Factors Medical Students Use to Select Orthopedic Surgery Residency Positions

This study reviewed all applications to our residency program and all interviewees completed a standardized questionnaire. Data was collected on applicants' educational background, knowledge of the residency program, and geographical considerations. All rotating applicants (21/46) knew the correct name of the chairman and program director, and knew the program size, compared with non-rotating applicants (25/46). Applicants applied to the programs within our city limits more often (80%) than to programs furthest from the city limits (63%). These data suggest that factors including size, rotations, research, and operative experience, may be less important than geographical considerations for medical students choosing an orthopedic surgery residency.