Match lists are somewhat difficult to assess, but I think they can be helpful. I'd definitely look at what fraction of the class is pursuing highly competitive fields, and where those people matched. I would define "highly competitive fields" as derm, radiology, rad onc, neurosurgery, urology, ENT, plastics, and ophtho. I would consider ortho to be competitive, but not as tough a match as the others due to the large number of spots nationwide. I'd rank anesthesia as a step below ortho in competitiveness. I would also look at the field(s) that you think you're interested in, and see if you'd be happy at some of those programs -- e.g. look at university:community program ratio and regions of the country where people matched in that field.
By and large, general surgery is no longer competitive. As with medicine and peds, you have to be sharp to land a top gen surg residency, but given lifestyle/salary issues, it's not hard for an average student to match well. Remember that most IM and peds programs are an easy match, as are FP, psych, neurology, rehab, ob/gyn, and pathology.
To answer acab's question, there's no US News equivalent for ranking residency programs. There's usually a consensus as to which programs are the best, and which ones are stronger than others, but the only way to get in on the gossip is to talk with residents and attendings in that field.
Hope this helps -- post more questions as you think of them.
--doepug (MS IV)
