Predictors of matching into an ophthalmology fellowship for international medical graduates: a San Francisco match analysis

Purpose To describe the characteristics and outcomes of international medical graduates (IMGs) applying for ophthalmology fellowship match. Methods Design Case control study. Setting San Francisco Fellowship Match data between 2010 and 2017. Participants IMGs applying for ophthalmology fellowships. Main outcome(s) and measure(s) Applicant characteristics for IMGs were stratified by their match outcome and compared using Chi-Square and Mann–Whitney U test. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess the effect of applicant characteristics on their match outcomes. Results 22.62% (785/3471) of the fellowship match applicants were IMGs of which 35.92% ( n = 282) matched. This rate was 58% lower than the 86.4% match rate for US-MG ( p < 0.001). Factors associated with higher odds of matching among IMGs were graduating from a US residency (Odds Ratio (OR):2.330; 95% Confidence Interval (CI):1.433–3.789), higher USMLE Step 3 score (OR:1.019; 95% CI: 1.006–1.032), applying to more programs (OR:1.035; 95% CI: 1.017–1.053), ranking more programs (OR:1.200; 95% CI: 1.096–1.313) and having a higher percentage of programs ranked (OR:1.021; 95% CI: 1.014–1.028). Conclusions Fellowship match rates for IMGs were significantly lower than for US-MGs. IMGs graduating from an ophthalmology residency in the US, scoring higher Step 3 scores, distributing more applications, and ranking more programs had increased odds of matching. This information may assist IMG fellowship applicants and their mentors when they consider pursuing an ophthalmology fellowship program in the US.