Abstract Details

Title Adjusting to a new normal: A single center survey of neurology applicants participating in virtual interviews

Topic �鶹��ýӳ��, Research, and Methodology

Presentation(s) S34 - Research Methodology and �鶹��ýӳ�� (2:36 PM-2:48 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 009

Objective To explore the Neurology residency applicant experience during the 2020-2021 cycle.

Background

Due to the SARS-CoV2 pandemic, the 2020-2021 residency interviews were entirely virtual. We obtained post-recruitment input from applicants about their experience across the following domains: 1. Overall experience with virtual interviewing and preference for future cycles. 2. Technical issues and preferred platform. 3. Use of different online sources of program information.

Design/Methods

After the NRMP^® match, a link to an anonymous online survey (IRB approved) through Google Forms was emailed to the 100 applicants who interviewed at our program in 2020-2021.

Results 45 out of 100 applicants completed the survey. 80% felt that interviewing virtually did not affect their experience. 64% interviewed at more programs than they initially anticipated. If given the choice, 55% want a combination of in-person and virtual in the future, 15.9% want to resume fully in-person interviews, and 30% want to continue entirely virtual interviews. 97% preferred Zoom™ as the interview platform. 27% were interrupted 1-2 times during their interviews due to connectivity issues. In terms of online outreach, applicants found the following to be either very or somewhat helpful; website (97.8%), YouTube videos (62.2%), Twitter (46.7%), and GME track information (48.9%). Facebook and Reddit were less helpful (17.8% and 26.7% respectively).

Conclusions

Based on our results, applicants were able to transition to the virtual process well. They favor a hybrid of in person and virtual interviews in the future, most preferring Zoom ™ as the interview platform. An updated program website was the top choice for their source of program information. Given the continuation of virtual recruitment in 2021-22, programs should focus on how to improve their online resources.

Authors/Disclosures
Syed D. Asad, MD (Hartford Hospital/University of Connecticut) PRESENTER	Dr. Asad has nothing to disclose.
Pireh Ansari, MD	Dr. Ansari has nothing to disclose.
Erica A. Schuyler, MD, F�鶹��ýӳ�� (Hartford HealthCare Ayer Neuroscience Institute)	Dr. Schuyler has nothing to disclose.