Orthopaedic Surgery Residency: Perspective of Applicants and Program Directors on Medical Student Virtual Experiences

Abstract

Introduction: Orthopaedic Residency Directors advised against visiting subinternship rotations in the peak of the pandemic. To adapt, programs offered multiple virtual experiences. The purpose of this study was to evaluate programs and applicants’ perceptions regarding the value of virtual experiences during the 2020 to 2021 application cycle and their utility in future application cycles.Methods: A survey was disseminated to 31 residency programs gathering data about virtual experiences offered in this cycle. A second survey was disseminated to interns who have successfully matched at those programs to identify how interns think to have benefited from the experiences.Results: Twenty-eight programs completed the survey (90% response rate). One hundred eight new interns completed the survey (70% response rate). Virtual information sessions and resident socials were the highest attended (94% and 92%, respectively). Interns and leadership agreed that virtual rotations provided students with a good understanding of program culture and what the programs offer educationally. Neither the leadership nor the interns would recommend replacing in-person aways with virtual experiences.Conclusion: Virtual experiences helped bridge the gap after away rotations were canceled. Alongside in-person aways, virtual experiences are likely to play a role in future cycles. However, virtual experiences remain incomparable to in-person away rotations and are not recommended as a replacement.

Identification of Factors Associated with Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Programs That Preferentially Match Students Who Performed an Elective Rotation Before the Interview Process

“…Program leaders agree that in-person rotations provide the best opportunity to evaluate how an applicant would integrate in their program, as well as an applicant's work ethic, social skills, and "grit." 6,7,14 Therefore, an applicant may benefit the most from rotating at programs that have demonstrated an emphasis on the assessment of such self-discipline and interpersonal skills, through the creation of more in-person rotation opportunities.…”

“…It is possible that programs with more rotator positions available place greater consideration on the rotator experience and the ability to assess applicant qualities that are conveyed through direct interaction. Program leaders agree that in-person rotations provide the best opportunity to evaluate how an applicant would integrate in their program, as well as an applicant's work ethic, social skills, and “grit.” 6,7,14 Therefore, an applicant may benefit the most from rotating at programs that have demonstrated an emphasis on the assessment of such self-discipline and interpersonal skills, through the creation of more in-person rotation opportunities.…”