COVID-19’s Impact on the 2020-2021 Resident Match: A Survey of Otolaryngology Program Directors

• Published in: Annals of otology, rhinology & laryngology Vol. 130; no. 7; pp. 666 - 673
• Main Authors: Kasle, David A., Torabi, Sina J., Izreig, Said, Rahmati, Rahmatullah W., Manes, R. Peter
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01-07-2021
• Subjects: COVID-19 - epidemiology; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Internship and Residency - organization & administration; Interviews as Topic - methods; Job Application; Original; Otolaryngology - education; Pandemics; Personnel Selection; SARS-CoV-2; United States - epidemiology; United States; COVID-19; medical student education; virtual interviews; Program Directors Survey; otolaryngology applications
• ISSN: 0003-4894; 1943-572X
• DOI: 10.1177/0003489420967045

Objective:
To determine the impact coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) will have on the 2020-2021 otolaryngology (OTO-HNS) resident application cycle.
Methods:
A cross-sectional survey targeting OTO-HNS program directors (PD) was created and disseminated via email to PDs on May 28th 2020. Descriptive analyses of the 19-question survey was performed, and free text responses for certain suitable questions were thematically categorized into groups determined to be relevant during analysis.
Results:
Twenty-nine of 123 solicited PDs (23.6%) completed the survey. Nineteen (65.5%) respondents indicated they would not host away rotations (AR) in 2020, and 9 (31.0%) reported that they would consider away rotators without home programs. Regarding the historical importance of AR, 21 (72.4%) PDs stated they were either “extremely” or “very” important in evaluating candidates. Sixteen (55.2%) PDs stated that virtual interviews would impact their ability to properly gauge candidates and 12 (41.4%) were unsure. Eight PDs (27.6%) stated their evaluation of candidates will likely change, with a shift toward an increased reliance on letters of recommendation, research involvement, and clerkship grades. The large majority of PDs—25 (86.2%)—were not worried that the COVID-19 pandemic would affect the abilities of new interns beginning in 2021.
Conclusion:
Virtual interviews and engagement activities will mostly supplant sub-Is and AR for the 2020-2021 OTO-HNS application cycle. Surveyed PDs largely believe these will be insufficient in providing a comprehensive assessment of candidates, and will similarly limit applicants’ ability to gauge residency programs. Criteria utilized to evaluate students is expected to change.