Hybrid residency interviews: using standardized questions to promote consistent evaluation

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Residency Training
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Conflicting guidelines exist regarding virtual versus hybrid residency interviews.
• Limited evidence supports either all-virtual or all-in-person interview formats.
• Residency applicants often prefer in-person visits before ranking programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess scoring consistency between virtual and in-person residency interviews.
• To evaluate potential preferential scoring based on interview format.
• To inform optimal residency interview strategies.

Main Methods:

• Standardized interview questions and interviewer training were implemented for the 2023-2024 cycle.
• Quantitative assessment relied solely on standardized question scores.
• Applicant interview format (virtual vs. in-person) and demographic data were collected.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in mean scores was found between virtual and in-person interview groups.
• Applicant sex did not significantly influence interview format choice.
• Rotators were significantly more likely to choose in-person interviews compared to non-rotators (83% vs. 23%, P < .001).

Conclusions:

• Interview scoring appears consistent regardless of format (virtual or in-person).
• A hybrid interview model may offer flexibility for programs and applicants.
• Further multi-institutional studies are needed to assess generalizability and impact on rank lists.