VIRTUAL ADAPTATION OF MULTIMODAL CARDIAC SURGERY RESIDENCY INTERVIEW DURING COVID-19

Abstract

BACKGROUND The Canadian residency match process has required adaptations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as in-person interviews and out-of-city electives were cancelled. Though an online virtual panel interview is feasible, it may not provide the most holistic assessment especially in the absence of a clinical elective. Our cardiac surgery residency program has previously established a multimodal interview to evaluate a candidate's situational awareness, ability to perform under pressure, and suitability for our specific program. Within the new COVID-19 constraints, we have adapted our multimodal evaluation strategy for the 2021 Cardiac Surgery CaRMS Interview. As virtual interview strategies may continue for the upcoming residency match cycle, our comprehensive approach may provide a sustainable solution. METHODS AND RESULTS The multimodal evaluation strategy consists of a written situational judgement test (SJT), multiple-mini-interview (MMI) session and panel interview, which were all converted to an online format (Image). The paper-based SJT requires applicants to read a scenario and rank appropriate responses from most to least appropriate and was converted to an online format using Google Forms. The MMI was carried out using Zoom conference software with 8 breakout rooms from which the applicants would move virtually with Zoom functions. Two interviewers were in the same room at our center using one laptop and each applicant accessed the Zoom meeting from their own computer. The panel interview was also carried out using Zoom conference software with multiple interviewers and one interviewee accessing the meeting from their own personal computer. To coordinate the event, a WhatsApp group was made and coordinated by two interviewers (VV and AB) to provide instructions to applicants and answer questions. Survey results for interviewer and applicant experiences are listed in the accompanying table. CONCLUSION Our comprehensive multimodal interview strategy allows for a holistic evaluation of applicants and was successfully adapted to a virtual format in a time where in-person interviews and electives were deemed infeasible. This strategy was well received by applicants and interviewers. As a long-term solution and reliable alternative will be needed moving forward, this method is a viable strategy for future virtual CaRMS cycles. Furthermore, as residency interview tours have notoriously been financially taxing on applicants, this online strategy will be a sustainable alternative even after travel restrictions are lifted. In the future, this virtual strategy can be combined with clinical electives to provide a cost-effective evaluation of potential candidates for residency. The Canadian residency match process has required adaptations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as in-person interviews and out-of-city electives were cancelled. Though an online virtual panel interview is feasible, it may not provide the most holistic assessment especially in the absence of a clinical elective. Our cardiac surgery residency program has previously established a multimodal interview to evaluate a candidate's situational awareness, ability to perform under pressure, and suitability for our specific program. Within the new COVID-19 constraints, we have adapted our multimodal evaluation strategy for the 2021 Cardiac Surgery CaRMS Interview. As virtual interview strategies may continue for the upcoming residency match cycle, our comprehensive approach may provide a sustainable solution. The multimodal evaluation strategy consists of a written situational judgement test (SJT), multiple-mini-interview (MMI) session and panel interview, which were all converted to an online format (Image). The paper-based SJT requires applicants to read a scenario and rank appropriate responses from most to least appropriate and was converted to an online format using Google Forms. The MMI was carried out using Zoom conference software with 8 breakout rooms from which the applicants would move virtually with Zoom functions. Two interviewers were in the same room at our center using one laptop and each applicant accessed the Zoom meeting from their own computer. The panel interview was also carried out using Zoom conference software with multiple interviewers and one interviewee accessing the meeting from their own personal computer. To coordinate the event, a WhatsApp group was made and coordinated by two interviewers (VV and AB) to provide instructions to applicants and answer questions. Survey results for interviewer and applicant experiences are listed in the accompanying table. Our comprehensive multimodal interview strategy allows for a holistic evaluation of applicants and was successfully adapted to a virtual format in a time where in-person interviews and electives were deemed infeasible. This strategy was well received by applicants and interviewers. As a long-term solution and reliable alternative will be needed moving forward, this method is a viable strategy for future virtual CaRMS cycles. Furthermore, as residency interview tours have notoriously been financially taxing on applicants, this online strategy will be a sustainable alternative even after travel restrictions are lifted. In the future, this virtual strategy can be combined with clinical electives to provide a cost-effective evaluation of potential candidates for residency.