Predictors of a Successful Urology Resident Using Medical Student Application Materials

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate features from the medical student application record that predict for a high-quality urology resident because there are currently sparse data on factors that are associated with a successful urology residency.

Materials and methods: We reviewed the Mayo Clinic experience with 53 urology residents who matriculated between 2000 and 2011. Residents were independently scored 1-10 based on overall quality by the Program Director and Associate Program Director. Discrepant scoring by >2 was resolved by the former Program Director. Associations of features from the medical student application with an excellent score (defined as 8-10) were evaluated with logistic regression.

Results: Discrepant scoring >2 was noted in only 3 residents (6%). Among the 53 residents, the mean overall score was 6.2 (standard deviation 3.0, range 1-10) and 20 residents (38%) had an excellent score of 8-10. Univariably, higher United States Medical Licensing Examination step II score (P = .011), election to Alpha Omega Alpha (P = .017), no negative interview comments (P = .044), lower ranked medical school (P = .015), honors in obstetrics and gynecology clerkship (P = .044), and honors in all core clinical clerkships (P = .007) were significantly associated with an excellent score. In a multivariable model, no negative interview comments (P = .018), lower ranked medical school (P = .012), and honors in all core clinical clerkships (P = .006) were independently associated with an excellent score; the c-index for this model was 0.91.

Conclusion: We demonstrate features associated with an excellent urology resident, most notably an honors grade in all core clinical clerkships.