Application and Match Rates in the Complex General Surgical Oncology Match

Background The Society of Surgical Oncology collaborates with the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) to facilitate the Complex General Surgical Oncology (CGSO) Match. Objective The purpose of this study was to understand trends in CGSO Match outcomes. We hypothesized that (1) match rates would increase with time; (2) US allopathic graduates would have higher match rates than non-US allopathic graduates; and (3) most applicants would match at one of their top three ranked choices. Methods The NRMP provided applicant and program data from the CGSO Match (2014–2021). Chi-square tests elucidated temporal trends and match rates by applicant archetype. Results The annual number of applicants decreased from 103 to 90 (13% decrease), while the annual number of fellowship positions increased from 56 to 67 (20% increase) from 2014–2021. The annual percentage of applicants who did not match decreased from 46% to 26% ( p < 0.05). Annual match rates increased from 54% to 74% ( p < 0.05). US allopathic graduates had higher match rates than non-US allopathic graduates but this disparity narrowed over time (84% vs. 55% in 2021; p < 0.001). Approximately half of all applicants matched at one of their top three choices (first, 29%; second, 12%; third, 8%). Applicants matching at one of their top three choices increased from 36% to 50% ( p < 0.05). Conclusions CGSO Match rates have increased over the past decade, thus primarily benefiting non-US allopathic graduates. Most applicants match at one of their top three choices. More research is needed to understand disparities in match rates by applicant and residency program characteristics.