JOM

Preference signaling in orthopaedic surgery: applicant perspectives and opinions

By JOM Staff

12.05.24

Orthopaedic surgery has become increasingly competitive over the years, with the COVID-19 pandemic creating additional challenges for applicants and programs. To promote an equitable match experience, the American Orthopaedic Association (AOA) introduced a formal preference signaling (PS) system into the 2022–2023 application cycle. PS allows applicants to indicate their heightened interest in specific programs, which improves the likelihood of receiving an interview and ultimately matching at their desired residency program.