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The virtual "CaRMS Social": useful tool or awkward gathering?
Kaif Pardhan1,2,3, Lorri Beatty4, Alim Pardhan5,6,7
1Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. kaif.pardhan@gmail.com.
CJEM
|February 24, 2026
Summary
Virtual social events in the Canadian Resident Matching System (CaRMS Match) for emergency medicine (EM) had a limited impact on candidate rankings. While valued for interaction and cost savings, challenges and fatigue persist in virtual formats.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Residency Matching
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated virtual residency interviews and social events.
- Canadian emergency medicine (EM) programs transitioned to virtual social events post-2021.
- Pre-pandemic, in-person social events were a component of the CaRMS Match.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the impact of virtual social events on candidate program rankings.
- To identify strengths and weaknesses of virtual social events.
- To gather suggestions for improving future virtual social events.
Main Methods:
- Survey methodology employed with Canadian EM residents from 2021-2023.
- Included Likert scale questions and narrative comment boxes.
- Narrative comments were thematically analyzed.
Main Results:
- 108 residents completed the survey (45.8% response rate).
- Mean impact on ranking decisions was 2.64/5.
- Candidates valued resident interaction, peer observation, and small group Q&A, noting time/cost savings. Avatar platforms and large group activities were less useful. Virtual fatigue and connection challenges were noted.
Conclusions:
- Virtual CaRMS Match continues, with ongoing value placed on candidate-resident interaction.
- Barriers to meaningful connection in virtual environments persist.
- Programs should explore alternative methods for candidate-resident engagement during electives and interviews.
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