What Residency Applicants Value and Why: A Means-End Chain Analysis of Veterinary Anesthesiology and Neurology...

The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics of programs that anesthesia and neurology residency applicants evaluate when deciding where to apply and rank residency programs and relate these characteristics to the applicant's core values. This was designed as a cross-sectional interview-focused qualitative data study. Interview questions were designed to elicit characteristics of a residency program and applicant values through means-end choice theory. Relationships among characteristics, consequences, and values were determined by one author as informed by the data and themes identified in previous publications. Fourteen interviews were completed (six with anesthesiology applicants and eight with neurology applicants). Common themes were identified in both groups, with no meaningful distinctions identified between the two groups. Program characteristics identified were caseload, foreign student acceptance, interest in applicants, location, mentorship, number of mentors, number of residents, on-call responsibilities, online program information, positive working environment, program stability, reputation, research opportunities, resident support, salary, structure, and teaching opportunities. Consequences identified were acceptance to a program, becoming a competent academic, becoming a competent clinician, completing the program and passing boards, enjoying learning, enjoying work, meeting financial needs, social support, and time outside of work. Values identified were achievement, belonging, impact, security, and well-being. Residency programs should consider how they can align their characteristics with those desired by applicants.