Applicant Perspectives of Virtual General Surgery Residency Interviews. Issue 10 (October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Finney, Nicole; Stopenski, Stephen; Smith, Brian R.
• Is Part Of: American surgeon. Volume 88:Issue 10(2022)
• Page Start: 2556
• Page End: 2560
• Publication Date: 2022-10
• Subjects: general surgery -- residency interview -- virtual interview -- MATCH; Surgery -- Periodicals; Surgery -- United States -- Periodicals; 617.0973
• DOI: 10.1177/00031348221103658
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-1348

Abstract

Background: The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic prompted drastic changes to residency recruitment. The majority of general surgery residency interviews for the 2020-2021 interview cycle were restructured into a virtual format. The goal of this study is to evaluate general surgery residency applicants' perception of virtual interviews. Methods: A secure, anonymous, web-based survey was developed, tested, and distributed via email to all candidates who applied to the University of California Irvine general surgery residency program for Match 2021. Results: 1239 general surgery applicants were invited after Match Day 2021 to take the survey, and 167 (13.5%) completed the survey and were included in the final analysis. Applicants received and accepted a median of 10 (Interquartile range [IQR], 5-18) and 9 (IQR, 5-15) interviews. Using a Likert scale, candidates revealed they were most satisfied with introduction and program overview (72.5%) and interactions with faculty (70.6%). Applicants were dissatisfied with pre-interview socials (66.9%) and hospital tours (66.2%). When evaluating programs, they had the most difficulty discerning program culture and resident autonomy. Most applicants (54%) were satisfied with the virtual format and 52% believed that virtual format should continue. Discussion: The majority of applicants were satisfied with virtual interviews and could foresee the format continuing in the future.