This article provides a general overview of the 2024 match season, highlighting some of the most notable statistics. It includes data from both the ERAS and ResidencyCAS systems. Over the past ten years, there has been a 34% increase in the number of residents.
The ACGME report link is at 2024 ACGME Data Resource Book.
ACGME Releases 2023-2024 Statistics on Graduate Medical Education Programs and Resident Physicians - Markets Insider
The article doesn’t go into many of the drawbacks, but it does highlight some precautions to consider for the virtual interview format and discusses how some institutions are handling campus visits later in the interview process. Despite changes in approach, such as signaling and using teleconferencing for one-on-one and staff interviews, the selection criteria for residencies remain the same. Drawbacks of the virtual format include limited interaction, difficulty in reading body language, and challenges for both sides in assessing fit.
With associations exploring alternatives to the expensive ERAS process, the AAMC has started innovating rapidly.
Do the Benefits of Virtual Residency Interviews Outweigh the Downsides? - AAMC
The first-year results from ResidencyCAS are in. All OB/GYN residencies opted into the new program. Applications were in line with last year (~2,400 total, ~2,000 U.S. applicants). U.S. medical graduates applied to 59 programs on average, down ~20% or so. Each applicant received 18 signals to show particular program interests, and used them all. Costs to applicants were down significantly; residencies had more information about specific interest levels from applicants and conducted fewer interviews.
This article is an overview from the press. Dr. Brian Carmody at the Sheriff of Sodium blog does outstanding analysis of residency matches, applications, and the state of the AAMC application systems. You can also find him on Twitter at @jbcarmody.
Ob/Gyn Applications Stable in First Year of Independent Residency System
A study in BMC examined residents' humanistic care skills, emotional intelligence (EI), and the correlation between the two. Higher EI skills demonstrably result in better care, higher patient compliance, and a lower risk of malpractice claims. Humanistic competence involves effective communication, ethical decision-making, and respect for patient autonomy. The study took place in a large Chinese hospital—Panzhihua Central. There was a strong correlation between EI and Humanistic Care Competence scores, along with a generally low level of EI among the residents.
It would be interesting to know how U.S. residencies compare and to cross-correlate results by specialty and year.
A Study of the Correlation Between Residents’ Humanistic Care Skills and their Level of Emotional Intelligence - BMC Medical Education
A 15-month-old girl with a known peanut allergy was brought to the ED after eating a cookie at a restaurant. She vomited once prior to arrival.
She shows T 37ºC HR 145 RR 36 BP 65/35 SpO2 99 % on RA.
She is sleepy but arousable. There is no obvious urticaria or angioedema. There is no wheeze on auscultation. Her heart sounds are normal, and she has a capillary refill time of 2-3 seconds.
What is the most appropriate next step in management?