The Virtual Urology Residency Match Process: Moving Beyond the Pandemic

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Residency Selection

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted traditional medical residency application processes.
• Adapting to virtual formats became essential for the 2021 Urology Residency Match.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate applicant responses to the 2021 Urology Residency Match conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To identify key lessons for optimizing future urology resident selection processes.

Main Methods:

• An anonymous, 22-question multiple-choice survey was distributed to all applicants for the 2021 Urology Residency Match at the institution.
• Survey data was collected via RedCap, analyzing applicant perceptions of the virtual match process.

Main Results:

• 36% of applicants responded to the survey (144 out of 398).
• 39% of applicants preferred virtual interviews even without pandemic restrictions; 97% desired same-day interview offers.
• Faculty and resident interviews were the most influential factors in rank list decisions, with virtual formats deemed adequate replications.

Conclusions:

• The pandemic necessitated a virtual urology residency match, with virtual interviews proving effective for key interactions.
• A significant portion of applicants favor continuing virtual interviews, indicating a potential shift in residency selection.
• The virtual application cycle demonstrated a reduction in application costs for residents.