A survey of attributes of surgical resident applicants deemed important to American College of Veterinary Surgeons board‐certified surgeons involved in resident selection and methods used to evaluate these attributes. Issue 3 (1st March 2021) - Upchurch, David A.
Abstract: Objective: To determine which attributes of residency applicants were most commonly assessed by large and small animal American College of Veterinary Surgeons diplomates and to determine which evaluation methods were perceived to assess those attributes. Study design: Online survey. Sample population: American College of Veterinary Surgeons board‐certified surgeons as of March 2019. Methods: An online survey was sent to eligible individuals. Respondents rated the importance of 23 attributes assessed by the Veterinary Internship and Residency Matching Program (VIRMP) application as well the usefulness of interviews, conversations with people knowledgeable with the applicants, and review of the VIRMP packet for evaluating each of these attributes. Responses were compared between large and small animal practitioners and between individuals involved in residency selection (supervisors) and individuals not involved in residency selection (nonsupervisors). Results: Surveys were completed by 221 individuals (14.6% response rate). Seventeen of the 23 attributes were considered important by most respondents. Grade point average (GPA) and class rank were used as screening tools by 73% and 65% of supervisors, respectively. Letters of reference (LOR) were ranked as the most important part of the VIRMP packet. Conversations with people knowledgeable with the applicant was the only method judged by most respondents to be appropriate to evaluate all 23 attributes. Responses were similar between large and small animal supervisors and nonsupervisors. Conclusion: Respondents considered conversations with people knowledgeable with the applicant to be the most useful methods for assessing a resident applicant, but LOR, GPA, and class rank were also important. Impact: Resident applicants and mentors can use this information to strengthen applications.