- USMLE Step 1 score: 236
- USMLE Step 2 CK score: 246
- Research: 3.2
- Abstracts/Presentations/etc: 5.6
- Work: 4.4
- Volunteer: 5.6
- USMLE Step 1 score: 238
- USMLE Step 2 CK score: 247
- Research: 4.1
- Abstracts/Presentations/etc: 18.5
- Work: 6.5
- Volunteer: 5.3
Specialty Factors
In March 2022, the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) conducted its survey of
directors of programs participating in the Main Residency Match ® with the primary purpose of characterizing the factors that Program Directors use to (1) select applicants to interview, and (2) rank applicants for the Main Residency Match. See results of the Program Director Survey for General Surgery below:
The Top 5 Most Important General Medicine Application Factors
- USMLE Step 1 score (96.1%)
- MSPE (85.5%)
- USMLE Step 2 CK score (84.2%)
- Grades in required clerkships (76.3%)
- Grades in clerkship in preferred specialty (75%)
- NRMP flag for match violation (4.9)
- Professionalism and ethics (4.7)
- Leadership qualities (4.5)
- Perceived commitment to specialty (4.4)
- Ability to work legally w/o visa (4.4)
| Total Training |
5 years |
| Average Residency Salary |
$57,973.40 |
Average Physician Salary |
$402,000 |
| Average Work Week |
59.4 Hours |
| Peak Interview Months |
November, January |
| Key Organizations and Societies: |
American College of Surgeons
Association of Women Surgeons
American Board of Surgery
American College of Osteopathic Surgeons
American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
American Society of General Surgeons
Association for Surgical Education |
- Is one of the only age biased specialties (not older candidate friendly)
- Preliminary General Surgery positions are typically the most unfilled during Post-Match SOAP
- It is important to join and network within surgical societies and organizations. Many have student sections which can be very helpful
593 /
2,772
Number of Programs/Positions
521
Post-Match SOAP Unfilled Positions
| Program Track |
Participating Programs |
Filled Programs |
Positions Available |
Filled Positions |
| Categorical |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
| Preliminary |
145 |
132 |
537 |
518 |
| Program Track |
Categorical |
Preliminary |
| Participating Programs |
3 |
145 |
| Filled Programs |
3 |
132 |
| Positions Available |
3 |
537 |
| Filled Positions |
3 |
518 |
- Complex General Surgical Oncology
- Hand Surgery
- Pediatric Surgery
- Surgical Critical Care
- Vascular Surgery
- Select General Surgery programs may participate in the supplemental ERAS application. Please visit the supplemental ERAS application webpage for information, guidance, timelines, and resources.
- The Association of Program Directors in Surgery (APDS) has released recommendations for the 2022-23 residency recruitment cycle. Applicants applying to Surgery residency programs should be aware that programs may require customized personal statements and should review the program requirements listed in MyERAS and/or on the program`s website.
