The Current State of the Residency Match

This article explores the current state of the residency match in 2020 with a focus on orthopedic surgery, analyzing the utility of current applicant screening methods in producing future generations of competent surgeons. Discussed are anticipated changes to the residency application process considering the COVID-19 pandemic and Step 1 becoming pass/fail in January 2022. Also explored are potential changes to improve the process for applicants and residency programs, such as identifying and using predictive factors of resident success in the applicant screening process, finding better ways to match applicants with programs, and increasing female and underrepresented minorities within orthopedics.