Otolaryngology residency programs' perspectives on virtual interviews during the COVID‐19 pandemic

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate perceptions of otolaryngology residency program directors (PDs) and department chairs (DCs) on virtual interviews (VIs) at the conclusion of the 2021 residency match. Study design: Cross-sectional survey study. Methods: An anonymous and voluntary survey was administered to PDs and DCs of U.S. otolaryngology residency programs from March 1, 2021 to April 11, 2021. Utilizing Likert scale ratings, the survey measured overall satisfaction with the VI format, perceived ability to assess key candidate attributes, relative importance of traditional candidate metrics, and likelihood to implement VIs in future cycles.Results: Ninety-four surveys were completed by PDs (48.9%) and DCs (51.1%). Sixty (63.8%) respondents found the VI experience to be satisfactory or strongly satisfactory. Sixty-six (70.2%) respondents felt confident in their ability to assess a candidate's professionalism and communication skills through VIs; however, confidence in gauging an applicant's clinical skills/knowledge (41.2%) and overall program fit (47.3%) was lower. Regarding candidate metrics, 64 (68.1%) respondents believed that personal prior knowledge of the applicant gained increased importance with VIs.Forty-four (46.8%) and 45 (47.9%) participants believed that letters of recommendation in the specialty and perceived commitment to their program similarly attained increased significance in evaluating applicants, respectively. Conclusion:Most PDs and DCs were satisfied with their VI experiences and expect the quality of interns to be unaffected by virtual assessment modalities. Majority opinion on the relative importance of traditional applicant metrics remained largely unchanged, the exception being an increase in importance of prior knowledge of the applicant.

Otolaryngology Applicant Perspectives on In‐person and Virtual Residency Interviews

“…Other possible resources suggested by Risbud et al include the allocation of funds to create virtual tours of the facilities and city as well as media content highlighting resident life. 9 Comparable to previous literature, most respondents agreed that virtual interviews are more inclusive and equitable than in-person interviews. 2,4,7 When asked which interview style applicants would prefer if barriers to equity were lessened, most preferred in-person interview (63.1%).…”

“…In‐person interviews provide a format for applicants to have one‐on‐one conversation with current residents and faculty in a casual setting, which is limited in the virtual format. Other possible resources suggested by Risbud et al include the allocation of funds to create virtual tours of the facilities and city as well as media content highlighting resident life 9 …”

“…[6][7][8] For the interviewer, virtual interviews added difficulty in gauging personal fit and personality characteristics that may impact the transition into the culture of a specific residency program. 8,9 For the 2022-2023 otolaryngology residency interview cycle, individual programs were given the option to conduct either in-person or virtual interviews with at least three programs choosing to use an in-person format, providing an opportunity to gauge applicant perceptions on the interview formats being conducted. The objective of this study was to understand applicant perspectives on in-person and virtual otolaryngology residency interviews, highlighting points such as the ability to connect with faculty and residents, learn about the geographic location and program facilities, and subsequently using this information to create a rank list.…”

“…For the applicant, virtual interviews have been noted to be less effective in communicating program culture and showcasing the geographic location and program facilities 6‐8 . For the interviewer, virtual interviews added difficulty in gauging personal fit and personality characteristics that may impact the transition into the culture of a specific residency program 8,9 …”