Takeaways from Neurology Residency Recruitment: Applicant and Program Perspectives

William Kilgo, MD: The most rewarding aspect of my career so far has been working in graduate medical education. As a residency program director, the recruitment season from September to March is as demanding as it is exhilarating, a sentiment shared by the medical students navigating the Match. With another Match Day behind us, it is the ideal moment to examine the evolving landscape of Neurology recruitment.

While the shift to virtual interviews in 2020 significantly reduced financial barriers and expanded accessibility, it also introduced new complexities. In response, mechanisms such as limited program “signals” and geographic preferences have emerged to assist in the pre-interview selection process. To better understand these shifts from a trainee perspective, I sat down with Dr. Ashley Nguyen, a rising PGY-4 and the 2026–2027 Administrative Chief Resident at USA Health, to discuss the nuances of the modern application process.

How can current applicants determine their level of competitiveness in comparison to prior applicants?

• Ashley Nguyen, MD: NRMP data (ex. Charting Outcomes, Results and Data, Program Results) is an invaluable starting point. Historically, US MD and DO Seniors maintain the highest match rates in neurology (93–95%). While neurology remains "IMG-friendly," non-US IMGs often face unique challenges regarding international visa requirements. Charting Outcomes also provides data on how many programs an applicant may need to rank to ensure a successful match.
• Beyond the data, it is vital to reach out to alumni, residents, and faculty in your field. Their firsthand experiences can provide a roadmap for navigating obstacles and offer specific strategies to strengthen your application.
• This year highlighted the specialty's competitiveness, with a 99.6% fill rate (only 4 unfilled categorical positions out of 1,003). As capacity grows, so does the caliber of the applicant pool

What resources can applicants use to make well-informed decisions when selecting residency programs?

• The AAMC Residency Explorer tool and FREIDA are excellent platforms for side-by-side comparisons of program logistics and requirements.
• Once you have a short list, the program’s official website is the best source for mission statements, clinical workflow, and leadership bios. Most websites also include a list of current residents, which can help applicants identify residents with similar interests and hobbies.
• Social media accounts and virtual open houses offer an informal look at "resident life" and faculty-resident dynamics. These sessions are often your first chance to meet the people who may eventually interview you. Some programs will openly discuss how they interpret Program Signals and indicated Geographic Preferences within Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Attending virtual open houses before application season is a good way to get these insights.
• Be cautious with widely circulated "rankings" or anonymous forums such as Reddit and Student Doctor Network (SDN); while it may offer a wide range of perspectives, from previous applicants as well as current or former residents, the information can be subjective and difficult to verify.

How can applicants make a strong impression and stand out to residency programs?

• Neurology is a holistic field. In addition to academic strength, your application should reflect who you are as an individual. Your personal statement, letters or recommendation, organization involvement, and leadership roles should not only demonstrate your commitment to the specialty but also highlight your strengths, resilience, growth, and values. Together, these elements will help programs assess whether you would be a good fit.
• If your school lacks a neurology clerkship, consider early visiting rotations to secure specialty-specific letters.
• Program signals and geographic preferences may be key differentiators of interest some programs in the interview selection process, but to some they may matter less.
• Attending national meetings like the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) is an excellent way to network with experts and peers.
• Do not hesitate to express genuine interest directly to a program, especially if you have a unique regional or personal tie.

How can applicants make their residency interviews both memorable and professional?

• Mock interviews and interview preparation sessions provide valuable opportunities to practice. The more you engage in these exercises, the more comfortable and natural your responses will become. However, while preparation is essential, authenticity is paramount. Mock interviews help you become comfortable with the format, but you should avoid "canned" or over-rehearsed responses. The interview is, above all, a conversation to see if you are a good fit for the team.
• Technically, ensure your virtual environment is professional: minimize background distractions, test your audio and camera in advance, and use a stable chair to avoid excessive movement. Clear communication and a professional presence allow your personality to remain the focal point of the interview.

William Kilgo, MD: Now back to some advice from the residency program side. From the hundreds of applications we receive each Fall, narrowing them down to the one in ten we can interview is challenging, leaving many great candidates on the table. Having reviewed applications and interviewed regularly for nearly a decade, I have learned that once applicants meet the academic metrics for expected competency, the most crucial factor is often the right “fit.” This can vary depending on whether you’re applying to a smaller or medium-sized residency program versus a larger institution. Communication skills, the ability to work well with others, and a collaborative growth mindset are at the top of my list. I recommend that applicants consider these factors as well when choosing a program.

While most programs provide the necessary training to become an astute clinician, the program culture will differ. Ask yourself these questions: where will you find the most happiness, support, and adequate experiences to achieve your goals? Pay attention to the residents during interviews and ask them questions. Residency will be challenging anywhere, but consider a program that values you as an individual and fosters strong camaraderie. We should all be optimistic about the future with growing interest in our specialty. Ultimately, the “best” program for any applicant is an individual decision, so my advice to residency applicants is to be open-minded and focus on finding the program where you will grow, belong, and thrive.