(A1018) Otolaryngology Match Trends in the Era of High-Volume Preference Signaling

Introduction: The number of otolaryngology (OTO) preference signals provided to each applicant increased from 7 in 2023 to 25 in 2024. The influence of high-volume signaling on OTO match outcomes and applicant characteristics has yet to be studied. We analyzed the impacts of signal expansion using 2023 and 2024 survey data from the Texas Seeking Transparency in Applications to Residency (STAR) database.

Methods: Survey data from Texas STAR for the 2023 and 2024 match cycles was collected, including application numbers, interview offers, and match outcomes. Applicant characteristics related to research, clerkship performance, Step 2 CK score, and professional society memberships Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) and Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS) were collected. Characteristics of matched applicants between 2023 and 2024 were compared.

Results: The survey identified 146 applicants in 2023 and 139 applicants in 2024. Match rates did not differ significantly (p=0.897) between 2023 (82.88%) and 2024 (83.45%). Mean number of applications per applicant decreased from 86.6 ± 24.5 to 57.0 ± 23.0 (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in mean number of interviews received (16.2 ± 8.3 vs. 14.3 ± 5.4, p = 0.40). Peer-reviewed publications decreased (7.0 ± 3.9 vs. 4.6 ± 3.7, p< 0.01). Mean number of honored clerkships increased (3.7 ± 2.6 vs 4.8 ± 2.2, p< 0.01). There was no significant difference in AOA status (46.3% vs. 45.7%, p=0.46), GHHS membership (12.4% vs.17.2%, p=0.74), median Step 2 CK score (255-260 vs. 255-260, p=0.62), or completing a research year (26.4% vs. 25.0%, p=0.80).

Conclusions: Expansion of preference signals in OTO led to reduced application burden without significantly impacting interview numbers or match rates. Our findings may suggest a greater emphasis on clinical clerkship performance and decreased emphasis on number of research publications in resident selection.