A framework for evaluating residency recruitment disparities: a single-institution study on the impact of virtual...

Diversity within medical training enhances academic development and patient care. The residency recruitment and selection process plays a critical role in shaping workforce diversity, yet no comprehensive framework exists to systematically evaluate these processes.

This study applies a novel conceptual framework to assess the gender distribution of applicants to our institution's Diagnostic Radiology residency program before and after the transition from in-person to virtual interviews.

We analyzed ERAS data from 2017 to 2023, examining gender distribution at each stage of the recruitment and selection process: application, interview selection, ranking, and matching. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests and cumulative logistic regression to compare outcomes between in-person (2017-2020) and virtual (2021-2023) interview cycles.

The proportion of female applicants, interviewees, and ranked candidates remained stable between in-person and virtual interviews. However, significantly fewer women matched into the program during virtual interviews (5.6% vs. 37.5%, p = 0.02). There were no significant changes in gender distribution across rank list quartiles.

Our novel framework provides a systematic approach to evaluating residency recruitment and selection processes, allowing for a more nuanced interpretation of where disparities emerge. Applying this framework revealed that while selection practices remained consistent, the transition to virtual interviews may have hindered successful recruitment of female applicants. Future studies can leverage this framework to examine additional diversity metrics and guide institutional efforts toward more equitable residency selection.