The Value of Research in the Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Applicant: A Pilot Survey of Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program Directors.

Introduction: The role of research in the orthopaedic surgery residency application process has become increasingly important, particularly in the wake of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 examination transitioning to pass/fail. The purpose of this study was to determine the value that orthopaedic surgery residency program directors and other faculty place on various research elements included in residency applications.

Methods: An anonymous cross-sectional survey was distributed to program directors and other faculty involved with the review of orthopaedic surgery residency applications within the Collaborative of Orthopaedic Education Research Group in February 2024. The survey asked questions related to the value placed on publication types, authorship position, dedicated research years, and the general importance of research.

Results: Ten respondents, including 7 program directors, 2 assistant program directors, and 1 director of research, participated. Eight (80%) indicated that the number of publications is important, with 4 (40%) identifying a minimum number of publications of 2 to 3 to be considered competitive at their program. Respondents also identified the following components as important: journal impact factor (9; 90%), authorship position (5; 50%), and study type (7; 70%). Clinical research within orthopaedic surgery was most highly regarded (9; 90%), while case studies were deemed least valuable (9; 90%). Six respondents (60%) agreed that research is more important now that USMLE Step 1 is pass/fail.

Conclusions: Since the transition of Step 1 to pass/fail, research has become an increasingly important part of an orthopaedic surgery resident's application. Residency programs value research productivity, particularly clinical research within orthopaedics. While the minimum number of publications varies, 2 to 3 are often considered competitive. Factors contributing to the perceived value of research include journal impact factor, authorship position, and study type. With this knowledge, applicants can align their research activities with the values of orthopaedic surgery residency programs.

Level of evidence: Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.