Virtual Interviewing for Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship—A National Survey

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate both applicant and interviewer satisfaction with the virtual interviewing process for pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) fellowship in hopes to improve the fellowship interviewing process. It was proposed that fellowship programs and applicants would prefer virtual interviews over traditional interviews.MethodsA survey developed in collaboration with UT Southwestern PEM fellowship leaders and national PEM leaders was sent to all PEM fellowship applicants and programs at the conclusion of the 2020 interview season and rank list submission. The applicant survey obtained information on ease of virtual interviews and whether applicants felt that they obtained adequate information from virtual interviews to make informed program selections. Program director surveys collected data on thoughts and feelings about virtual interviews and obstacles encountered during the recruitment season. Both surveys asked about costs for interviews and interview type preference.ResultsA response rate of 49% from applicants and 47% from programs was obtained. Virtual interview days were similar in the amount of time and staff hours used compared with traditional days. Applicants spent less on virtual interviews compared with those who underwent traditional interviews (average $725 vs $4312). Programs received more applications than the prior year and spent less money during the virtual cycle. The majority of the applicants (90%) were comfortable with the virtual interview platform, and most (66%) agreed that virtual interviews provided adequate information to determine program rank. Geography was the number 1 rank determining factor. Programs and applicants preferred a form of in-person interviews.ConclusionsVirtual interviews provide cost savings for both applicants and programs. Despite this, both parties prefer a form of in-person interviews.

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Virtual Interviews for Obstetrics and Gynecology Fellowships: Adapting to the Pandemic or The New Normal?

“…9 Our reported virtual interview cost is similar to others reported in the literature. [10][11][12] With the novelty of virtual interviewing, applicants may worry about the effect that the new method will have on their match. This study should reassure applicants that the method in which one interviews likely does not impact an applicant's match.…”

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“…Seventy-four percent of PDs said that they would increase their likelihood of returning to in-person interviews if recommended by the AAMC, which is consistent with studies in the orthopedic and emergency medicine literature. 2,3…”

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