Historically, interviews for medical residency were conducted in-person and on site.This allowed candidates to view facilities, meet many residents and faculty and observe interactions of the program residents.Following the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Association of American Medical Colleges provided guidance recommending continued virtual interviews. Advantages of virtual interviews include cost effectiveness, time efficiency, and reduced carbon footprint. Disadvantages of virtual interviews include technological issues, further disparities amongst applicants, and difficulty assessing “fit."

The observational study surveyed current residents that graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine from 2021-2023 via an anonymous Qualtrics survey regarding their perception of virtual residency interviews. Surveys included 3 demographic questions, 13 5-point Likert style questions, and one free text question.

A total of 47 surveys were completed out of 356 graduates from 2021-2023. Most respondents (77%) felt that they could adequately assess of they would be a good fit for a program utilizing the virtual format. Approximately half (49%) of respondents were able to interact with residents in a meaningful way during the virtual interview social. In terms of disparities amongst applicants, over half of the respondents (59%) applied to more residency programs and approximately half (49%) accepted more interviews because of the virtual format.

Virtual interviews were perceived as an adequate way to assess the intangible aspects of residency interviews such as “fit” and the core values of the program. The option for hybrid interviews should be further explored, as the majority of applicants preferred the option for an in-person interview.