A Survey of Vascular Surgery Program Directors: Perspectives following USMLE Step 1 Conversion to Pass/Fail and...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Graduate Medical Education

Background:

• The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 transitioned to pass/fail in January 2022, impacting vascular surgery resident and fellow selection.
• Virtual interviews became standard during the 2020-21 and 2021-22 application cycles due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• These changes necessitated an understanding of program directors' perspectives on candidate evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess vascular surgery program directors' views on the USMLE Step 1 pass/fail transition.
• To understand program directors' perspectives on the use of virtual interviews.
• To identify factors that will gain importance in future vascular surgery training program applications.

Main Methods:

• A 26-item anonymous survey was distributed to all vascular surgery training programs.
• The survey collected data on attitudes toward USMLE Step 1 scoring changes and virtual interviews.
• Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including average Likert scale weights and percentages.

Main Results:

• 27.3% of program directors responded, with 33.9% disagreeing with the USMLE Step 1 pass/fail change.
• For residency interviews, top factors were letters of recommendation, dedication to specialty, and USMLE Step 2 CK.
• For fellowship interviews, top factors included letters of recommendation, dedication to specialty, and research.
• For ranking, perceived "fit" and interview experience were highly rated for both residency and fellowship.
• While 72.2% preferred in-person interviews, 50% were satisfied with virtual interviews, citing reduced applicant burden.

Conclusions:

• Most program directors were dissatisfied with the USMLE Step 1 pass/fail policy, preferring to use both Step 1 and Step 2 CK for prescreening.
• Letters of recommendation, dedication, research, USMLE Step 2 CK, perceived "fit," and interview experience are crucial for selection.
• Despite a preference for in-person interactions, program directors found the virtual interview format acceptable.