Successful Applicant and Program Director Perspectives on the Virtual Residency Selection Process for Canadian...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Residency Recruitment
• Postgraduate Medical Training

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a shift in postgraduate surgical program recruitment and selection processes.
• Virtual applicant selection became a primary method for the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS).
• Perspectives of program directors and applicants on this virtual shift were largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the perspectives of program directors and applicants on virtual recruitment and selection in surgical residency.
• To identify the benefits and challenges of virtual interviewing and engagement methods.
• To provide recommendations for optimizing virtual selection processes in postgraduate medical education.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey study was conducted using Google Forms.
• Surveys were distributed to program directors and successful applicants of the 2021 CaRMS surgical subspecialty match.
• Questions focused on virtual engagement, interview format, selection factors, and future recommendations.

Main Results:

• Program directors reported cost reduction (85%) and efficiency (71%) as key benefits of virtual interviewing.
• Strong letters of reference (80%) and interview performance (74%) remained critical selection factors.
• Virtual information sessions were highly valued by applicants (90%), but in-person electives retained significant importance.

Conclusions:

• Virtual selection processes allow trainees and program directors to feel confident in residency matches.
• While virtual interviews present advantages, a consensus on preference over in-person interviews is lacking.
• In-person electives significantly influence selection, and effective applicant-program engagement is vital.