REFERENCES
The studies and articles demonstrate the increasing number of unmatched orthopaedic applicants. Overall, these studies show that there is no one "correct" approach to reapplying.
How Should Unmatched Orthopaedic Surgery Applicants Proceed?
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research · 2012
One of the earliest analyses examining how orthopaedic program leadership views unmatched applicants and whether research years or clinical internships are preferred before reapplying.
A Comparison of Matched and Unmatched Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Applicants from 2006 to 2014
JBJS · 2017
Compares application characteristics between matched and unmatched applicants, highlighting differences in board scores, research productivity, and application patterns.
The Fate of Unmatched Orthopaedic Applicants: Risk Factors and Outcomes
JBJS Open Access · 2020
Examines the longer-term outcomes of applicants who initially failed to match orthopaedics, including eventual career paths and reapplication outcomes.
Research Fellowships for Unmatched Orthopaedic Applicants: What Can They Expect?
JBJS Open Access · 2024
Provides insight into orthopaedic research fellowships and what unmatched applicants should expect from these positions in terms of mentorship, productivity, and match outcomes.
Reimagining the Path of an Unmatched Orthopaedic Residency Application: A Survey of Program Directors
JBJS Open Access · 2023
A survey of orthopaedic program directors exploring how unmatched applicants are perceived and what factors may improve the chances of successfully matching in a future cycle.
Lost in Limbo: The Unmatched Orthopaedic Applicant's Research-Year Experience
JBJS · 2026
A perspective piece highlighting the emotional and professional realities of the unmatched research year and the uncertainty applicants often face during this period.