OHNS Residency Program and Applicant Social Media Presence During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Objectives: In addition to clinical and social disruption, the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected many aspects of the otolaryngology residency application process. With delays in the 2021 Electronic Residency Applications Service (ERAS) timeline, students and programs have had more time to interact prior to the formal application process. This communication will report recent trends in social media presence by OHNS residency programs, and discuss mechanisms to compensate for decreased applicant-program interactions using social media ahead of the 2021 Match. Methods: In a cross-sectional study of the accredited otolaryngology residency programs in the United States, the number of social media profiles on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook from 2009 to 2019 were recorded and compared. Results: Most programs (61%) have at least 1 social media profile. Over the past 10 years, the number of programs on social media has increased. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Twitter and Instagram showed higher rates of growth compared to Facebook. With the reduction of in-person opportunities for interactions, both applicants and programs are utilizing social media to showcase their values and their research. Twitter, in particular, also serves as a platform for professional networking. Conclusion: Both Twitter and Instagram are growing in popularity among programs and applicants to enhance networking. Social media is a powerful tool for networking and may help compensate for limitations imposed on the residency match process by the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining professionalism considerations. The impact of social media on the 2021 otolaryngology residency match is an evolving phenomenon.

Analysis of Social Media Perceptions Among Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Applicants and Social Media Use by Residency Programs During the 2020 to 2021 Cycle

“…Social media use among residency programs has been studied in several different fields. In otolaryngology, recent studies found that 61% of residency programs have a dedicated social media page, 9 , 10 which is over double the number of programs engaging in social media in late 2018 11 . Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an increased use of social media by these residency programs 9 .…”

“…In otolaryngology, recent studies found that 61% of residency programs have a dedicated social media page, 9 , 10 which is over double the number of programs engaging in social media in late 2018 11 . Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an increased use of social media by these residency programs 9 . In plastic surgery, a recent study found that nearly 60% of residency programs had dedicated social media pages 12 .…”

Commentary and Opinions: The Utilization of Social Media by Medical Residency Programs During COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond

“…For the residency programs, social media serves as a platform to promote themselves by posting about residents' biographies, programs' virtual open-house events, facilities, and research opportunities (DeAtkine et al, 2020). In addition, programs can post interactive educational materials on their social media accounts (Ahmadmehrabi, Xie, Ward, Bryson, & Byrne, 2021). From the medical student perspective, social media residency accounts are beneficial as they allow them to explore different aspects of the programs in a new way (Ahmadmehrabi, Xie, Ward, Bryson, & Byrne, 2021).…”

“…In addition, programs can post interactive educational materials on their social media accounts (Ahmadmehrabi, Xie, Ward, Bryson, & Byrne, 2021). From the medical student perspective, social media residency accounts are beneficial as they allow them to explore different aspects of the programs in a new way (Ahmadmehrabi, Xie, Ward, Bryson, & Byrne, 2021). Moreover, students have a chance to network virtually with their fellow applicants, residents and program directors through social media given the social distancing measures in place for the COVID-19 pandemic (Ahmadmehrabi, Xie, Ward, Bryson, & Byrne, 2021;Fang et al, 2021).…”

“…From the medical student perspective, social media residency accounts are beneficial as they allow them to explore different aspects of the programs in a new way (Ahmadmehrabi, Xie, Ward, Bryson, & Byrne, 2021). Moreover, students have a chance to network virtually with their fellow applicants, residents and program directors through social media given the social distancing measures in place for the COVID-19 pandemic (Ahmadmehrabi, Xie, Ward, Bryson, & Byrne, 2021;Fang et al, 2021). Another advantage of virtual experiences is that they reduce financial barriers and geographical limitations for students (Fang et al,202) To maximize the success of using social media, it is important for the residency programs to consider the attitudes of applicants towards the residency social media accounts.…”