The Everlasting Effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency Match

Abstract

In 2021, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical School Education recommended that graduate medical education programs conduct residency interviews virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic.1Coalition for physician accountability recommendations on virtual interviews for 2021-2022 recruitment season.https://www.acgme.org/newsroom/2021/8/coalition-for-physician-accountability-recommendations-on-virtual-interviews-for-2021-2022-recruitment-season/Date accessed: December 29, 2022Google Scholar Oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) was included in this recommendation. After experiencing the virtual platform for interviews, some programs elected to continue virtual interviews in 2022, while others have returned to in-person. Undoubtedly, in-person and virtual interviews each have their strengths and weaknesses, and consequently, may impact how a candidate views a program. Given that there are many differences between in-person and virtual interviews, it is likely that OMS residency match may also be affected. Initially, virtual interviews provided a solution to minimize transmission of the virus, however many programs have continued virtual interviews citing the benefits. From the applicant's perspective, it is more cost-effective to interview virtually rather than paying for travel expenses such as transportation, hotels, and food. Virtual interviews also lead to greater equity among candidates due to its cost and accessibility.2Heitkamp N.M. Snyder A.N. Ramu A. et al.Lessons learned: Applicant equity and the 2020-2021 virtual interview season.Acad Radiol. 2021; 28: 1787-1791https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acra.2021.08.005Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (10) Google Scholar In addition, given that the candidate does not have to travel, virtual interviews are not as time-consuming. As a result, applicants who are in their final year of dental school are better able to keep up on graduation requirements and those who are in noncategorical internships are able to return to their OMS service sooner. Along the same lines, virtual interviews tend to be more condensed which allows applicants to accept more interviews and thus maximize their chances of matching to their desired program. On the other hand, the programs also benefit from virtual interviews. Specifically, they can interview a greater number of applicants, including those who may not have been able to interview otherwise because of distance, money, or time. Programs also benefit by spending less money on interviews and allowing for the OMS service to remain on schedule. While virtual interviews have their advantages, they also have their drawbacks. First, there are technology issues that can occur during virtual interviews such as poor Wi-Fi connection, unwanted noises, and computer difficulties. Second, the candidate cannot fully see the program's facilities, location, and social dynamics. Given that OMS programs are four to 6 years, when an applicant has not visited the program, or even been to the state, it becomes increasingly difficult to fully grasp the construct and depth of the program other than what is shown via videos and photos. Moreover, since virtual interviews are typically set up as short sessions with the faculty and/or residents, the candidate is unable to observe the relationships not only between residents, but between the faculty as well. In general, interview itineraries also include a social event where an applicant may be placed in a breakout room that is decided beforehand. Consequently, you must speak to the people within your preselected room with only one person speaking at a time. Given that these interactions are via a computer and not natural, they can quickly become awkward. Lastly, since virtual interviews tend to be shorter in length, more condensed, and less time-consuming, applicants can accept more interviews despite being less interested in the program. From a program perspective, it may be more difficult to gauge an applicant's desire to rank their program high. To combat this issue, some programs have encouraged applicants to visit their program in-person following the virtual interview, which is known as a second look. While some programs have continued virtual interviews, others have transitioned back to in-person interviews. The in-person interview format has many strengths including being able to visit the hospitals, clinics, city, and surrounding areas to determine if they can live there for 4 to 6 years. Viewing the program in-person allows the applicant to see subtleties of the program that are not possible to experience virtually. In addition, in-person interviews allow for normal communication with the residents, faculty, and other OMS applicants. Applicants are able to gauge if they fit in with the culture of the program. Along the same lines, dental students interested in pursuing a career in OMS are encouraged to take externships at various programs to gain a better understanding of the specialty. Due to restrictions, applicants have not been able to attend many in-person externships, and thus, in-person interviews can serve as a substitute for an externship. In addition, applicants can develop friendships among each other after attending several interviews together that lead to professional relationships throughout their careers. From a program's point of view, the serious candidates are more likely to accept in-person interviews leading to a well suited match. In-person interviews certainly have weaknesses for the programs and the applicants such as the cost and time commitment required to attend. Some programs dedicate their resources toward interviewing candidates for multiple days and as a result they are minimizing or closing their services. Meanwhile, applicants often must take additional days off from school or work to account for travel. Furthermore, the logistics of traveling may be troublesome for the applicant as there are factors that may be out of their control such as the weather, flight delays and cancellations, and lost baggage. Some applicants apply to many programs to maximize their chances of matching and sometimes interviews conflict, forcing applicants to choose between them. Additionally, the OMS residency interview cycle typically continues from late September through December. This can be a grueling and tiresome process for OMS applicants as they are traveling across the country while trying to maintain their dental school or work responsibilities. If both virtual and in-person interviews have strengths and weaknesses, then which is better? While the answer to this question may differ per individual, the authors propose the combination of the two as the most beneficial for the OMS residency match. Given the benefits and drawbacks of virtual and in-person interviews, we recommend that each program decides which interview format best suits their needs for a successful match. As a result, the mix of in-person and virtual interviews will allow the applicant to benefit from the advantages of each format in hopes of finding their ideal match. The goal for OMS residency applicants is to match at a program where they will be a successful and happy resident for 4 to 6 years. Therefore, accepting as many virtual interviews as possible in conjunction with in-person interviews is beneficial because it increases their chances of finding a compatible program. If the program decides to choose a virtual format, then an in-person second look of the program may be offered, adding a new dimension to OMS residency match. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to impact applicants, programs, and perhaps the OMS residency match. Although the dynamics of interviewing in the future is unknown, better understanding the pros and cons of interviewing in-person or virtually may help OMS applicants when accepting their interviews. A future cross-sectional study surveying applicants and program directors about the 2022-2023 OMS residency match cycle may lead us to new insight behind the state of OMS residency interviews and its influence on OMS residency match.