Virtual Recruitment is Here to Stay: 2020 ID Fellowship Program and Matched Applicant Recruitment Experiences

Abstract

Background: Graduate Medical Education training programs transitioned to all-virtual recruitment in 2020. Few data have been published regarding the consequences of this transition. We desired to understand (1) infectious diseases (ID) fellowship programs' recruitment efforts and the effect of virtual recruitment on application and interview numbers, and (2) the number of programs to which matched applicants applied and interviewed, and their perspectives on virtual recruitment. Methods: In 2020-21 we surveyed all United States ID fellowship program directors (PDs) and matched applicants. Descriptive data analysis was performed on quantitative survey items. Free-text responses were analyzed through a quantitative content analysis approach. Results: PD response rate was 68/158 (43%); applicant response rate was at least 23% (85/365). PDs reported a 27% increase in mean number of applications received and a 45% increase in mean number of applicants interviewed. Applicants especially valued online program structure information, PD program overview videos, fellow testimonials, didactic and curriculum content, and current fellow profiles. Most applicants preferred interviews lasting no more than 40 minutes and interview days lasting no more than 5 hours. Nearly all (60/64, 94%) PDs adequately learned about candidates; most (48/64, 75%) felt unable to showcase their program as well as when in-person. Most PDs (54/64, 84%) and applicants (56/73, 77%) want at least an option for virtual recruitment moving forward. Conclusions: Virtual recruitment enabled programs to accommodate more applicants and highlighted applicants' preferences for programs' augmented online presences and time-limited interview days. Most programs and applicants want the option for virtual interviews.