Orthopaedic Fellowship Match: How Do Degree and Gender Type Affect Match Success?

Abstract

Introduction: Discrepancies have previously been identified in terms of gender and medical degree throughout orthopaedic education. The purpose of this study was to evaluate trends in the degree type and gender of applicants to orthopaedic trauma, sports medicine, adult reconstruction, foot and ankle, shoulder and elbow, and pediatric fellowships.

Methods: Official San Francisco match data from 2012 to 2023 were obtained. Data regarding the number of applicants, match rates, and rank list position based on applicant degree and gender were evaluated.

Results: The match rate for female applicants increased from a low of 81% (45/56) in 2013 to a high of 99% (94/95) in 2021 (mean 90% ± 6%), with a significant increase over the study period (r = 0.59, p = 0.02). For male applicants, the match rate ranged from a low of 85% (416/488) in 2013 to a high of 96% (515/536) in 2021 (mean 90% ± 4%), with a significant increase (r = 0.91, p = 0.000007). The match rate for osteopathic applicants increased from 63% (46/73) in 2013 to 94% (84/89) in 2021 (mean 82% ± 8%). There was a statistically significant increase in the match rate of osteopathic applicants over the study period (r = 0.75, p = 0.002). The match rate for allopathic applicants ranged from a low of 86% (405/471) in 2013 to a high of 96% (522/542) in 2021 (mean 91% ± 3%). There was a statistically significant increase in the match rate of allopathic applicants over the study period (r = 0.72, p = 0.003).

Conclusions: Overall, male and female applicants match at equal rates for the orthopaedic fellowship. Osteopathic graduates are less likely to match than allopathic graduates.