Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 2007/08, 107(8):362. doi: 10.7556/jaoa.2007.107.8.327, type of study: ,css,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Full text    (https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.7556/jaoa.2007.107.8.327/html)

Keywords:

cross sectional study [894]
osteopathic medicine [2108]
programs [139]
residency [337]
USA [1751]

Abstract:

The number of osteopathic residency program openings in the US is competitive and somewhat limited. It is therefore to the benefit of residency program applicants to be aware of the absolute and relative importance of the criteria used to evaluate them in order to maximize their probability of a successful match. To provide information regarding these criteria and their importance, a survey was developed and distributed to all osteopathic residency program directors in the specialties of family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics/gynecology, orthopedics and surgery. Of 157 surveys distributed, 98 (62%) were completed and returned. Questions on the survey were divided into the areas of academic accomplishment, personal/professional characteristics and professional recommendations. Respondents were asked to rate each item as to its importance in considering an application using a 5 point scale from unimportant to critical. Every survey response in the personal characteristic category such as importance of empathy/compassion, with the exception of a letter of recommendation from a clinical faculty within the hospital and specialty to which the applicant is applying, ranked higher than all other responses in both other categories. All scores for the personal characteristics category ranked between the categories of very important and critical. The top ranked attributes were compatibility with the program followed by commitment to hard work and personal interview. Professional recommendations were the second most important category. The importance of academic criteria followed that of professional recommendations with the most important being required clerkship grades the highest and rated just under very important. In summary, it appears personal attributes, which are best demonstrated by direct contact with those involved in the residency program to which the graduate is applying, are the most important for consideration into a residency program. Although also very relevant, professional recommendations and academic criteria are of lesser importance.