Obstetrics and gynecology resident perception of virtual fellowship interviews

Abstract

Background Travel restrictions amidst the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped interviewing for fellowships into a predominantly virtual process. How this impacts Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) resident approaches to fellowship application and Match navigation is largely unknown. Methods We performed a cross-sectional survey study of fourth year OB/GYN residents in the United States who participated in at least one virtual fellowship interview in 2020. We collected information regarding demographics, application strategy, perceived strengths and weaknesses of virtual interviews, and confidence with rank list creation. Descriptive statistics were used for categorical variables and responses pre- and post-Match were compared using Fisher’s exact test. Results Seventy-five out of an estimated 490 applicants (~ 15% response rate) completed the survey. Of the respondents, 65.3% felt they interviewed at more programs virtually than they would anticipate completing in person, but perceived less confidence in having the necessary information (n = 45, 60%) or understanding the culture of programs (n = 59, 78.7%) to create a rank list. Cost savings were the main benefit of virtual interviews (n = 50, 66.7%), and inability to get a true “feel” for a program was the biggest limitation (n = 43, 57.3%). A majority (46.7%) advocate for a future hybrid interview process. Conclusions OB/GYN residents pursuing fellowship reported interviewing at more programs during the virtual season, but had less confidence with rank list creation. Cost savings benefits are weighed against difficulty getting a “feel” for programs virtually. Most would advocate for a future hybrid interview process.

Virtual Interviews Improve Equity and Wellbeing: Results of a Survey of Applicants to Obstetrics and Gynecology Subspecialty Fellowships

“…[ 13 ] Ding et al also surveyed applicants to multiple subspecialities and found strengths of the virtual platform included cost savings and ease of scheduling interviews but noted uncertainty in ability to create a rank list. [ 17 ] Our larger and broader study corroborates some of their findings, including the clear financial benefit, but found virtual interviews to be adequate in creating a rank list.…”

“…The anticipated expenses of in-person interviews were similar to those reported by other specialties. [ 2 , 4 , 17 , 20 ] Nearly all applicants cite the dramatic reduction in actual expenses for virtual interviews as a significant advantage. Tseng et al found that fellowship candidates during COVID 19 saved close to $6,000 in interview travel expenses.…”

“…Most previous surveys of applicants, in contrast, have surveyed applicants to single institutions or specialties and consisted of smaller sample sizes or lower response rate. [ 17 , 22 ] Importantly, our survey was developed by a team of investigators, reviewed by members of COFTOG, administered for accuracy to an internal group of fellows, and piloted on the subset of subspecialty applicants in FPMRS, who were in an earlier match cycle. The anonymous and voluntary survey, which underwent rigorous development by the investigators, followed the CHERRIES criteria.…”

A Match Made in Cyberspace: Applicant Perspectives on a Virtual Residency Application Process

“…[1][2][3] Existing studies on the 2020-2021 virtual application process surveyed applicants before interviews occurred, asked residents in the context of fellowship applications, or assessed how faculty viewed virtual interviews. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10] While studies indicate that fellowship program directors prefer in-person interviews, residents applying for fellowship expressed mixed opinions about whether virtual interviews should continue. [5][6][7][8][9][10] Fellowship applicants noted the financial and time benefits of virtual interviews but expressed concerns with evaluating fit.…”

“…[4][5][6][7][8][9][10] While studies indicate that fellowship program directors prefer in-person interviews, residents applying for fellowship expressed mixed opinions about whether virtual interviews should continue. [5][6][7][8][9][10] Fellowship applicants noted the financial and time benefits of virtual interviews but expressed concerns with evaluating fit. [5][6][7][8] A comprehensive evaluation of a virtual Match process requires input from all stakeholders, including applicants to residency positions.…”