<p>Just curious if you agree with the statement. It came from a random conversation recently/discussion about the first board exam. A local physician in attendance (not an orthopedist) seemed to agree and said the first exam makes or breaks students with regard to residency qualification. I thought there was something about a ROAD to Happiness that listed the toughest residencies because of quality of life issues. (??Radiology, Ophthalmology, Allergist, Dermatologist...???) Orthopedics certainly doesn't qualify there with all its evening hours, emergencies, call, etc.! </p>
<p>If it isn't the toughest, what is?</p>
<p>Here’s the results of the most recent Match. Decide for yourself.</p>
<p>Toughest to match has many different definitions.</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.nrmp.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Main-Match-Results-and-Data-2014.pdf”>http://www.nrmp.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Main-Match-Results-and-Data-2014.pdf</a></p>
<p>What residency directors look for in applicants. </p>
<p><a href=“http://www.nrmp.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/NRMP-Charting-Outcomes-in-the-Match-Specialties-Matching-Service-1st-Edition-Published-May-2013.pdf”>http://www.nrmp.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/NRMP-Charting-Outcomes-in-the-Match-Specialties-Matching-Service-1st-Edition-Published-May-2013.pdf</a></p>
<p>Step 1 scores are important, but are not the be-all-end-all of residency matching–esp. for competitive specialties.</p>
<p>Also be aware that Match numbers may be deceiving for some specialties because they are only a limited number of categorical positions, but a much larger number of advanced positions available for PG-2s. </p>
<p>ROAD is now often referred to as EROAD</p>
<p>EROAD = Emergency medicine, Radiology, Opthalmology, Anesthesiology, Dermatology.</p>
<p>And those aren’t the “toughest” residencies to land–those are the ones that some people consider as having the most favorable combination of income vs. hours. Doesn’t necessarily mean a practitioner can go golfing every Friday afternoon.</p>
<p>From my very limited knowledge (D. is applying to residencies in September, then we will know more), Orthopedic /Surgery may not be the toughest to get in if you that is what you mean. As far as I know now, applicants apply to the reasonable number of residencies for ALL specialties…but one - Dermatology. Even “plastics” applicants apply to much smaller number. Many who apply to Dermatology, apply to every single program in a country - about 110, the rest of applicants, I believe apply to at least 60 - 70. I do not know any other specialty that compelled applicants to apply to such a great number, the “normal” number is much lower.</p>