A comprehensive study examined trends in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) from 2007-2008 to 2022-2023, focusing on competitive surgical specialties. The mean number of applicants to surgical specialties has increased by 47.99%, while the mean number of total ranked positions per applicant increased by 88.07%. The top 5 most competitive specialties experienced a 57.66% increase in applicants and an 83.33% increase in ranked positions per applicant. These findings highlight the growing congestion in the NRMP system and emphasize the urgent need for reform to address the burdens on applicants and residency programs.
Editorial by Nasef H, Awan MU (…) Elkbuli A et 3 al. in Am Surg