Use of Asynchronous Video Interviews for Selecting Obstetrics and Gynecology Residents

To assess the effect of using of asynchronous video interviewing as a screening tool for obstetrics and gynecology residency selection.

This project was part of a quality-improvement effort to enhance the resident application process. Applications to a single obstetrics and gynecology residency program were scored using standardized criteria. In the 2018 Match, top-scored applicants were invited to in-person interviews, and second-tier applicants were asked to complete a three-question asynchronous video interview. Video interviews were scored and used to invite the remaining applicants for in-person interviews. In the 2019 Match, video interviewing was expanded to all applicants with top application scores, and the video score was used to determine in-person interview invitations. Applicants for 2019 were surveyed on their views regarding video interviewing.

Half of the candidates interviewed in person in the 2018 season were screened by the video interview process compared with 82% in the 2019 season. The mean in-person interview score increased from 59.0 in 2017, before screening with asynchronous video interviews, to 62.2 in 2018 (effect size 0.50; 95% CI 0.09-0.90) In 2018, a nonsignificant correlation was seen between the video interview score and rank list percentile (r=0.22, P=.15, n=27) and in-person interview score (r=0.18, P=.12, n=46). United States Medical Licensing Examination step 1 and 2 scores were not correlated with video interview scores in either season. Most (58%) candidates indicated that the asynchronous video interview was an effective way to tell their story; however, only 42% were comfortable with the interview process.

Video interviewing may have promise as a tool for program directors to use to select candidates from a competitive applicant pool by measuring important noncognitive skills. Acceptance by obstetrics and gynecology applicants was mixed.