Showcasing a General Surgery Residency Program During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Residency Recruitment

Background:

• The shift to virtual interviews for general surgery residency programs presents challenges.
• Loss of traditional recruitment methods like visiting clerkships and tours impacts applicant engagement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of virtual recruitment strategies.
• Evaluate webinars, informal sessions, and video tours in showcasing residency programs.

Main Methods:

• Prospective applicants attended six webinars covering program details and resident life.
• An anonymous survey assessed webinar satisfaction.
• Interviewees participated in virtual social hours and facility tours.
• A second survey evaluated the interview experience.

Main Results:

• Webinar attendees reported high satisfaction (9.4/10) and felt they gained a good program "feel" (98%).
• Live-narrated video tours were found helpful by 98% of interviewees.
• Access to faculty and residents during virtual interviews was rated highly.

Conclusions:

• A webinar curriculum effectively enhances understanding of residency programs during virtual recruitment.
• Virtual tours and informal interaction opportunities successfully address applicant concerns in a virtual setting.