Associations Between Family Medicine Residency Applicants' Debt Concern and Their Perception of Virtual Residency Interviews

Abstract

Introduction: Since the shift to virtual residency interviews following the COVID-19 pandemic and the initial 2021 and 2022 endorsement from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, applicants and programs have been weighing the benefits and disadvantages of this transition. This study examines the impact of debt concern among family medicine residency applicants and their likelihood of (1) accepting virtual interview offers and (2) recommending the digital format for future application cycles.

Methods: Using responses from the American Academy of Family Physicians 2023 Medical Student Education Survey, we applied descriptive bivariate analysis and rapid cycle thematic evaluation to explore associations between 2023 family medicine residency applicants' debt concern and their perception of digital residency interviews.

Results: A majority of our study sample (86%) had some level of debt concern. A majority (88.8%) also noted that most of their interviews were virtual. Regardless of debt concern, most students (87.4%) indicated that they accepted offers for virtual interviews that they otherwise may not have accepted if travel time and expenses were involved. Furthermore, most students (87.1%) recommended a virtual component to future residency interviews.

Conclusion: Contrary to our expectations, there was no association between concern for debt and preference for virtual interviews. Most candidates preferred the virtual setting, stating that they were more likely to accept virtual interview offers, and recommended this format for future cycles.

Figure 1

Applicants’ Likelihood of Accepting Virtual Interviews, by Debt Concern Response