A survey of criteria used to evaluate applications for small animal surgery residency positions

Abstract

Objective To determine attributes of applicants to small animal surgery residency programs (SRP) that are considered important, favorable, or detrimental according to surgeons at SRP registered with the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). Study design Online survey. Sample population Residency‐trained surgeons at ACVS‐registered SRP. Methods An online survey was advertised to eligible surgeons. Respondents anonymously provided information about their professional backgrounds and SRP interview practices and rated candidate attributes in terms of importance during application screening and favorable or detrimental effects during selection or ranking. Responses were compared by respondent practice setting and sex. Results Surveys were completed by 148 of 289 (51%) invited surgeons. Male and female surgeons were equally represented, and 61% worked in academia. Most respondents’ SRP offered in‐person interviews, typically to a select applicant group from whom residents were ultimately chosen. Letters of recommendation were the most influential factor in all phases of application review, particularly when respondents knew the writers. Other critical attributes were academic record, internship reputation, research activity, and indices of interpersonal skills. Nearly all respondents considered multiple prior unsuccessful applications detrimental. Academic respondents emphasized academic performance and academic internships; private practice respondents valued personal contact with applicants and surgical specialty internships. Responses did not differ by self‐identified gender. Conclusion Surgery residency program surgeons preferred first‐ or second‐time applicants with excellent academic credentials, specific internship and research experiences, and letters of support from trusted colleagues as well as strong interpersonal skills. Clinical impact Prospective residents can use this information to assess their candidacies, identify potential weaknesses, and prepare competitive applications.

Occupational segregation by gender in veterinary specialties: Who we are choosing, or who is choosing us

“…Further, much of the data provided in the VIRMP application, outside of class rank and GPA, is open to subjective interpretation, including quality of training programs, interpretation of letters of recommendation, and value of research completed among others. Given the variability in assessing selection criteria, this approach would be problematic 38 . Our sample does not include programs taking residents outside of the match; therefore, our results may not accurately describe the behavior of programs outside the VIRMP, or specialties not evaluated in this study.…”

“…Given the variability in assessing selection criteria, this approach would be problematic. 38 Our sample does not include programs taking residents outside of the match; therefore, our results may not accurately describe the behavior of programs outside the VIRMP, or specialties not evaluated in this study. Finally, gender phenotype was assigned by name or visual identification, and other identity characteristics-such as race or ethnicity or gender identity-could not be identified in an accurate or unbiased manner.…”

Evaluating gender discrepancies in the time to successful match into a small animal surgery residency program

“…In a veterinary study by Fleming et al, research activity was considered critical during the screening and selection process for residency candidates, and the absence of a research record was viewed as detrimental to an application. 6 In contrast, research experience and ability were rated in the bottom third of importance among 23 attributes used to evaluate veterinary surgical residency applicants in a recent study by Upchurch et al 7 The successful submission and acceptance of a first author scientific manuscript is required to sit for the ACVS board certification examination. 16 Therefore, prior publications may demonstrate an understanding of the research process that is attractive to SASRPs.…”

“…A causal diagram was developed based upon the VIRMP application criteria, previously identified factors influencing the residency selection process, 6,7 and the authors' personal experience in evaluating and selecting residency candidates (Figure 1). A survey was created based on this causal map (Supplementary Materials).…”

“…5 Prioritization of desired attributes by individuals and institutions during the ranking and selection of SAS applicants has been investigated. [6][7][8] While no gender differences have been identified related to overall selection criteria among male and female reviewers, 6 the relationship between applicant demographics and selection has not been fully explored. Evidence for gender bias within certain surgical specialties of human medicine has been identified, 9 though no studies have demonstrated gender bias within veterinary medical specialties.…”