Showcasing a General Surgery Residency Program During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Otolaryngology residency programs' perspectives on virtual interviews during the COVID‐19 pandemic

“…These findings were particularly interesting when considered against the backdrop of the drastic decrease in ability to offer away rotations this past cycle, a necessity of pandemic considerations, as historically away rotation performance has been an extremely important indicator of applicant quality 3 . In an effort to begin courting applicants ahead of their VIs, a strong majority of our respondents reported that their programs provided mock VIs, virtual open houses, or both, important developments that have been demonstrated to be extremely effective for mediating the gap left by the lack of in‐person tours of programs in the general surgery iteration of the 2020 to 2021 residency application cycle 5,6 …”

“…3 In an effort to begin courting applicants ahead of their VIs, a strong majority of our respondents reported that their programs provided mock VIs, virtual open houses, or both, important developments that have been demonstrated to be extremely effective for mediating the gap left by the lack of in-person tours of programs in the general surgery iteration of the 2020 to 2021 residency application cycle. 5,6 Considering the unique challenges of a wholly virtual approach to gauging applicant quality, the absence of significant adaptive shifts in the relative importance of various applicant metrics was notable. Of the 12 metrics included on the survey, only one was considered by a majority of participants to have had increased relative importance during this past application cycle: personal prior knowledge of the applicant, a criterion that was actually anticipated to decrease in relative importance at the outset of the cycle.…”

“… 3 In an effort to begin courting applicants ahead of their VIs, a strong majority of our respondents reported that their programs provided mock VIs, virtual open houses, or both, important developments that have been demonstrated to be extremely effective for mediating the gap left by the lack of in‐person tours of programs in the general surgery iteration of the 2020 to 2021 residency application cycle. 5 , 6 …”

Understanding General Surgery Applicant Expectations and Perceptions in the Virtual Interview Process

“…Given the ongoing concerns regarding COVID-19, this recommendation was extended to the 2021-2022 residency interview season. 1 As the virtual interviews have continued for a second cycle, residency programs have adapted through hosting virtual clerkships, 2 , 3 , 4 virtual open houses, 5 , 6 , 7 improving program websites, 8 and expanding social media usage. 9 , 10 …”

“…Previous studies have suggested that while up to 81% of applicants prefer in-person interviews, 12 , 13 there can be high overall satisfaction with the virtual interview process, how it enhances the understanding of the residency program, and provides access to the residents. 7 …”