Frequency of descriptors in letters of reference
| Descriptor | No. (%) of letters containing descriptor | p value | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Female applicants n = 126 | Male applicants n = 89 | ||
| Knowledge | 104 (82.5) | 74 (83.1) | 0.7 |
| Intelligence | 29 (23.0) | 24 (27.0) | 0.5 |
| Interest | 75 (59.5) | 56 (62.9) | 0.6 |
| Natural ability or intuitiveness | 17 (13.5) | 9 (10.1) | 0.5 |
| Preparedness | 33 (26.2) | 30 (33.7) | 0.2 |
| Functioned like a resident | 53 (42.1) | 39 (43.8) | 0.8 |
| Clinical skills | 78 (61.9) | 52 (58.4) | 0.6 |
| Clinical notes | 19 (15.1) | 18 (20.2) | 0.3 |
| Efficient | 29 (23.0) | 16 (18.0) | 0.4 |
| Initiative | 36 (28.6) | 14 (15.7) | 0.03 |
| Responsive to feedback | 14 (11.1) | 7 (7.9) | 0.4 |
| Dedicated to specialty | 58 (46.0) | 44 (49.4) | 0.6 |
| Hard working or dedicated | 88 (69.8) | 61 (68.5) | 0.8 |
| Self-sacrificing | 33 (26.2) | 32 (36.0) | 0.1 |
| Sense of responsibility | 31 (24.6) | 25 (28.1) | 0.6 |
| Mature | 38 (30.2) | 14 (15.7) | 0.02 |
| Technical skills | 89 (70.6) | 68 (76.4) | 0.3 |
| Teamwork | 77 (61.1) | 64 (71.9) | 0.1 |
| Integration (“fit in”) | 28 (22.2) | 19 (21.3) | 0.9 |
| Professional | 35 (27.8) | 25 (28.1) | 1.0 |
| Judgment | 49 (38.9) | 42 (47.2) | 0.2 |
| Pleasant or positive disposition | 55 (43.7) | 24 (27.0) | 0.01 |
| Knew their limitations | 9 (7.1) | 5 (5.6) | 0.6 |
| Young man or woman | 10 (7.9) | 10 (11.2) | 0.4 |
| Appearance or smile | 5 (4.0) | 2 (2.2) | 0.5 |
| Quiet, shy, understated or reserved | 13 (10.3) | 10 (11.2) | 0.8 |
| Humble | 4 (3.2) | 4 (4.5) | 0.6 |
| Enthusiasm | 30 (23.8) | 21 (23.6) | 0.7 |
| Polite or respectful | 16 (12.7) | 17 (19.1) | 0.2 |
| Flexible | 8 (6.3) | 0 (0.0) | 0.02 |
| Attitude | 28 (22.2) | 15 (16.9) | 0.3 |
| Communication | 54 (42.9) | 37 (41.6) | 0.9 |
| Research and awards | 53 (42.1) | 51 (57.3) | 0.03 |
| Desire to have in training program | 56 (44.4) | 38 (42.7) | 0.8 |
| Kind or compassionate | 25 (19.8) | 12 (13.5) | 0.2 |
| Confident | 14 (11.1) | 4 (4.5) | 0.08 |
| Comparison to others | 98 (77.8) | 72 (80.9) | 0.6 |
| Good future resident | 55 (43.7) | 30 (33.7) | 0.1 |
| Good future surgeon | 36 (28.6) | 28 (31.5) | 0.6 |
| Extracurricular or “well rounded” | 12 (9.5) | 21 (23.6) | 0.005 |
| Personal facts | 11 (8.7) | 14 (15.7) | 0.1 |
| Good assistant | 22 (17.5) | 16 (18.0) | 0.9 |
| Patient-centred care | 17 (13.5) | 8 (9.0) | 0.3 |
| Leadership | 21 (16.7) | 14 (15.7) | 0.8 |
| Teachable | 16 (12.7) | 8 (9.0) | 0.4 |