Interview experience, post-interview communication, and gender-based differences in the integrated vascular surgery...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Residency Recruitment

Background:

• The Integrated Vascular Surgery Residency (IVSR) match process is critical for trainee recruitment but applicant perspectives are understudied.
• Understanding applicant experiences with interviews and post-interview communication is essential for optimizing the recruitment landscape.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the nature of the IVSR interview process and post-interview communication from the applicant's viewpoint.
• To identify factors influencing applicants' rank list decisions in the vascular surgery match.

Main Methods:

• A voluntary, anonymous survey was administered to students who successfully matched into IVSR in 2020.
• The survey collected data on interview experiences, post-interview communications, and factors influencing rank list formation.

Main Results:

• Applicants reported being asked personal questions, including about marital status and family planning, with females more frequently queried on these topics.
• Post-interview communication significantly impacted applicant rank lists, with many matched applicants receiving such contact.
• While core factors like culture and volume were equally weighted, females prioritized personal relationships and program representation.

Conclusions:

• The IVSR interview process involves numerous personal questions, disproportionately affecting female applicants.
• Applicant priorities vary, with females considering factors beyond traditional metrics.
• These insights highlight potential challenges and areas for improvement in surgical residency recruitment and interview practices.