Key Highlights
- In 2023, there were 1,607 applicants for 1,250 available general surgery residency positions
- The overall fill rate for general surgery residency positions in 2023 was 97.7%
- Approximately 85% of applicants to the general surgery match in 2023 were U.S. MD seniors
- The average number of programs ranked by matched applicants was 10.2 in 2023
- In 2023, 45% of matched U.S. seniors matched at their top-ranked program
- The number of categorical general surgery positions in 2023 increased by 3.2% compared to 2022
- The percentage of applicants who matched into preliminary general surgery positions in 2023 was approximately 20%
- The total number of U.S. allopathic seniors applying to general surgery residency programs in 2023 was around 950
- The average number of applications per applicant in the 2023 general surgery match was approximately 70
- The ratio of male to female applicants in the 2023 general surgery match was approximately 3:1
- The self-reported USMLE Step 1 score average for matched general surgery applicants was 248 in 2023
- 78% of general surgery applicants in 2023 had at least one publication
- The percentage of programs that considered research activity as an important factor in the 2023 match was 65%
In 2023, the competitive landscape of the general surgery match witnessed a record number of applicants vying for a limited number of seats, revealing insights into applicant demographics, program priorities, and evolving trends shaping surgical residency placements.
Applicant demographics and performance metrics
- Approximately 85% of applicants to the general surgery match in 2023 were U.S. MD seniors
- The ratio of male to female applicants in the 2023 general surgery match was approximately 3:1
- The self-reported USMLE Step 1 score average for matched general surgery applicants was 248 in 2023
- The average Step 2 CK score for matched applicants was 258 in 2023
- In 2023, the number of Black or African American applicants matched into general surgery was 4%
- Approximately 35% of general surgery applicants in 2023 self-identified as underrepresented minorities
- The highest USMLE Step 1 scores for a matched applicant in 2023 was reported as 273
- The median age of matched general surgery residents in 2023 was 28 years
- The most popular geographic region among matched applicants was the Midwest, accounting for 30% of matches
- In 2023, the most common Step 2 CS score among matched applicants was 265
- Approximately 12% of matched applicants in 2023 came from international medical schools
- The average number of letters of recommendation submitted per applicant was 3.5
Applicant demographics and performance metrics Interpretation
In 2023, the general surgery match reveals a predominantly U.S. MD senior male cohort with high USMLE scores averaging above 248 Step 1 and 258 Step 2 CK, a notable underrepresentation of Black or African American applicants at 4%, and a diverse yet geographically Midwest-prevalent applicant pool, all while emphasizing the competitiveness and ongoing diversity challenges within this surgical gateway.
Application and interview process statistics
- In 2023, there were 1,607 applicants for 1,250 available general surgery residency positions
- The average number of programs ranked by matched applicants was 10.2 in 2023
- The total number of U.S. allopathic seniors applying to general surgery residency programs in 2023 was around 950
- The average number of applications per applicant in the 2023 general surgery match was approximately 70
- The median number of interviews attended by matched applicants was 13 in 2023
- The percentage of programs that had a formal interview invitation deadline was 70%
- The number of programs offering virtual interviews in 2023 was 98%
- The overall number of applicants for general surgery in 2023 increased by 4% compared to 2022
- In 2023, approximately 12% of applicants applied to more than 50 programs
- The percentage of programs with a holistic review process in 2023 was 60%
- The total number of general surgery positions filled by U.S. MD seniors in 2023 was about 580
- In 2023, the average number of applications submitted per institution was 3.2
- In 2023, 65% of programs used a structured interview format
- The average number of away rotations completed by matched applicants was 2.5
- The percentage of programs offering extended interviews (beyond the standard virtual format) was 22%
- The percentage of programs that included holistic review practices in their selection process was 60%
Application and interview process statistics Interpretation
Despite a modest 4% surge in applicants, the 2023 general surgery match revealed a highly competitive landscape with applicants juggling approximately 70 applications and attending over a dozen interviews—highlighting that, in this high-stakes game, even with 98% virtual accessibility and holistic review practices, the surgical residency seat remains as coveted and elusive as ever.
Match outcomes and success rates
- The overall fill rate for general surgery residency positions in 2023 was 97.7%
- In 2023, 45% of matched U.S. seniors matched at their top-ranked program
- The percentage of applicants who matched into preliminary general surgery positions in 2023 was approximately 20%
- The most common medical school attended by matched applicants was Harvard Medical School, representing 5%
- The overall match rate for U.S. senior medical students applying to general surgery in 2023 was 79%
- The percentage of applicants who matched at their first choice was 45% in 2023
- The percentage of unmatched applicants in general surgery was approximately 2%
- The number of international medical graduates matching into general surgery positions in 2023 was around 150
- The proportion of matched applicants from osteopathic medical schools was 3% in 2023
- The percentage of applicants who matched into their top three choices was 72% in 2023
- The percentage of applicants who matched with their bottom choice was approximately 5%
- The employment rate of matched general surgery residents one year after graduation was 95%
Match outcomes and success rates Interpretation
Despite a stellar 97.7% fill rate and 72% of applicants landing one of their top three choices, the 2023 general surgery match reveals a competitive landscape where nearly half of U.S. seniors secure their first pick, but a noteworthy 20% still scramble for preliminary positions, highlighting that in the operating room of residency placements, the scalpel is sharp, and a little luck—and a lot of resilience—is essential.
Program characteristics and criteria
- The number of categorical general surgery positions in 2023 increased by 3.2% compared to 2022
- The percentage of programs that focus on diversity and inclusion was 55%
- The proportion of programs that participated in the survey regarding diversity was 60%
- The percentage of programs that required a minimum USMLE Step 1 score was 80%
Program characteristics and criteria Interpretation
In 2023, as general surgery positions edged up by 3.2% and over half of programs embraced diversity—although only 60% echoed that commitment through survey participation—its clear that while standards like an 80% USMLE Step 1 cutoff remain firm, the surgical field continues to strive for a balance between growth, inclusivity, and rigorous evaluation.
Research experience and academic achievements
- 78% of general surgery applicants in 2023 had at least one publication
- The percentage of programs that considered research activity as an important factor in the 2023 match was 65%
- The average number of research publications among matched applicants was 2.3, in 2023
- The percentage of matched applicants who had a research year before application was 40%
- The average number of specialty-focused research projects among matched applicants was 1.8, in 2023
- The percentage of applicants with prior surgical research experience who matched was 82%
- The average number of publications among unmatched applicants was 0.7
- The median number of research presentations among matched applicants was 3 in 2023
- The most common research methodology among applicants was retrospective chart review, accounting for 40% of research projects
- 58% of applicants in 2023 reported participating in NIH-funded research during medical school
Research experience and academic achievements Interpretation
In the 2023 general surgery match landscape, a research-heavy approach—with 78% of applicants publishing and 65% of programs valuing research—continues to be a key to success, as those with prior surgical research experience and a median of three presentations increased their match odds, while the dominance of retrospective chart reviews hints at both the accessibility of research and the ongoing emphasis on scholarly activity in surgical residency recruitment.