Effects of the Virtual Match Process on Radiation Oncology Applicants' Interview Experience and their Approach to the Match

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<h3>Purpose/Objective(s)</h3> COVID drastically changed the 2020-2021 match process experience by transitioning from in-person interviews to virtual interview processes. We evaluated how the virtual match influenced radiation oncology applicants interview selection and interview experiences. <h3>Materials/Methods</h3> A list of 140 radiation oncology applicants was curated from events throughout the application process. The optional survey was sent via e-mail to the applicants, followed by two reminder e-mails. Collected demographics were medical education, additional degrees, gender, race, ethnicity, and couples match status. The number of programs applied, interviews received, interviews attended, projected additional interviews canceled for an in-person process was recorded. Information was collected regarding preferred virtual interview experiences including information such length of interviews, number of interviews, interview format, and preferred method of obtaining program information. <h3>Results</h3> Of the 140 contacted applicants, 62 completed the survey. Demographics of the applicants is listed in the table below. For medical training, the applicants contained 50 MDs, 5 DOs, and 7 IMGs. Respondents were 66.1% Male, 32.3% Female, and 1.6% Non-Binary/Non-Conforming. Additional degrees or research experiences from the applicants included 16 research years, 15 PhDs, 9 MS, 3 MPH, and 1 M.Ed. Three applicants couples matched. The number of applications submitted, interviews received, and interviews attended are listed in the table below. When asked if interviews had been in person, most estimated that they would have canceled additional interviews with 6 applicants (9.7%) canceling 0 interviews, 30 applicants (48.4%) canceling 1-5, 17 applicants (27.4%) canceling 6-10, 5 applicants (8.1%) canceling 11-15, 3 applicants (4.8%) canceling 16-20, and 1 applicant (1.6%) canceling >20 interviews. The preferred interview length for most applicants was 15 minutes (27, 43.5%) or 20 minutes (30, 48.4%), while most applicants preferred interview days with 4-6 interviews (47, 75.8). One-on-one or two-on-one interviews were rated as preferred experiences over panel interviews. The highest-rated break method was 5–10-minute breaks between interviews with cameras off. <h3>Conclusion</h3> The virtual NRMP interview experience was overall a positive experience for radiation oncology applicants, allowing applicants to attend more virtual interviews than if they were attending interviews in person. Additional analyses are needed to determine if increased number of interviews per applicant affected unfilled residency positions.