S3019 Factors Associated With Successful Gastroenterology Fellowship Match: A Nationwide Survey-Based Study

Introduction: Gastroenterology (GI) remains one of the most competitive internal medicine subspecialties. With USLME Step 1 now pass/fail, applicants increasingly rely on other metrics, such as research productivity. We aimed to identify key factors associated with successful GI fellowship from a national cohort of applicants. Methods: A national, anonymous survey of GI fellowship applicants from the 2024–2025 match cycle. Responses from 63 applicants across various U.S. residency settings were analyzed. Descriptive statistics summarized demographics, academic profiles, and match outcomes. Results: Sixty-three GI fellowship applicants completed the survey, with 48 (76.2%) successfully matching. The majority were PGY-3 residents (61.9%), followed by PGY-4 Chief Residents (15.9%), Hospitalists (15.9%), and fellows (6.3%). Most respondents were men (60.3%) and were American Medical Graduates (60.3%). Thirteen applicants (20.6%) were on visa sponsorship, most respondents (35; 55.6%) trained at university-based residency programs. Among 63 respondents, 48 (76.2%) matched. All 10 PGY-4 Chief Residents (100%) successfully matched, while match rates were 74.4% for PGY-3s, 60.0% for Hospitalists, and 75.0% for fellows. Men and women matched at similar rates. Match rates were 73.5% for AMGs, 72.7% for U.S.-IMGs, and 83.3% for non–U.S. IMGs. Applicants from university-based (80.0%) and university-affiliated (87.5%) programs matched more often than those from community programs (50.0%). Step 1 scores among matched applicants were most commonly in the 231–250, with 100% match for those >250. Match rates improved with research activity, peaking above 80% for applicants with ≥10 projects. Match success plateaued after ∼100 program applications. Applicants with >10 interviews had >84% match rates. Among matched applicants, the most frequently cited contributors to success were networking (58.3%), research (45.8%), mentorship (37.5%), interview performance (33.3%), and program reputation (27.1%). Conclusion: Match success was associated with multiple academic and strategic factors, including USMLE scores and research. These findings highlight the added importance of networking, mentorship, and sustained scholarly engagement in a competitive match process.