Improving methods of resident selection

Abstract

Using tools of occupational analysis and personnel selection, a list of job objectives and competencies for the junior otolaryngology resident can be created. Using these results, behavioral-based interviews may be implemented to complement traditional interviews with the ultimate goal of improving candidate selection.

Predictors of Future Success in Otolaryngology Residency Applicants

“…Subjective variables (letters of recommendation, residency interview, experience with acting intern, and dean's letters) have been deemed important parts of the residency application. The residency interview has been shown to have poor predictive value for future performance, 6,15,16 and this holds true in our study as well. Having functioned as an acting intern did not predict, nor did the letter of recommendation.…”

“…An alternative, however, would be to use job-analysis techniques, manual dexterity testing, personality profiles, and/or other metrics. 15,16,20 Currently, these strategies are controversial and are potentially regarded as negative by the applicant. They do, however, offer potentially meaningful objective data by which to assess a candidate.…”

Qualities of Residency Applicants<subtitle>Comparison of Otolaryngology Program Criteria With Applicant Expectations</subtitle>

“…The great challenge is to identify those traits in applicants that predict good outcomes-not only while in training but also after residents leave the supervision and structure of the training program. Several articles 8,9 on this topic have been written pertaining to OHNS. Unfortunately, this prediction is difficult at this time given the conflicting information available on common performance measures, such as medical school grades and USMLE scores.…”

“…Personality testing, task-based questions related to the responsibilities of a resident, evaluation under simulated stressful conditions, and character assessment are all important facets of applicant review that complement each other, and some have been formally investigated in selecting residents. 8,[24][25][26] Ideally, a method can be developed that incorporates all of these things to allow for an accurate judgment of a potential resident's performance in a given program.…”

Standardized letter of recommendation for pediatric fellowship selection

“…In the recent otolaryngology literature, there has been a trend toward improving residency selection and the format of NLORs. In our previous publication, we discussed the institution of a pilot program designed to use behavioral‐based questions specific to the desired qualities found in an otolaryngology resident during interviews 10. We also attempted to define the important characteristics that should be found in NLORs 5.…”