OR = 0.36, p = 0.01; OR = 4.55, p < 0.001, respectively) and residents (OR = 0.44, p = 0.04; OR = 4.23, p < 0.001, respectively) having completed an elective rotation with the program. In addition, programs with fewer attendings (OR = 0.39, p = 0.03) and in-person interviews (OR = 3.04, p = 0.04) matched a greater proportion of their rotators. However, programs that interviewed applicants during the elective rotation were less likely to match their rotators (OR = 0.35, p = 0.04). Conclusion:. Certain program characteristics independently predict the likelihood of a program interviewing and matching their rotators. These findings may provide information for applicants and programs regarding the rotation process. Level of Evidence:. III.