Recommendations on the use of virtual interviews in the orthopaedic trauma fellowship match: A survey of applicant and fellowship director perspectives

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess applicant and fellowship director (FD) perspectives on virtual interviewing based on the 2019 to 2020 orthopaedic trauma fellowship interview experience and to develop recommendations for future application cycles. METHODS: Web-based surveys were distributed to all matched applicants and orthopaedic trauma FDs after the 2019 and 2020 orthopaedic trauma fellowship match. Thirty-one applicants and 23 FDs completed the survey—response rates of 34% and 38%, respectively. RESULTS: Virtual interviews were completed by 68% of applicants and 17% of FDs. Twenty-nine percent of applicants felt they were able to familiarize themselves with the culture of programs, and 38% of applicants were satisfied with their ability to present themselves. Most (62%) were comfortable ranking programs based on the virtual interview, but 38% reported the format influenced them to rank a program lower. Among all applicants, 77% preferred the in-person interview. Most FDs (75%) reported virtual interviews limited their ability to familiarize themselves with an applicant, and only 50% were comfortable ranking an applicant afterward. Still, 78% of FDs believe there is a role for virtual interviews in the fellowship match. Choosing a virtual interview may negatively affect applicants as 97% of applicants worry the choice conveys less interest to programs, while 43% of FDs would interpret it as less interest. CONCLUSIONS: Virtual interviews have multiple shortcomings but are technically feasible and provide reasonable information to applicants and FDs to complete the match process. Our recommendations, based on the perspectives of applicants and FDs, can guide their implementation.