Internal Medicine Residency Program Applicant Perceptions of the SPLIT Recruitment Model Before and After Universal...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Residency Recruitment
• Virtual Interviewing

Background:

• Residency recruitment strategies are evolving, accelerated by the shift to universal virtual interviewing (UVI).
• An internal medicine program redesigned its recruitment process in 2018, incorporating virtual interviews.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a redesigned residency recruitment model, assessing applicant perceptions of its components.
• To identify potential enhancements for residency recruitment processes.

Main Methods:

• The "SPLIT" recruitment model involved separating optional applicant visit days (AVD) from interviews, utilizing a supplemental form, website information, virtual interviews, and flexible timing.
• Surveys were administered to internal medicine residency applicants from 2019-2023, comparing perceptions before and after UVI implementation.

Main Results:

• A significant majority (75%) of respondents favored video interviews, with preference increasing post-UVI (92% vs. 57%).
• Applicants post-UVI favored separated and optional AVDs more than pre-UVI applicants.
• In-person AVDs pre-pandemic correlated with higher program understanding, satisfaction, and recruitment experience.

Conclusions:

• Virtual interviews are highly rated and increasingly preferred by applicants.
• Optional, separated applicant visit days enhance program understanding; in-person AVDs were more effective pre-pandemic.
• The SPLIT model offers an innovative approach to balance applicant and program needs in residency recruitment.