Applicant Perspectives of Virtual General Surgery Residency Interviews

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Residency Recruitment
• Virtual Interviewing

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a shift to virtual interviews for general surgery residency programs in the 2020-2021 cycle.
• This study addresses the need to understand applicant perceptions of this new virtual interview format.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate general surgery residency applicants' perceptions of virtual interviews.
• To identify specific aspects of virtual interviews that were satisfactory or unsatisfactory to applicants.

Main Methods:

• A secure, anonymous, web-based survey was distributed to general surgery residency applicants for the 2021 Match.
• 167 applicants completed the survey, providing feedback on their virtual interview experiences.

Main Results:

• Applicants were most satisfied with introductions and faculty interactions but dissatisfied with virtual pre-interview socials and hospital tours.
• A majority of applicants (54%) were satisfied with the virtual format, and 52% favored its continuation.
• Applicants reported difficulty discerning program culture and resident autonomy through virtual interviews.

Conclusions:

• The majority of general surgery residency applicants reported satisfaction with the virtual interview format.
• Applicants perceive virtual interviews as a viable format for future residency recruitment cycles.