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Objective: Our study investigated the effects of surgical training on residents' personal relationships. It aimed to address the gaps in understanding of how the surgical training commitment can influence relationship stability, decision-making, and life planning within this unique professional group., Design: We used cross-sectional survey methodology to gather data on the intricacies of relationship dynamics amid the rigors of surgical training. The survey focused on marital status, relationship dynamics, personal life choices, the challenges and rewards of dual-healthcare relationships, and the support networks that individuals and couples rely on., Setting: All surgical departments at The Johns Hopkins Hospital., Participants: The study comprised 111 participants, including residents, fellows, and attending surgeons. Of those reporting sex, 56/105 (53%) were female, and the predominant age category was 25 to 34 years, making up 61/104 (59%) of respondents., Results: The majority (73/105, 70%) of respondents were or had been married, and 50/96 (52%) had partners in the medical field. Among those in a dual-healthcare relationship, 38/46 (83%) reported that their relationship was strengthened through understanding and empathy, yet 37/46 (80%) acknowledged complications in work-life balance. However, women were significantly more likely than men to report at least one negative effect of a dual-healthcare relationship (84% [16/19] versus 22% [6/27], p = .003). Among those with partners outside medicine, 39/46 (85%) acknowledged that their partner had to adjust their lifestyle significantly. A considerable number (73/92, 79%) postponed life events such as starting a family, and 57/85 (67%) experienced relationship strain due to long working hours., Conclusions: Residents in dual-healthcare couples derived support from their relationships, but surgical training placed a significant strain on residents' personal relationships and often prompted residents to postpone major life events such as starting a family. Enhanced support systems and targeted interventions are needed to assist surgical professionals in navigating the complexities of balancing a demanding career with personal life., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Introduction: The 2022 to 2023 orthopaedic residency cycle implemented a preference signaling program (PSP), allowing applicants to send "signals" to up to 30 programs to demonstrate their genuine interest. With the conclusion of the 2022 to 2023 cycle, the primary purpose of this study was to analyze program director (PD) perceptions of the PSP after the match cycle and provide a retrospective evaluation of the effects of the PSP on the orthopaedic resident selection process., Methods: A 21-question survey was distributed to 98 PDs (32.7% response rate). Contact information was obtained from a national database., Results: Most respondents (96.9%) participated in the American Orthopaedic Association's PSP. The majority (93.7%) view preference signaling as a positive change. Most PDs (56.2%) reported a decreased number in applications received compared with previous years. Receiving a preference signal was ranked among the most important factors in resident selection, and most PDs agreed that preference signaling should be used to screen applicants (84.4%) and differentiate similar applicants (96.8%). Moreover, 65.6% of PDs indicated that they would not rank or invite applicants to interview without a signal or completion of a formal away rotation. PDs report that in the 2022 to 2023 cycle, 98.5% of applicants who matched at their program had sent a preference signal., Discussion: Preference signaling was one of the most important factors assessed during its inaugural application cycle and is anticipated to remain a key tool for screening and differentiating candidates. Applicants should strategically select signal recipients to enhance their success in the match., (Copyright © 2023 by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.)

The orthopaedic surgery residency selection process has grown more competitive over recent years, with programs receiving an unprecedented number of applications. As an effort to target applications to programs of interest, the American Orthopaedic Association has announced the introduction of a formal preference-signaling program into the 2022 to 2023 orthopaedic surgery residency selection cycle. This system will allow applicants to assign "signals" to a total of 30 programs. The purpose of this article was to (1) discuss implications of the new preference-signaling program, (2) introduce the framework of the "strategic signaling spear" for applicants to conceptualize the power of all methods of preference-signaling to improve their odds of matching, and (3) describe the role of strong mentorship at all stages of the residency application process., (Copyright © 2022 by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.)

Introduction: On March 30, 2022, the American Orthopaedic Association's Council of Orthopaedic Residency Directors announced its endorsement for a preference signaling program (PSP) for the 2022 to 2023 orthopaedic residency application cycle. The purpose of our study was to assess orthopaedic surgery residency program director (PD) perceptions of the PSP and analyze potential effects of the PSP on the residency application process., Methods: A 19-question survey was distributed to 98 PDs (40.8% response rate). Contact information was obtained from a national database., Results: Most programs plan to participate in the PSP (87.5%). Preference signaling is highly regarded for residency selection, with PDs ranking its relative importance just below away rotation performance and personal knowledge of the applicant. Most PDs agreed that applicants will have increased chances of receiving interviews at programs they send a preference signal (65%). Most PDs also do not think that the PSP will help improve diversity (42.5%) and combat the overapplication phenomenon (67.5%). A majority think that an application cap limiting the total number of applications submitted should be initiated in future application cycles (85%)., Conclusion: Preference signaling will be one of the most important factors considered during orthopaedic residency selection. A signal will likely improve applicants' chance of receiving an interview. Thus, students should be selective about where they send their preference signals and invest time in creating strong, personal connections with a few, select programs to increase their success in the orthopaedic residency match., (Copyright © 2022 by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.)

Orthopaedic surgery is one of the most competitive specialties in the residency match. The personal statement (PS) is one component of the application. The significance of the PS to orthopaedic surgery residency applicants is unknown. This study evaluates applicant perceptions of the PS. Applicants to two separate United States orthopaedic residency programs for the 2019-2020 cycle were invited to participate. Survey was distributed via email. Twenty-one percent (204/978) of applicants completed the survey. Most were men (157/204, 77%), and most (125/204, 61%) spent up to 15 hours writing their PS. Many [79.4% (162/204)] believed the PS should continue to be included in the application. Women always edited their PS, while 7.0% (11/ 157) of men did not use any editors. Applicants believe the PS is valuable. The PS is time consuming but allows applicants to communicate details that otherwise may not be included in their application. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 31(1):034-041, 2022).

Over recent months, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has swept the world as a global pandemic, largely changing the practice of medicine as it was previously known. Physician trainees have not been immune to these changes-uncertainty during this time is undeniable for medical students at all levels of training. Of particular importance is the potential impact of COVID-19 on the upcoming residency application process for rising fourth-year students; a further source of added complexity in light of the newly integrated allopathic and osteopathic match in the 2020 to 2021 cycle. Owing to the impact COVID-19 could have on the residency match, insight regarding inevitable alterations to the application process and how medical students can adapt is in high demand. Furthermore, it is very possible that programs will inquire about how applicants spent their time while not in the hospital because of COVID-19, and applicants should be prepared to provide a meaningful answer. Although competitive at a basal level, the complexity of COVID-19 now presents an unforeseen, superimposed development in the quest to match. In this article, we aim to discuss and provide potential strategies for navigating the impact of COVID-19 on the residency application process for orthopaedic surgery.