A formal reception improves orthopaedic surgery residency program applicant perceptions of the interview experience

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Residency Program Recruitment

Background:

• Orthopaedic surgery residency program (OSRP) applicant selection is crucial for program success.
• Applicant perception of program quality influences application decisions.
• Kentucky aims to recruit top applicants for its residency programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the relationship between pre-interview reception structure and applicant perceptions.
• To determine if formal vs. informal receptions impact applicant views.
• To assess the effectiveness of recruitment strategies in OSRPs.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of prospectively collected data from OSRP applicants (2000-2006).
• Comparison of applicant perceptions between formal (faculty involvement) and informal (no faculty involvement) pre-interview receptions.
• Data collected via surveys with an 86.4% response rate.

Main Results:

• Applicants attending the formal reception reported a more positive perception of the interview process (Fisher's Exact Test = 7.71, P = 0.035).
• The formal reception structure was associated with improved applicant views.
• A statistically significant difference in perception was observed based on reception type.

Conclusions:

• A positive program image is a vital marketing tool for OSRPs.
• Formal pre-interview receptions with faculty involvement enhance applicant perception.
• Implementing engaging reception strategies can improve the recruitment of desirable residency candidates.