Surgical EducationTrends in the match rate and composition of candidates matching into categorical general surgery residency positions in the United States

•Since 1994, there has been a 13% decrease in US seniors matching into general surgery.•This corresponded to proportional increases in the number of matched IMG's (both US citizens and non-US citizens).•US IMG matches into first year postgraduate positions for all specialties (excluding general surgery) increased, whereas non-US IMG matches decreased by 15%.•Stable match rates in general surgery are not because of US seniors but because of a rise in the number of international medical graduates.•General surgery is accepting a larger proportion of non-US IMGs.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to analyze the trends in the proportion of students from various educational backgrounds who matched into categorical general surgery (GS) residency positions.MethodsNational Resident Matching Program reports (1994 to 2014) were analyzed, and regression was used to estimate the trends for each group.ResultsThe match rate into GS-categorical residency has remained stable; however, since 1994, we witnessed a 13% decrease in US seniors matching into GS. This has corresponded to proportional increases in matches for US citizens from international medical schools (US IMG, 1350%) and a 62% increase for non-US citizen international medical graduates (non-US IMG) into GS. In comparison, US IMG matches into all first-year postgraduate positions increased by 468%, whereas non-US IMG matches decreased by 15%.ConclusionsThe stable match rates into categorical GS residencies are not because of US seniors but rather because of a rise in the number of IMGs. In contrast to the decreased reliance on non-US IMGs in all other specialties, GS is accepting a larger proportion of non-US IMGs.