Residency Interview Experiences in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Differ by Gender and Affect Residency Ranking.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Residency Training
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS)

Background:

• Resident interview experiences significantly influence program selection and ranking.
• Understanding factors affecting these experiences is crucial for improving surgical residency recruitment and retention.
• Previous research has not fully explored gender-specific differences in OMS interview experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the interview experiences of current oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) residents.
• To identify factors influencing program selection and ranking among OMS residents.
• To determine if interview experiences differ between male and female OMS residents.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was administered to OMS residents in 2018.
• The 12-question survey collected data on demographics, interview selection/ranking factors, and experiences.
• Logistic regression models analyzed predictors of unprofessional or negative interview experiences.

Main Results:

• 165 OMS residents (35 women, 130 men) completed the survey.
• Clinical scope and resident friendliness were key factors for interview selection and program ranking, similar for both genders.
• 38% of respondents reported unprofessional behavior, with women and dual-degree residents experiencing it more frequently (2.4x and 2.1x, respectively).

Conclusions:

• While selection and ranking factors are consistent, unprofessional conduct during OMS interviews is a significant issue.
• Women and dual-degree residents are disproportionately affected by unprofessional behavior.
• This disparity may contribute to the underrepresentation of women in oral and maxillofacial surgery residency programs.