Virtual interviewing in the MedPhys match: Experiences of applicants and programs
Titania Juang1, Angelia Landers2, Anna E Rodrigues3
1Department of Radiation Medicine & Applied Sciences, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA.
Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics
|April 29, 2023
Summary
Applicants strongly prefer virtual interviews for medical physics residency matching due to cost savings and flexibility. While virtual formats offer greater equity, program directors find it harder to assess candidates and showcase their program.
Area of Science:
- Medical Physics Residency Recruitment
- Graduate Medical Education
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a shift to virtual recruitment and interviewing for the 2020-21 MedPhys Match (MPM).
- Previous match cycles relied on traditional in-person recruitment and interviewing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare applicant and program experiences in the 2020-21 virtual MedPhys Match (MPM) with previous in-person cycles.
- To identify the advantages and disadvantages of virtual interviewing in medical physics residency recruitment.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to all applicants and programs participating in the 2020-21 MPM.
- Survey questions covered pre-interview screening, interviews, ranking, and post-match stages.
- Data analysis involved graphical methods and spreadsheet tools.
Main Results:
- Applicants reported advantages of virtual interviews including reduced costs and enhanced scheduling flexibility, allowing them to consider more programs.
- Disadvantages for applicants included the inability to experience program culture or meet staff/residents in person.
- Program directors noted cost and time savings for applicants but struggled to convey workplace culture and assess applicant interpersonal skills.
Conclusions:
- Applicants overwhelmingly prefer virtual interviews for medical physics residency recruitment, finding the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
- Program directors acknowledge the increased equity of virtual interviews but express dissatisfaction with assessing candidates and presenting their programs.
- A cautious approach is recommended for hybrid models to ensure fair applicant assessment.
