Virtual interviews and equity: The pediatric pulmonary fellow perspective.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Fellowship Training
• Health Equity

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a shift to virtual interviews (VIs) in medical training, including fellowship programs.
• The impact of this transition on applicant equity compared to traditional in-person interviews remains largely unexamined.
• Equity is defined as the opportunity for applicants to accept, access, and conduct interviews.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess pediatric pulmonary fellows' perceptions of equity in virtual interviews (VIs).
• To understand fellows' preferences for future interview formats.
• To identify factors influencing equity in virtual interview processes.

Main Methods:

• An anonymous survey was distributed to pediatric pulmonary fellows who participated in the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 VI seasons.
• Survey responses were analyzed using frequency counts and percentages.
• Free-text responses were thematically analyzed using inductive coding.

Main Results:

• Nearly 30% of eligible fellows completed the survey.
• 74% of respondents believed VIs reduce inequities compared to in-person interviews.
• 60% considered VIs the most equitable format, with 51% preferring them for the future.
• Key factors for enhancing VI equity included providing dress code instructions (91%) and virtual technology (89%).

Conclusions:

• Pediatric pulmonary fellows perceive virtual interviews as a more equitable format than in-person interviews.
• Program directors can improve VI equity by offering standardized dress code guidance and ensuring access to necessary technology.
• These adaptations can promote a fairer and more inclusive virtual interview experience for fellowship applicants.