Do Lower Costs for Applicants Come at the Expense of Program Perception? A Cross-Sectional Survey Study of Virtual Residency Interviews

Abstract

Background Travel costs and application fees make in-person residency interviews expensive, compounding existing financial burdens on medical students. We hypothesized virtual interviews (VI) would be associated with decreased costs for applicants compared to in-person interviews (IPI) but at the expense of gathering information with which to assess the program. Objective To survey senior medical students and postgraduate year (PGY)-1 residents regarding their financial burden and program perception during virtual versus in-person interviews. Methods The authors conducted a single center, multispecialty study comparing costs of IPI vs VI from 2020-2021. Fourth-year medical students and PGY-1 residents completed one-time surveys regarding interview costs and program perception. The authors compared responses between IPI and VI groups. Potential debt accrual was calculated for 3- and 7-year residencies. Results Two hundred fifty-two (of 884, 29%) surveys were completed comprising 75 of 169 (44%) IPI and 177 of 715 (25%) VI respondents. The VI group had significantly lower interview costs compared to the IPI group (median $1,000 [$469-$2,050 IQR] $784-$1,216 99% CI vs $3,200 [$1,700-$5,500 IQR] $2,404-$3,996 99% CI, P<.001). The VI group scored lower for feeling the interview process was an accurate representation of the residency program (3.3 [0.5] vs 4.1 [0.7], P<.001). Assuming interview costs were completely loan-funded, the IPI group will have accumulated potential total loan amounts $2,334 higher than the VI group at 2% interest and $2,620 at 6% interest. These differences were magnified for a 7-year residency. Conclusions Virtual interviews save applicants thousands of dollars at the expense of their perception of the residency program.

Otolaryngology Applicant Perspectives on In‐person and Virtual Residency Interviews

“…Of these, cost and time conflicts have been noted in the literature as significant obstacles when conducting inperson interviews, especially for competitive specialties such as otolaryngology. 2,3,6 Potential solutions proposed include funding away rotations and research experiences, which were found to predict total interview season cost. 2 Additionally, Fogel et al 3 discussed co-locating interviews or adopting a city or regional-based approach for interview dates to lessen travel costs and time conflicts.…”

“…The most common reasons for declining an in‐person interview were not wanting to travel, time conflicts, dissatisfaction with the geographic location, and monetary limitations. Of these, cost and time conflicts have been noted in the literature as significant obstacles when conducting in‐person interviews, especially for competitive specialties such as otolaryngology 2,3,6 . Potential solutions proposed include funding away rotations and research experiences, which were found to predict total interview season cost 2 .…”

“…For the applicant, virtual interviews have been noted to be less effective in communicating program culture and showcasing the geographic location and program facilities. [6][7][8] For the interviewer, virtual interviews added difficulty in gauging personal fit and personality characteristics that may impact the transition into the culture of a specific residency program. 8,9 For the 2022-2023 otolaryngology residency interview cycle, individual programs were given the option to conduct either in-person or virtual interviews with at least three programs choosing to use an in-person format, providing an opportunity to gauge applicant perceptions on the interview formats being conducted.…”

“…While virtual interviews have demonstrated many advantages, there are also noted shortcomings for both applicant and interviewer. For the applicant, virtual interviews have been noted to be less effective in communicating program culture and showcasing the geographic location and program facilities 6‐8 . For the interviewer, virtual interviews added difficulty in gauging personal fit and personality characteristics that may impact the transition into the culture of a specific residency program 8,9 …”

Applicant and Program Director Perceptions of Second Look Events During the 2023 Radiation Oncology Residency Match

“…2 Studies comparing virtual interviews to historical in-person interview offerings suggest advantages to the virtual format: reduced costs, avoidance of scheduling conflicts, and avoidance of educational interruptions. 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 These benefits, however, occur at the expense of applicant perception of the programs. 6 …”