Program directors' responses to a survey on variables used to select residents in a time of change.

PURPOSE: In an effort to gain information to give to students seeking to optimize their chances of attaining residency positions, the authors assessed actual and projected changes in the process to select residents and determined the relative weights that program directors assigned to academic and personal criteria.

METHOD: In the fall of 1996, the authors mailed questionnaires to 1,200 program directors in 14 specialties requesting responses in four categories: current and projected changes in programs, current experiences with applicants and residents, the residency selection process, and the interview.

RESULTS: Of those program directors, 794 (66.2%) responded. Nearly twice as many directors in university-based hospitals projected decreases in residency positions over the next five years as did directors in university-affiliated hospitals. A significant percentage of specialties expected increased competition for positions. The authors observed a tight clustering of highly valued academic variables in the most competitive group of specialties. Some specialties admitted to using a first-come, first-served basis for selecting candidates for interview.

CONCLUSIONS: The study found significant changes in the process to select residents, including a decrease in residency positions, a continuation of this decrease, and a protracted escalation of competition for positions.