Behind The Knife: The Surgery Podcast

You matched into your dream program... but only after submitting 80 applications, spending thousands of dollars, and losing sleep wondering if anyone was even reading yours. Meanwhile, on the other side of the screen, a program director is staring down a thousand applications for six spots, trying to figure out who's actually serious about coming. Sound familiar? Join Mckenzie Roebuck, Milanie Milan, Sarah Lund, and Bryanna Stukes of CoSEF as they unpack the residency application arms race: why uncertainty drives overapplication, what preference signaling and application caps actually solve, the trade-offs of virtual versus in-person interviews, and how better transparency, advising, holistic review, and even AI might help applicants and programs find the right fit. 
Hosts:

Dr. Mckenzie Roebuck, CoSEF BTK Lead, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, mckenzie.rowe@inova.org, insta @mrowemd, X @mrowemd1

 Dr. Milanie Milan, Cleveland Clinic, milanie.milan98@gmail.com, insta @m.mdgram

Dr. Sarah Lund, Mayo Clinic, slund@alum.mit.edu, X @DrSarahLund

Dr. Bryanna Stukes, UT Southwestern bryanna.stukes@UTSouthwestern.edu

CoSEF: X @surgedfellows, cosef.org

Learning objectives:

Explain how uncertainty across the residency selection process drives overapplication and distinguish the Match algorithm from the broader application ecosystem

Describe how preference signaling, application caps, and interview format affect applicant and program behavior, including equity trade-offs

Identify ways programs can improve both competitiveness and program-level transparency

Discuss how investment in holistic review and mission-specific selection criteria may improve application review while introducing new challenges. 

References:

House Committee on the Judiciary. Medical Mis-Match: How a Residency Hiring Monopoly Harms Patients, Doctors, and the American Public. Published online March 27, 2026.

National Resident Matching Program. Advance Data Tables: 2026 Main Residency Match. NRMP. Published March 20, 2026. Accessed August 2026. https://www.nrmp.org/match-data/2026/03/advance-data-tables-2026-main-residency-match/.

Ulin L, Bernstein SA, Nunes JC, et al. Improving Transparency in the Residency Application Process: Survey Study. JMIR Form Res. 2023;7:e45919. doi:10.2196/45919PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38145482/

American Medical Association. Transparency in the Resident Physician Application Process (Issue Brief). Published online November 2023. Accessed August 2026.
https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/cme-issue-brief-resident-application-process.pdf.

Nilsen K, Walling A, Callaway P, et al. "The End Game" — Students' Perspectives of the National Residency Matching Program: A Focus Group Study. Med Sci Educ. 2018;28(4):729-737. doi:10.1007/s40670-018-0627-1PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34646549/

Weissbart SJ, Kim SJ, Feinn RS, Stock JA. Relationship Between the Number of Residency Applications and the Yearly Match Rate: Time to Start Thinking About an Application Limit? J Grad Med Educ. 2015;7(1):81-85. doi:10.4300/jgme-d-14-00270.1PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26217439/

Angus SV, Williams CM, Kwan B, et al. Drivers of Application Inflation: A National Survey of Internal Medicine Residents. Am J Med. 2018. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2018.01.002PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29355512/

Lund S, Santucci NM, Zarate Rodriguez J, et al. Message Received? Applicant Insights on Preference Signals in General Surgery Residency Recruitment. J Surg Educ. 2026;83(9):104096. doi:10.1016/j.jsurg.2026.104096PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42418854/

Woodward JM, Gan CY, Foote DC, et al. Thanks for the Signal—Now What? Program Director Perspectives on How Preference Signals Are Shaping General Surgery Residency Recruitment. J Surg Educ. 2026;83(9):104061. doi:10.1016/j.jsurg.2026.104061PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42418853/

Mullens CL, Picart JK, Dualeh SHA, et al. A Practical Approach for Implementing Holistic Review for General Surgery Resident Recruitment. J Surg Educ. 2026;83(9):104069. doi:10.1016/j.jsurg.2026.104069PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42436210/

Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.  
If you liked this episode, check out our recent episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/listen
Behind the Knife Premium: https://behindtheknife.org/premium
Oral Board Review: https://behindtheknife.org/oral-board
Oral Board Simulator: https://behindtheknife.org/oral-board/simulator
General Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/general-surgery-oral-board-review
Trauma Surgery Video Atlas: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/trauma-surgery-video-atlas
Dominate Surgery: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Clerkship: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-clerkship
Dominate Surgery for APPs: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Rotation: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-for-apps-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-rotation
Vascular Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/vascular-surgery-oral-board-review
Colorectal Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/colorectal-surgery-oral-board-review
Surgical Oncology Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/surgical-oncology-oral-board-review
Cardiothoracic Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/cardiothoracic-surgery-oral-board-review
OBGYN Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/course/obgyn-oral-board-review
Surgical Critical Care Review: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/surgical-critical-care-review
EPA Playbook: https://behindtheknife.org/course/epa-playbook
Surgical Instrument Flashcards: https://behindtheknife.org/course/surgical-instrument-flashcards
ABSITE Review: https://behindtheknife.org/course/absite-2026-exam-review
Download our App:
Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/behind-the-knife/id1672420049
Android/Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.btk.app&hl=en_US

What does it say about a training system when childcare can eat up almost half a resident’s monthly salary — and the physicians doing essential clinical work have almost no ability to negotiate their pay or benefits? A recent House Judiciary Committee report argues that the Match suppresses resident compensation and bargaining power. But if the Match disappeared tomorrow, would residents actually get paid more? Join Mckenzie Roebuck, Maya Hunt, Nicole Santucci, and Michael Kabbash of CoSEF as they unpack resident pay and benefits, where GME funding actually goes, why residency is not a normal labor market, and where real leverage for change might come from.
Hosts:

Dr. Mckenzie Roebuck, CoSEF BTK Lead, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, mckenzie.rowe@inova.org, insta @mrowemd, X @mrowemd1

 Dr. Maya Hunt, Indiana University, mayahunt@iu.edu 

Dr. Nicole Santucci, Washington University in St. Louis, snicole@wustl.edu 

Dr. Michael Kabbash, University of Florida, michel.kabbash@surgery.ufl.edu, X @MichaelKabbash

CoSEF: X @surgedfellows, cosef.org

Learning objectives:

Summarize the congressional report’s arguments about resident compensation and bargaining power 

Explain how GME funding supports residency and why federal GME dollars do not map directly onto resident salaries 

Describe how salary and benefit structures affect residents’ financial well-being, family planning, and quality of life 

Identify institutional, policy, and collective strategies to strengthen resident compensation and bargaining power. 

References:

House Committee on the Judiciary. Medical Mis-Match: How a Residency Hiring Monopoly Harms Patients, Doctors, and the American Public. Published online March 27, 2026.

Association of American Medical Colleges. AAMC Survey of Resident/Fellow Stipends and Benefits. https://www.aamc.org/data-reports/students-residents/report/aamc-survey-resident/fellow-stipends-and-benefits. 

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Direct Graduate Medical Education (DGME). https://www.cms.gov/medicare/payment/prospective-payment-systems/acute-inpatient-pps/direct-graduate-medical-education-dgme. 

Foote DC, Rosenblatt AE, Amortegui D, et al. Experiences With Unionization Among General Surgery Resident Physicians, Faculty, and Staff. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(7):e2421676. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.21676 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39018072/

Tomei KL, Selby LV, Kirk LM, et al. Beyond Training the Next Generation of Physicians: The Unmeasured Value Added by Residents to Teaching Hospitals and Communities. Acad Med. 2022;97(11):1592-1596. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35731593/ doi:10.1097/ACM.0000000000004792

Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Common Program Requirements. Accessed August 2026.https://www.acgme.org/programs-and-institutions/programs/common-program-requirements/.

Rigged or Right? The Residency Match Under Fire | podcast. Behind the Knife. https://behindtheknife.org/podcast/rigged-or-right-the-residency-match-under-fire. 

Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.  
If you liked this episode, check out our recent episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/listen
Behind the Knife Premium: https://behindtheknife.org/premium
Oral Board Review: https://behindtheknife.org/oral-board
Oral Board Simulator: https://behindtheknife.org/oral-board/simulator
General Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/general-surgery-oral-board-review
Trauma Surgery Video Atlas: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/trauma-surgery-video-atlas
Dominate Surgery: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Clerkship: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-clerkship
Dominate Surgery for APPs: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Rotation: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-for-apps-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-rotation
Vascular Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/vascular-surgery-oral-board-review
Colorectal Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/colorectal-surgery-oral-board-review
Surgical Oncology Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/surgical-oncology-oral-board-review
Cardiothoracic Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/cardiothoracic-surgery-oral-board-review
OBGYN Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/course/obgyn-oral-board-review
Surgical Critical Care Review: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/surgical-critical-care-review
EPA Playbook: https://behindtheknife.org/course/epa-playbook
Surgical Instrument Flashcards: https://behindtheknife.org/course/surgical-instrument-flashcards
ABSITE Review: https://behindtheknife.org/course/absite-2026-exam-review
Download our App:
Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/behind-the-knife/id1672420049
Android/Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.btk.app&hl=en_US

Introducing Behind the Knife Surgical Critical Care Review!

DOMINATE THE ICU with our comprehensive course that includes audio + simulator + question bank.
Master the management of the critically ill patient with Behind the Knife's all-new Surgical Critical Care Review. Built for high-yield, real-world application, this comprehensive multimedia program gives residents, fellows, and practicing surgeons everything they need to confidently manage the sickest patients in the hospital.
What's included:

38 High-Yield Podcasts — Expert-led discussions spanning the full SCORE curriculum for Surgical Critical Care.

AI Case Simulator — Test your judgment against our one-of-a-kind interactive simulator, built to recreate the pressure of high-stakes clinical scenarios. 110 simulator credits included with purchase.

Comprehensive Question Bank — Rigorous, board-style multiple-choice questions to sharpen your performance on rounds and on exam day.

Get Instant Access Here: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/surgical-critical-care-review

Enjoy this sample episode from the course.

Introducing Behind the Knife Surgical Critical Care Review!

DOMINATE THE ICU with our comprehensive course that includes audio + simulator + question bank.
Master the management of the critically ill patient with Behind the Knife's all-new Surgical Critical Care Review. Built for high-yield, real-world application, this comprehensive multimedia program gives residents, fellows, and practicing surgeons everything they need to confidently manage the sickest patients in the hospital.
What's included:

38 High-Yield Podcasts — Expert-led discussions spanning the full SCORE curriculum for Surgical Critical Care.

AI Case Simulator — Test your judgment against our one-of-a-kind interactive simulator, built to recreate the pressure of high-stakes clinical scenarios. 110 simulator credits included with purchase.

Comprehensive Question Bank — Rigorous, board-style multiple-choice questions to sharpen your performance on rounds and on exam day.

Get Instant Access Here: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/surgical-critical-care-review

Enjoy this sample episode from the course.

Introducing Behind the Knife Surgical Critical Care Review!

DOMINATE THE ICU with our comprehensive course that includes audio + simulator + question bank.
Master the management of the critically ill patient with Behind the Knife's all-new Surgical Critical Care Review. Built for high-yield, real-world application, this comprehensive multimedia program gives residents, fellows, and practicing surgeons everything they need to confidently manage the sickest patients in the hospital.
What's included:

38 High-Yield Podcasts — Expert-led discussions spanning the full SCORE curriculum for Surgical Critical Care.

AI Case Simulator — Test your judgment against our one-of-a-kind interactive simulator, built to recreate the pressure of high-stakes clinical scenarios. 110 simulator credits included with purchase.

Comprehensive Question Bank — Rigorous, board-style multiple-choice questions to sharpen your performance on rounds and on exam day.

Get Instant Access Here: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/surgical-critical-care-review

Enjoy this sample episode from the course.