Craniofacial Fellowship Applicant Perceptions of Virtual Interviews

Authors

Joshua Yoon, Division of Plastic, Reconstructive, & Maxillofacial Surgery, R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, Baltimore, MD.
Judy Pan, Department of Plastic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
Melanie Major, Department of Plastic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
Daniel R. Chang, University of Maryland School of Medicine.
Michael Ha, Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.
Yvonne Rasko, Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.
Sanjay Naran, Division of Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Advocate Children's Hospital, Park Ridge, IL.
Michael P. Grant, Division of Plastic, Reconstructive, & Maxillofacial Surgery, R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, Baltimore, MD.
Robin Yang, Department of Plastic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
Fan Liang, Division of Plastic, Reconstructive, & Maxillofacial Surgery, R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, Baltimore, MD.
Jordan P. Steinberg, Division of Plastic Surgery, Nicklaus Children's Hospital, Miami, FL.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

7-22-2022

Journal

The Journal of craniofacial surgery

DOI

10.1097/SCS.0000000000008759

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The 2021 interview cycle for craniofacial fellowship applicants was the first to be held virtually due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Here, we detail the craniofacial fellowship applicant perceptions and experience on the virtual interview process. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An institutional review board-approved 35-question survey study on the perception of the virtual interview process among craniofacial fellowship applicants was conducted. Surveys were distributed to individuals who had applied through the match, overseen by the American Society of Craniofacial Surgeons (ASCFS). RESULTS: Ten surveys were fully completed with a corresponding response rate of 48%. The average number of interviews completed was 12.7±7.7 and 50% of applicants interviewed at >1 program in a single day. Overall, 90% of respondents preferred in-person interviews before the interview season, however, only 10% preferred the in-person format afterwards. Preference for a virtual-only format increased from 10% to 70%. Applicants cited cost (100%), ease of scheduling (90%), and ability to participate in more interviews (70%) as the primary strengths of the virtual platform; none reported difficulties with self-advocacy. After the interview cycle, 90% stated they would recommend virtual interviews. CONCLUSIONS: The greatest strengths of virtual interviews were the ability to participate in more interviews, the ease of scheduling, and the cost benefits. Most applicants reported the same or increased ability for self-advocacy with virtual interviews. Following the index interview cycle for 2021, the majority of fellowship applicants now appear to prefer a virtual-only or hybrid format and would recommend virtual interviews in the future.

APA Citation

Yoon, Joshua; Pan, Judy; Major, Melanie; Chang, Daniel R.; Ha, Michael; Rasko, Yvonne; Naran, Sanjay; Grant, Michael P.; Yang, Robin; Liang, Fan; and Steinberg, Jordan P., "Craniofacial Fellowship Applicant Perceptions of Virtual Interviews" (2022). GW Authored Works. Paper 1269.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/1269

Department

School of Medicine and Health Sciences Resident Works