Virtual Interviews in Neurology Residency Recruitment: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Survey Across Three Application Cycles

Background: Travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted medical education and residency recruitment. National organizations including ACGME and AAN recommended virtual interviews for adult and pediatric residency programs. This study provides insights from a single-center survey of applicants’ experiences with the virtual interview process over three years. Methods: An online, anonymous survey was sent to 300 applicants who interviewed at the adult neurology residency program during the 2020–2021 (Year 1), 2021–2022 (Year 2), and 2023–2024 (Year 3) cycles. We emailed the survey after the Rank Order List Submission and collected responses over 60 days. Results: The overall response rate was 110/300 (36.7%) over three years; response rates by year were 45% in Year 1, 31% in Year 2, and 34% in Year 3. The majority were non-US IMGs (59% in Year 1, 61.3% in Year 2, 47% in Year 3). In Years 1 and 2, most applicants applied to over 60 programs, with 77% doing so in Year 2. Over the application cycles, the proportion of applicants accepting fewer than 10 interviews rose from 20% to 32%, while the proportion accepting 10–20 interviews remained similar. Preference for virtual interviews numerically increased from 29% in Year 1 to 41% in Year 3. Key factors influencing the rank list were interactions with the program director (65–80% of the applicants) and program coordinator, as well as program reputation and faculty interviews. Program websites were the most valuable resource, cited by 72–76% of applicants, followed by program-run webinars, open houses, and social media. Among social media platforms, X (formerly Twitter) was found more helpful than Facebook or Reddit. Over 80% of applicants reported no time zone issues. Connectivity issues decreased numerically over the years. Conclusions: This study provides valuable insights into applicants’ experiences and perceptions of the virtual interview process. This model likely lowers applicants’ financial burden, but it is also associated with applicants’ preference for applying to more programs. Interactions with program directors and program coordinators are instrumental in influencing applicants’ ranking decisions. Future studies can build on these findings to evaluate emerging innovations in residency recruitment.