General surgery applicant perspectives: Two years of virtual interview experiences and supplemental application impressions

Abstract

Background: We sought to evaluate the unique benefits and challenges the virtual recruitment and interviewing platform had on general surgery residency applicants.

Methods: Applicants who interviewed for a categorical position at our institution during the 2021 and 2022 Match season were contacted to participate in the anonymous online survey focused on applicant behavior related to the virtual interview format. Data were analyzed using chi-square and paired t-tests.

Results: A response rate of 56.7 ​% (n ​= ​135) was achieved. Applicants accepted a median of 17 (IQR 13-20) interviews in 2021 and 15 (IQR 11-19) interviews in 2022. More than half (54 ​%) of applicants indicated they applied to more programs, and 53 ​% accepted more interviews, because of the virtual format. The greatest advantages of the virtual interviews as cited by applicants were saving money (96.3 ​%), saving time (49.6 ​%), and avoiding travel risks (43.7 ​%). The top limitations of virtual interviews were less exposure to current residents and faculty (61.5 ​%), to the city or location of the program (58.5 ​%), and difficultly comparing programs (57.8 ​%). The 2022 Match cycle included use of the supplemental application; however, 85 ​% of applicants did not feel that the supplemental improved their overall application. Some applicants (20 ​%) who "signaled" programs did not receive an interview offer from any of the programs they signaled.

Conclusion: The transition to virtual interviews saved applicants time and money but limited their exposure. Future efforts to maintain virtual interviews will need to be balanced against the intangible benefit of human interaction and observing a program's culture.

Keywords: Residency interviews; Resident recruitment; Surgical education; virtual interviews.