The mitigated carbon emissions of transitioning to virtual medical school and residency interviews: A survey‐based study

Abstract

PurposePrior to COVID, thousands of medical school and residency applicants traversed their countries for in‐person interviews each year. However, data on the greenhouse gas emissions from in‐person interviews is limited. This study estimated greenhouse gas emissions associated with in‐person medical school and residency interviews and explored applicant interview structure preferences.MethodsFrom March to June 2022, we developed and distributed a nine‐question, website‐based survey to collect information on applicant virtual interview schedule, demographics and preference for future interview format. We calculated theoretical emissions for all interviews requiring air travel and performed a content analysis of interview preference explanations.ResultsWe received responses from 258 first‐year and 253 fourth‐year medical students at 26 allopathic US medical schools who interviewed virtually in 2020–2021 and 2021–2022, respectively. Residency applicants participating in the study were interviewed at a mean of 15.3 programs (SD 5.4) and had mean theoretical emissions of 4.31 tons CO2eq. Medical school applicants participating in the study were interviewed at a mean of 6.9 programs and had mean theoretical emissions of 2.19 tons CO2eq. Ninety percent of medical school applicants and 91% of residency applicants participating in the study expressed a preference for hybrid or virtual interviews going forward.ConclusionIn‐person medical training interviews have significant greenhouse gas emissions. Virtual and hybrid alternatives have a high degree of acceptability among applicants.