Association of Medical School Gap Year Research and Degree Programs With Otolaryngology Interview and Match Outcomes

Objective: To investigate whether a gap year for either research or a master’s degree is associated with interview offers or match outcomes among otolaryngology applicants. Methods: Using the Texas Seeking Transparency in Application to Residency (Texas STAR) database, we conducted a cross-sectional analysis of otolaryngology applicants from 2018 to 2022. Applicants were stratified based on the presence and type of gap year during medical school. Applicant characteristics, signaling, research productivity, and application costs were analyzed, with primary outcomes including number of interview offers and match status. Results: Among 564 otolaryngology applicant respondents to the Texas STAR survey, 160 (28%) reported a gap year, including 64 (40%) applicants participating in a research year, 65 (41%) completing a Master of Public Health or Science (MPH and MSc), and 31 (19%) completing a Master of Business Administration, Education, or other degree (MBA and MEd). Gap-year applicants who completed a research year or MPH/MSc degree received more interview offers (P <.01) than MBA, MEd applicants, or those without a gap year. Applicants with a research year had the most publications, oral presentations, abstracts, posters, and research experiences (all P <.01). When controlling for USMLE scores, clerkship honors, and applications submitted, applicants completing a research year or an MPH/MSc-degree received increased interview offers (P <.01). No significant differences were seen in expenditures or match rates. Conclusions: Research and MPH/MSc gap years were associated with increased residency interview offers but not increased match success. Further longitudinal studies are needed to assess how yearlong experiences affect long-term career outcomes.