Maternal-fetal medicine program director experience of exclusive virtual interviewing during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Rhoades, Janine S; Ramsey, Patrick S; Metz, Torri D; Lewkowitz, Adam K

BACKGROUND The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic necessitated an abrupt transition to exclusive virtual interviewing for maternal-fetal medicine fellowship programs. OBJECTIVE To assess maternal-fetal medicine fellowship program directors' approaches to exclusive virtual interviews and to obtain program director feedback on the virtual interview experience to guide future interview cycles. STUDY DESIGN A novel cross-sectional online survey was distributed through the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine to program directors following the completion of the interview season, but prior to the results of the National Resident Matching Program on October 14, 2020. Survey data were collected anonymously and managed using secure REDCap electronic data capture tools. RESULTS Overall 71/89 (80%) program directors responded. All respondents completed their 2020 interviews 100% virtually. Nearly half (33/68 (49%)) of program directors interviewed more candidates in 2020 than in 2019. Of those who interviewed more candidates in 2020, the mean number (± standard deviation) of additional candidates per fellowship position was 5.8 (± 3.8). Almost all program directors reported no (35/71, 49%) or minimal (34/71, 48%) negative impact of technical difficulties on their virtual interview processes. The majority of programs structured their interview to a half-day (4 hours) or less for the candidates. Many programs were able to adapt their supplemental interview materials and events for the candidates into a virtual format, including a virtual social event hosted by 31/71 (44%) programs. The virtual social event was most commonly casual and led by current fellows. Ultimately, all program directors reported the virtual interview experience was as expected or better than expected. However, most program directors felt less able to provide candidates with a comprehensive and accurate representation of their program on a virtual platform compared to their prior in-person experiences; (46/71 (65%) reported minimally, moderately, or significantly less than in-person). Additionally, most program directors felt their ability to get to know candidates and assess their "fit" with the program was less than prior in-person years; (44/71 (62%) reported minimally, moderately, or significantly less than in-person). In a hypothetical future year without any public health concerns, there were 23/71 (32%) respondents who prefer exclusive in-person interviews, 24/71 (34%) who prefer exclusive virtual interviews, and 24/71 (34%) who prefer a hybrid of virtual and in-person interviews. CONCLUSIONS The virtual interview experience was better than expected for most program directors. However, most program directors felt less able to present their programs and assess the candidates on a virtual platform compared to prior in-person experiences. Despite this, most program directors are interested in at least a component of virtual interviewing in future years. Future efforts are needed to refine the virtual interview process to optimize the experience for program directors and candidates.