Virtual Interviews for Breast Imaging Fellowship During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perspectives of Program Directors and Applicants

Abstract

Objective: To compare in-person and virtual breast fellowship interview experiences from the perspective of fellowship program directors (PDs) and applicants.

Methods: Three separate voluntary, anonymous, e-mail delivered surveys were developed for PDs, in-person interview applicants in 2019-2020, and virtual interview applicants in 2020-2021. PD and applicant survey responses regarding the two interview cycles were compared.

Results: The response rate was 56% (53/95) for PDs, 19% (23/123) for in-person applicants, and 38% (49/129) for virtual applicants. PDs reported significantly lower cost for virtual compared to in-person interviews (P < 0.001). They reported no significant difference in number of applications received, number of applicants interviewed, applicant pool geographic regions, number of interview days offered, or format of interviews. Most PDs (31/53, 58%) felt the virtual format still allowed them to get to know the applicants well. Cost was significantly higher for in-person compared to virtual applicants (P < 0.001). More in-person applicants (11/23, 48%) listed cost as a barrier compared to virtual applicants (7/49, 14%) (P = 0.002). Virtual and in-person applicants reported a similar number of program applications, but virtual applicants completed more interviews (P = 0.012). Both groups preferred scheduled time to speak with the current fellows and a one-on-one interview format with two to four faculty members. Most applicants (36/49, 73%) felt the virtual format still allowed them to get to know each program well.

Conclusion: Virtual interviews provide a reasonable alternative to in-person interviews for breast imaging fellowship applicants, with decreased cost being the main advantage.

Keywords: COVID-19; equity; fellowship; medical education; virtual interview.

Figure 1.

Likert scale responses from program directors regarding preference for in-person versus virtual interviews.

Figure 2.

Likert scale responses from program directors regarding their experiences with in-person and virtual interviews. A: Responses to the statement “The interview committee was able to get to know the applicants during virtual interviews.” B: Responses to the statement “With regard to convenience, the interview committee prefers virtual interviews to in-person interviews.” C: Responses to the statement “With regard to getting to know the applicants, the interview committee prefers virtual interviews compared to in-person interviews.” D: Responses to the statement “The interview committee was satisfied with the overall experience of virtual interviews.”

Figure 3.

Comparison of in-person and virtual applicant responses regarding interview experience. A: Responses to the statement “I felt I got to know the program well.” B: Responses to the statement “I felt I could compare programs well.” C: Responses to the statement “I was satisfied with the overall experience.”

Figure 4.

Likert scale responses from in-person (left) and virtual (right) applicants regarding their preference for in-person versus virtual professional interviews.