Factors that Influence Applicant Choice of In-Person versus Virtual Interview Format.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Graduate Medical Education
• Fellowship Recruitment

Background:

• Graduate medical education governing bodies recommend virtual interviews (VI).
• Most programs comply with VI guidance, but applicant support is unclear.
• Virtual interview (VI), in-person interview (IPI), and hybrid (VI+) formats have distinct advantages and disadvantages.

Purpose of the Study:

• Determine applicant preference for interview formats (VI, IPI, VI+).
• Identify factors influencing applicant interview format preferences.
• Evaluate applicants' perceived ability to assess programs based on interview format.

Main Methods:

• Pulmonary and critical care medicine fellowship applicants were offered a choice of interview format in 2022.
• Pre and post-interview questionnaires assessed applicant preferences and perceptions.
• Data collected on format preference, influential factors, and confidence in program evaluation.

Main Results:

• In-person interviews (IPI) were most preferred (57%), followed by virtual interviews (VI) (28%) and hybrid (VI+) (15.5%).
• Virtual interviews were favored due to cost, distance, and work flexibility; in-person interviews were favored for assessing culture, fit, and facilities.
• Applicants attending in-person interviews reported higher confidence in evaluating all program aspects.

Conclusions:

• The majority of fellowship applicants prefer in-person interviews.
• Factors influencing preference differ significantly between virtual and in-person formats.
• Understanding these differing preferences is crucial for ensuring equity in the recruitment process.