Impact of orthopaedic candidate interview timing on successful matching

Introduction The impact of the interview date on matching in orthopaedic surgery residency is unknown. Materials and methods A retrospective review of interviewed applicants for a first-year orthopaedic surgery residency was conducted to determine the likelihood of matching based on being interviewed early versus late at our program. The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) scores were compared between early and late interviewees. Results Between 2012 and 2016, 316 candidates interviewed for residency positions. Twenty matched at our program and 230 at other institutions. No difference existed in USMLE scores. Late interviewees had significantly higher chances of matching at our center, but not nationwide in orthopaedic surgery (p = 0.025 and p = 0.58, respectively). Conclusion Later applicant interview was associated with greater chance of matching at our institution, but did not impact the candidate's ability to match in orthopaedic surgery at other programs.