Current Trends in Pre-Residency Research Productivity Among Applicants Who Successfully Matched Into Top Anesthesiology Residency Programs.

Abstract

Background: Anesthesiology has become increasingly competitive with 3172 applicants for 1992 positions in the 2025 Match. While selection is holistic, research remains a key factor. Current Match data lacks detail on research output. This study analyzes temporal, gender, and geographic trends in publication volume among medical students who matched into the top 20 US anesthesiology programs.

Methods: Using Doximity's rankings, we identified the top 20 anesthesiology programs. A total of 447 residents from the 2027 graduating class and 414 from the 2024 graduating class were able to be identified through program websites. Total, first author, second author, and anesthesiology-specific publications were collected using PubMed and Google Scholar. Gender, medical school region, and residency program region were also identified for analyses.

Results: Class of 2027 residents had significantly more total (2.47 vs 1.22), first author (0.57 vs 0.29), and second author (0.59 vs 0.29) publications than those from the class of 2024 (P < .01). No difference was found in anesthesiology-specific publications (P = .27). Among 2027 residents analyzed, there were significantly higher first author publications among females than males (0.72 vs 0.44, P < .01), and there were no significant differences based on medical school region. There was a significant difference in the total number and first author publications based on the region of their matched residency program (P < .001) with significantly higher total publications in New England compared with the West North Central region (P < .001).

Conclusion: Research productivity increased between the graduating cohorts of 2024 and 2027, reflecting a growing emphasis on research among applicants to top anesthesiology programs. These may inform future applicants preparing for the Match.