Physical Attractiveness and Chances of Being Invited to Interview With a Medical Residency Program: Retrospective Cohort Study

Abstract Background Applicants participating in the Residency Match generally submit a photograph through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Studies demonstrate that subjectively more attractive applicants are more likely to succeed during job recruitment, including a paper related to the Residency Match. Objective This study further investigates the relationship between an applicant’s attractiveness and the likelihood that they are invited to interview with a residency program to explore if more attractive applicants are more likely to be invited to interview when controlled for demographic and academic variables. If there are enough data suggesting that an ERAS photograph being visible prior to the interview gives an unfair advantage to more attractive applicants, this practice might be reconsidered by some residency programs or by ERAS itself. Methods Residency directors were surveyed on application review practices. Programs that viewed ERAS photographs prior to deciding whether to invite an applicant to interview were asked to share ERAS files of all reviewed applicants of the 2022 Match. A machine learning model was used to determine attractiveness scores for ERAS photographs. The scores ranged from 1 to 10, where 1 represents the least attractive and 10 represents the most attractive. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed considering attractiveness scores, demographics, and professional characteristics. The primary outcome of interest was an invitation to an interview with a residency program. Results The residency program response rate was 47.5% (29/61). Among 2681 unique applications to 10 specialties in a single academic health system, the median attractiveness score for all applicants was 6.02 (IQR 5.54-6.55). The univariable analysis indicated a 19% higher invitation likelihood with a 1-point increase in attractiveness. After adjusting for demographics and professional experiences, the association lost statistical significance. Additional adjustment for United States Medical Licensing Examination scores further attenuated the association. Conclusions While higher attractiveness scores correlated with an increased likelihood of securing an interview, this correlation was not statistically significant after adjusting for other variables.