Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 2, 2025
06:18
Author Spotlight: Segmentation and VR for Advanced Neurovascular Interventions
Published on: April 5, 2024
1.2K
Plastic Surgery Residency Applicants' Perceptions of a Virtual Interview Cycle.
Abra H Shen1, Eric Shiah1, Benjamin A Sarac1
1From the Division of Plastic Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School; and Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Ohio State University.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|August 8, 2022
Summary
The first virtual plastic surgery interviews offered cost savings but introduced new applicant stressors, with nearly half reporting inequitable interview invitations. Lessons learned can improve future virtual application cycles.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Training
- Residency Admissions
Background:
- The 2020-2021 residency application cycle was the first to implement fully virtual integrated plastic surgery interviews.
- This shift presented both advantages (reduced costs, travel time) and disadvantages (new stressors, concerns about fairness and fit).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the experiences of applicants during the 2020-2021 virtual integrated plastic surgery interview cycle.
- To identify challenges and benefits associated with the novel virtual format.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed to 330 applicants from the 2020-2021 integrated plastic surgery application cycle.
- The survey collected data on demographics, preparation, virtual interview experiences, and post-interview processes.
- Statistical analysis was performed on the collected survey responses.
Main Results:
- Eighty-nine participants (27% response rate) completed the survey.
- Applicants received an average of 13.3 interview invitations and attended 11.4 interviews.
- Nearly half (48.2%) perceived inequitable interview invitation distribution, and 68.2% supported limiting invitations.
- The majority (88.1%) spent $500 or less on virtual interviews.
- Participation in virtual subinternships led to decreased program interest for 30.4% of those who engaged.
Conclusions:
- The inaugural virtual interview cycle presented a mixed experience for plastic surgery residency applicants.
- Insights gained can inform the development of more equitable and effective virtual interview processes for future cycles.
