Milap Dubal, MD, MPH, MSCHI
WMJ. 2026;125(1):146-151.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The subjective nature of medical student personal statements creates potential for bias during residency recruitment. This research examines how thematic content differs by applicant race and gender.
Methods: A textual analysis of personal statements submitted by applicants to a family medicine residency program was conducted using linguistic analysis software to evaluate the associations between demographic characteristics and thematic content.
Results: A total of 487 personal statements were analyzed. Identified themes included “My Achievements,” “My Clinical Vignettes,” “My Life,” “My Traits and Values,” “My Residency Program Fit,” “My Future Practice,” and “My Goals as a Doctor.” Themes of “My Achievements” and “My Clinical Vignettes” were overrepresented in statements from female applicants (χ2 = 9, P < .01; χ2 = 12, P < .01, respectively). “My Life” was overrepresented in statements from male applicants (χ2 = 5, P < .01). “My Residency Fit” was overrepresented among White applicants (χ2 = 7, P < .01), and “My Achievements” was overrepresented among applicants identified as underrepresented in medicine (χ2 = 20, P < .01).
Discussion: These findings may assist applicants in writing personal statements and may help recruitment committees recognize areas of potential bias. Further research is warranted to assess how such biases affect admissions decisions.