Holistic recruitment: A model for improving equity in clinical neuropsychology postdoctoral trainee selection

Objective: The American Academy of Medical Colleges (AAMC) has recommended holistic review (HR), also referred to as holistic recruitment, to improve recruitment processes across all aspects of training from medical school admission to resident/fellowship selection by addressing obstacles that may disadvantage qualified applicants. HR is an evidenced based and strategic approach that aligns a program's mission and goals while individually evaluating an applicant's capabilities in the broader context of sociocultural, economic, educational, and personal factors. To date, the field of Clinical Neuropsychology (CN) has utilized recruitment methods that lack empirical support and may inadvertently limit access for individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, potentially narrowing the pathway for future colleagues. Method: This paper will (1) provide context of historical barriers and challenges in the training recruitment processes, (2) define HR, (3) review relevant literature regarding its efficacy in medical education, and (4) provide an overview and examples of how to apply HR to CN postdoctoral training recruitment. Conclusion: HR is an evidenced-based recruitment method that has consistently demonstrated strong utility in broadening the criteria for evaluating candidates without reducing the quality of the trainees in medical residencies. It is our assertion that these methods can be successfully applied to CN postdoctoral fellowship recruitment.