Virtual Ophthalmology Fellowship Interviews: Perceptions of U.S. Ophthalmology Fellowship Applicants in 2020

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the experiences and preferences of ophthalmology fellowship applicants utilizing a virtual interview format. Design Present study is a cross-sectional study. Subjects All fellowship applicants to Wills Eye Hospital during 2020 to 2021 application cycle were included. Methods A nonvalidated, online survey was conducted, and surveys were distributed at the conclusion of the interview process after rank list submission. Main Outcome Measures Applicant demographics, application submissions, interview experiences, financial considerations, and suggestions for improvement of the virtual interview process were the primary outcomes of this cross-sectional study. Results Survey responses were received from 68 fellowship applicants (34% response rate). Thirty (44%) applicants preferred in-person interviews, 25 (36%) preferred virtual interviews, and 13 (19%) would like to prefer the option to choose either. Fifty-five of 68 (80%) applicants attended the same range of interviews for which they received interview invitations. Reduced costs were reported as the highest ranked strength of virtual interviews in 44 (65%) applicants, with a majority of respondents (68%) spending less than U.S. $250 throughout the entire process. The highest ranked limitation for virtual interviews was limited exposure to the culture/environment of the program in 20 (29%) respondents. On a scale of 0 to 100, the mean (standard deviation [SD]) satisfaction level with the fellowship application process was 74.6 (18.3) and mean (SD) perceived effectiveness levels of virtual interviews was 67.4 (20.4). Conclusion Respondents were generally satisfied with virtual interviews and noted reduced costs and increased ability to attend more fellowship interviews as the strengths of the virtual interview format. Limited exposure to the culture/environment of the program was cited as the most important limitation.

Virtual versus In-Person Ophthalmology Interviews: Perceptions of U.S. Ophthalmology Fellowship Applicants in 2022–2023

“…This is further supported by the literature, where difficulty assessing program fit is the most commonly reported drawback of the virtual interview. 1,2,4,6,[12][13][14] Meanwhile, our study demonstrated two major strengths of in-person interviews. The largest strength was increased exposure to the details of the program structure, a finding which mirrored the largest weakness of virtual formats.…”

“…Still, virtual interviews remain the predominant format for residency and fellowship interviews despite limited understanding of how this platform affects the interview process. 1 According to a 2021 survey study by Patel et al, applicants were generally satisfied with virtual interviews due to reduced costs and increased ability to attend a greater number of interviews. 1 Other studies surveying applicants, interviewers, and committee members within various specialties demonstrated more equivocal results.…”

“…1 According to a 2021 survey study by Patel et al, applicants were generally satisfied with virtual interviews due to reduced costs and increased ability to attend a greater number of interviews. 1 Other studies surveying applicants, interviewers, and committee members within various specialties demonstrated more equivocal results. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] While participants on both sides of the interview process envision a future role for virtual interviews, 7,8,11,12,14 few believe they will completely replace in-person interviews.…”

Applicant Perceptions of In-Person versus Virtual Interview Format for Surgical Retina Fellowship

“…9 Limitations of this study include a small sample size, despite an acceptable survey response rate similar to other studies cited here. 5,7,9 While participants were comprised of retina fellowship applicants to only three programs, this likely represents a majority of retina fellowship applicants within these two interview cycles given the significant overlap of applicants between programs. However, it may not be generalizable to ophthalmology fellows within other subspecialties.…”

“…Patel et al studied the perceptions of virtual interviewees shortly after the AUPO mandate and reported similar findings, including reduced cost, ability to attend more interviews, and overall high satisfaction but limited exposure to the program culture. 7 Another survey of a cohort of virtual retina fellowship interviewees additionally reported increased difficulty representing themselves over a virtual platform, compared with the same survey of in-person applicants from the year prior to the mandate. 2 …”