A follow-up survey of the integrity of the dermatology National Resident Matching Program

BackgroundOur group’s 2009 study of the integrity of the dermatology match revealed that some dermatology program directors violated National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) policy during their communications with applicants. Our group’s article concluded with recommendations to change this behavior.ObjectiveWe repeated a survey of dermatology applicants to understand if dermatology program personnel behavior has changed since our group’s 2009 study of the dermatology match.MethodsWe surveyed 2011 applicants to Department of Dermatology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA. The survey was anonymous and available online.ResultsOf applicants, 14% were asked to reveal how they intended to rank a program before match day. Of applicants, 32% felt pressured to reveal how they intended to rank programs. Of applicants, 90% were asked about interviews at other programs. Of applicants, 44% were asked about their marital status and 19% were asked if they had children or intended to have children.LimitationsThe response rate for applicants was 53%.ConclusionAlthough our previous study increased knowledge about the problems within the dermatology match, dermatology program personnel continue to violate NRMP policy. The most widespread violations are asking applicants where they will interview, asking applicants if they are married, and pressuring applicants to reveal how they intend to rank programs. We continue to recommend that programs avoid postinterview contact, and recommend that the NRMP create training videos for applicants and interviewers.