Adapting to the Era of Virtual Recruitment: Radiology Departmental Website Response to COVID-19 and Portrayal of the Resident Experience

Resident Perspective of the Virtual Diagnostic Radiology Residency Interview Process: A National Survey From the Association of Program Directors in Radiology

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to assess differences in first-year radiology resident perception of the match process and early satisfaction with residency programs between those who matched in 2020 versus 2021, the first virtual application cycle after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 33-question survey was distributed to first-year diagnostic radiology residents at programs throughout the United States through the Association of Program Directors in Radiology. Responses were collected in June of 2022 from residents who matched in 2020 and in July of 2022 from residents who matched in 2021. Questions were designed to assess applicant demographics, outcomes and attitudes towards the interview process. Comparison was made between the two cohorts.

RESULTS

Of the 2231 matched residents in the 2020 and 2021 match years, 108 residents (4.8%) received, responded, and met inclusion criteria for the survey. Forty-three of 46 (92.5%) respondents that matched in 2020 interviewed in-person compared to one of 60 (1.7%) that matched in 2021 (p < 0.0001). There was no difference in satisfaction of match results, current training programs, work culture, satisfaction with facilities, and depiction of residency structure. Applicants from the 2021 cohort were more likely to express concerns about interview hoarding, having enough time to ask questions on interview days, and ability to accurately present themselves in interviews but were more likely to favor virtual interviews for future cycles.

CONCLUSION

The virtual interview process is perceived neutrally or positively by most early diagnostic radiology residents and produced similar satisfactory results compared to applicants that interviewed in person. Attention should be given to concerns of those who matched virtually if the virtual interview process is to be continued.

Virtual Interviewing for Radiology Residency: Pluses, Minuses, and A Review of the Literature

This article reviews current medical literature to assess the benefits and drawbacks of virtual interviews for radiology residencies as well as the downstream effects of these changes, best practices, and potential future recruitment methods. Topics covered include the effects of remote recruitment in promoting accessibility and applicant diversity and equality as well as fiscal, environmental, and time savings in combination with technical challenges, the complications of over application, challenges in assessment of program culture and location, impact on morale, and hidden financial and emotional costs. Learnings from other medical specialties are highlighted in addition to the process of signaling, guidelines for conducting and participating in virtual interviews, and matters for future consideration.

In-Person Second Look During a Residency Virtual Interview Season: An Important Consideration for Radiology Residency Applicants

Rationale and Objective

The transition to an all-virtual residency interview process, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, has seen numerous benefits beyond applicant and program safety. These benefits include improvements in equity, access and even lowering the applicant's carbon footprint. However, a significant portion of applicants have concerns with being unable to visit a program and interact with residents and faculty in person. A second look opportunity for radiology residency applicants was developed to address applicant concerns while maintaining an equitable interview process for all.

Materials and Methods

The second look opportunity took place after our program's final rank list was completed. Second look attendees completed a 10-question online survey after completion of our program's second look to ascertain financial obstacles of attending, the importance of a second look opportunity, and reasons why applicants chose to attend.

Results

24/24 (100%) of attendees completed the survey. The majority of attendees were from >100 miles away (54%). Only 21% felt that the financial burden of the second look was substantial. However, this response was more common among attendees from >100 miles away (p = 0.013). All applicants surveyed chose to attend the second look in order to see the radiology department facilities and to meet the faculty in person. All applicants agreed or strongly agreed that they learned more about the residency program through in-person discussions with residents and faculty than they were able to remotely and that the in-person second look opportunity is a valuable tool to help make an informed rank decision when interviewing virtually.

Conclusion

The second look opportunity offers multiple benefits for applicants to help make an informed rank list decision during a virtual interview season.