Applicant and Program Director Perceptions Regarding Virtual Interviewing and Signaling [ID: 1373344

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: In 2020, obstetrics and gynecology residency programs switched to a virtual interview format because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most programs have continued to conduct virtual interviews. In 2022, program signaling was introduced to allow candidates applying to obstetrics and gynecology residencies to indicate interest in specific programs. The objective of this study is to survey medical student residency applicants and program directors about their perceptions of the process. METHODS: Education for All (EFA) developed a validated survey assessing student and residency program director perceptions. This survey was distributed online to all residency applicants and program directors who registered for the 2022 EFA Residency Fair. RESULTS: Five hundred six obstetrics and gynecology residency applicants and 33 program directors responded. 37% applicants indicated that virtual interviews would probably provide enough information to create a rank list, but 36% were not sure. 37% of students and 50% of residency programs indicated the process should continue to be virtual. Ninety-one percent of students indicated they would “definitely” use signaling, and 66% of program directors said signaling “might or might not” improve the application process. In a free-text section, many applicants expressed concern with the virtual interview process. CONCLUSION: Fifty percent of residency programs and the majority of residency applicants are unsure if interviews should continue to be virtual. Nearly all candidates planned to use program signaling, but the majority of program directors were unsure if this would improve the application process. Further study is necessary to determine whether program signaling and virtual interviews should be continued in the future.