Resident-Applicant Buddy Program Increases Applicant Interest and Program Transparency

Abstract

Objective: Resident-Applicant Buddy Programs (RABPs) are a new initiative designed to improve resident recruitment. This study aims to evaluate the impact and perceived value of RABPs and to identify areas for improvement for future recruitment cycles.

Design: Anonymous online survey study of RABP participants with mixed-methods approach to evaluate participants' experience and perceived impact of the program. The survey queried demographics, Likert responses, and open-ended responses. Qualitative thematic analysis of open-ended responses was performed with inductive coding in an iterative fashion by 2 raters.

Setting: This study was conducted at a general surgery residency program at a tertiary academic institution during 2022-2023 recruitment cycle.

Participants: Of 125 RABP participants (n = 39 residents and n = 86 interviewed applicants), surveys from n = 45 participants (n = 19 residents, 66%; n = 26 applicants, 30%) were completed and analyzed.

Results: Applicants were predominantly female (65%) and first-generation physicians (69%). Buddy pairings were 65% gender concordant and 48% race/ethnicity concordant. Many applicants (60%) participated in RABPs at other institutions. Buddies connected for a mean (SD) of 52 (28) minutes. Majority of applicants agreed the program decreased stress/apprehension about interviewing (70%, 4.0 [1.1]), helped understand resident life at the program (91%, 4.3 [1.0]), and increased desire to match in the program (65%, 4.0 [1.1]). Residents agreed they enjoyed participation (89%, 4.5 [0.7]), the program should be continued (100%, 4.8 [0.4]), and desired to participate again (100%, 4.8 [0.4]). Thematic analysis revealed applicants valued the program as an approachable source of information, illumination of program culture, aid in interview preparation, and connection between applicant and program. Applicants appreciated the intentionality of the program to create a RABP.

Conclusions: RABP decreased applicants' stress, improved understanding of resident life, and for the majority, increased desire to match at the program. Resident engagement and desire for ongoing participation in the RABP was high. Overall, RABPs can increase applicant interest and program transparency.

Keywords: buddy program; general surgery; graduate medical education; recruitment; residency application; resident-applicant buddy.