Background
Currently, 2 predominant pathways exist for vascular surgery training: integrated
and independent training pathways. We hypothesized that match rates would increase
with time and be higher in the independent pathway than in the integrated pathway.
Methods
The National Resident Matching Program provided data from the Vascular Surgery Match
(VSM) (2008–2021). Match rates were defined as the percentage of applicants who matched.
Chi-squared tests were used to evaluate temporal trends and interpathway differences.
Results
Over the study period, the annual number of training positions increased for both
the independent (119 to 129, 8% increase) and integrated (9 to 79, 778% increase)
training pathways. From 2008 to 2021, the annual match rate was stable in the independent
pathway (97% to 96%, P > 0.05). In the integrated pathway, the annual match rate increased from 29% to 44%
(P < 0.001). During each year, match rates in the independent pathway exceeded those
in the integrated pathway (P < 0.001). US allopathic graduates had higher match rates than non-US allopathic graduates
in both the independent (92% vs. 82%, P < 0.001) and the integrated pathway (70% vs. 17%, P < 0.001). In the independent pathway, the percentage of applicants that matched at
1 of their top 3 choices decreased from 67% to 58% (P < 0.001). Over the study period, more training positions went unmatched in the Independent
(n = 130, 8%) versus the Integrated (n = 17, 3%) pathway (P < 0.001).
Conclusions
VSM match rates have increased for the integrated pathway and remains competitive
especially for non-US allopathic graduates. More research is needed to understand
applicant variables that modulate match rates.
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: December 24, 2022
Accepted:
December 17,
2022
Received:
November 15,
2022
Footnotes
Conflict of interest: Each author certifies that there are no funding or commercial associations (consultancies, stock ownership, equity interest, patent/licensing arrangements, etc.) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article related to the author or any immediate family members.
Author contributions: JS–conception and design; data collection; statistical analysis; manuscript preparation; critical revision; ZN–data collection; statistical analysis; manuscript preparation; critical revision; VR–conception and design; data collection; statistical analysis; manuscript preparation; critical revision; KH–conception and design; data collection; statistical analysis; manuscript preparation; critical revision.
Identification
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