Lights, Camera, Empathy: A Request to Slow the Emergency Medicine Standardized Video Interview Project Study.

Abstract

We believe that the strongest residencies feature trainees of diverse personalities and backgrounds. We believe that true understanding and excellence in patient care are nurtured by these differences, and we firmly disagree with any actions that, intentionally or not, diminish our field's diversity. Attempting to predict future potential from a psychometric present may be shade to growth for the diverse physicians that EM hopes to attract. If applicant metrics are not adequate or valid, we must reevaluate their utility and inclusion. However, we recommend that a more thorough explanation of the need for the SVI pilot study be shared, with consideration to the possibility that other markers of an applicant's portfolio may already satisfy this need. We question the utility of an additional measure that increases burden and potential bias on medical students who have no ability to decline participation or participate in design. Until the validity of the SVI's ability to predict future performance is determined, mandatory participation and reporting to residency programs should not be implemented.