Virtual surgery residency selection: Strategies for programs and candidates

In response to the disruption in surgical education that has resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic, the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Division of Education through the ACS Academy of Master Surgeon Educators appointed a Special Committee of national leaders and experts in surgical education and charged the Committee with the responsibility of addressing major educational needs during the pandemic and establishing the foundation for future innovations in surgical training 1 A major area of focus of the Committee was the surgery residency selection process and interviews that needed to be conducted virtually [ ]of the COVID-19 pandemic, many fellowship programs were forced to gain early experience with virtual interviews in 2020;and insights reveal a virtual process rife with both challenges and opportunities Due to the significant cost-savings to candidates with decreased travel, and increased program flexibility staffing interview days with busy clinicians, it is likely that the virtual format will be further adapted for the benefit of applicants and programs going forward Perspectives of candidates Candidates have specific expectations as they attempt to determine the surgical program that will provide the most optimal training experience Because of the lower cost associated with virtual encounters, access to programs will increase, and the playing field for candidates from diverse backgrounds may be leveled Because of limited personal interaction time with the virtual interview process, a post-interview wrap-up session with the PD may be helpful for interviewees to ask parting questions and hear about next steps 12 As noted above, the informal interaction between current residents and applicants can be replicated virtually