The Relationship between Students’ Probationary History, Failure to Follow Career Counseling and Entry into the Supplemental Offer Acceptance Program (SOAP): A Comparison between Two Medical Schools

This article was migrated. The article was not marked as recommended. Introduction: A probationary history reported on students' Medical Student Performance Evaluations (MSPE) may have implications on whether medical students match with a residency program in the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) in the United States (US). Students who fail to follow academic advisors' advice and apply a considered residency application plan may be in jeopardy of needing to enter the Supplemental Offer Acceptance Program (SOAP). The SOAP is a much less desirable means to securing a position in a US residency program. The purpose of this study was to examine how a probationary history reported on the MSPE and failing to follow academic advice may put students at risk for entering the SOAP. Methods: The NRMP results for 3 graduating classes (N=380) at West Virginia University School of Medicine (2013-2016) and 2 graduating classes (N= 378) at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine (2015-2016) in the US were examined. A Pearson's chi-square was calculated to determine whether students with a probationary history were more likely to enter the SOAP. The numbers and percentages of students in the SOAP who failed to engage a back-up specialty plan or interview at an appropriate number of programs were also identified. Results: There was a statistically significant association between a probationary history and whether a student was required to enter the SOAP at both West Virginia University (X2(1) = 11.15,p < .001) and Michigan State University (X2(1) = 32.91, p < .001). The majority of students who entered the SOAP at both schools also failed to follow advice. Conclusion: While a probationary history may put students at risk for entering the SOAP, failing to listen to career advisors' counsel during the application process may be more important in achieving success in the NRMP. Future investigations may explore the characteristics of those students who do not adhere to career advice.