Perceptions and Motivations of Osteopathic Medical Students to Participate in the ACGME Match

Each year the majority of osteopathic students do not participate in the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) match. The ongoing merger of the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and AOA graduate medical education does not delineate formation of a single match process. This qualitative study explores the perceptions of osteopathic medical students about the matching process and perceived differences between the matches.Semi-structured interviews were conducted with third and fourth year osteopathic medical students. Transcripts were analyzed using Grounded Theory. The replies to each question were considered separately as well as in context of the entire interview. Eleven medical students were interviewed. Many of the themes found in the current study are consistent with past surveys. Local culture, lifestyle balance and geographic location were the themes found under Home Life, whereas Academic or Work Life consisted of good fit, diversity of patients, hands-on experience and formal educational process.Two broad themes were developed: Home Life and Academic Life. A perceived balance between the two is necessary for a residency program to have substantial appeal