The role of the interview in residency selection: A mixed-methods study

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Residency Selection
• Anesthesiology

Background:

• Residency programs invest heavily in interviews to assess social traits.
• However, the predictive validity of interviews for resident performance is debated, leaving their role in candidate evaluation unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine how interviews contribute to candidate assessment in anesthesiology residency.
• To determine if behavioural questions alter the interview's role in candidate evaluation.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods study in an anesthesiology residency program.
• Collected independent and consensus ratings, with qualitative analysis of transcribed committee meetings.
• Compared outcomes of interviews with and without behavioural questions.

Main Results:

• Interviewers prioritized candidates' application files and academic records.
• Behavioural questions did not significantly alter evaluation dynamics or outcomes.
• Higher medical school ratings and United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 scores correlated with favourable consensus ratings.

Conclusions:

• Application files heavily influenced interview evaluations, overshadowing interpersonal assessments.
• Interviews, even with behavioural questions, did not provide discrete evaluations of social qualities.
• Further research is needed to refine the role of interviews in comprehensive residency candidate assessment.