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The purpose of this study was (1) to determine how much emphasis is placed on the Personal Statement (PS) by program directors (PDs) and (2) to gain a better understanding of what factors within the PS are considered most important to PDs. An anonymous survey was distributed to PDs at allopathic orthopaedic residency programs in the United States using Survey Monkey (San Mateo, CA). Survey responses were received from 51 of 152 (34%) PDs. Forty-five (88.2%) identified as male, five (9.8%) identified as female, and one (1.9%) chose not to disclose. PDs reported the PS was of average importance, with an average score of 2.82 (range,1-4). Although the PS is still given consideration as part of the overall orthopaedic surgery residency application process, it does not play a major role in determining which applicants will be invited for an interview or how they will be ranked. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 31(2):090-095, 2022).

Orthopaedic surgery is one of the most competitive specialties in the residency match. The personal statement (PS) is one component of the application. The significance of the PS to orthopaedic surgery residency applicants is unknown. This study evaluates applicant perceptions of the PS. Applicants to two separate United States orthopaedic residency programs for the 2019-2020 cycle were invited to participate. Survey was distributed via email. Twenty-one percent (204/978) of applicants completed the survey. Most were men (157/204, 77%), and most (125/204, 61%) spent up to 15 hours writing their PS. Many [79.4% (162/204)] believed the PS should continue to be included in the application. Women always edited their PS, while 7.0% (11/ 157) of men did not use any editors. Applicants believe the PS is valuable. The PS is time consuming but allows applicants to communicate details that otherwise may not be included in their application. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 31(1):034-041, 2022).