Experiences, perspectives, and advice for using virtual interviews in post-graduate trainee selection: a national survey of CCFP (EM) program directors

OBJECTIVE: Due to the COVID pandemic, restrictions were put in place mandating that all residency interviews be transitioned to a virtual format. Canadian CCFP(EM) programs were among the first to embark on this universal virtual interview process for resident selection. Although there have been several recent publications suggesting best practice guidelines for virtual interviews in trainee selection, pragmatic experiences and opinions from Program Directors (PDs) are lacking. This study aimed to elicit the experiences and perspectives of CCFP(EM) PDs after being amongst the first to conduct universal virtual interviews in Canada. METHODS: A 17-item online survey was created and distributed to all CCFP(EM) PDs (n = 17). It explored the virtual interview format employed, perceived advantages and disadvantages of a virtual configuration, confidence in determining a candidate’s rank order, and PD preference for employing a virtual interview format in the future. It also elicited practical advice to conduct a smooth and successful virtual interview day. RESULTS: The survey response rate was 76.5% (13/17). Nine respondents (69.2%) agreed that the virtual interview format enabled them to confidently determine a candidate’s rank order. With respect to preference for future use of virtual interviews, 23.1% agreed, 38.5% disagreed and 38.5% neither agreed nor disagreed. Inductive thematic analysis of free text responses revealed themes related to virtual interview advantages (time, financial, and resource costs), disadvantages (difficulty promoting smaller programs, getting a ‘feel’ for candidates and assessing their interpersonal skills), and practical tips to facilitate virtual interview processes. CONCLUSION: Once restrictions are lifted, cost-saving advantages must be weighed against suggested disadvantages such as showcasing program strengths and assessing interpersonal skills in choosing between traditional and virtual formats. Should virtual interviews become a routine part of resident selection, the advice suggested in this study may be considered to help optimize a successful virtual interview process. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43678-022-00312-1.