So I heard the @AAMCtoday is recommending that residency interviews be all virtual for this upcoming application cycle. As someone interviewing for fellowships right this moment in an all-virtual format, let me share some thoughts for both applicants and programs.

We’ll start with the applicants. First off, it sucks. You don’t get a good sense of the programs. You obviously can’t physically tour the facilities. My fellowship will be a mix of outpatient, inpatient, and surgery so this was an important aspect that I don’t get to experience.

One of the most exciting parts of interviews is getting to meet other people on the trail at free dinners and just talk (and gossip!) You won’t get to do that either.

But you'll still get to gossip about programs on the Excel spreadsheets (if you don't know, you will)

But, you will save a lot of money on travel costs. I planned to spend $5K+ on interviews and so far I have spent….$300ish (on just application fees). So, that's a plus.

One thing I have noticed though is that you should plan on applying to more programs. I’m a pretty strong fellowship applicant and I applied to 18 programs all over the country, and so far I’m batting a little over 40% for interview invitations.

Looking back, I probably should’ve applied to more programs. But, this was back in November and I was only planning on going to MAYBE 4-5 interviews and cancelling the rest.

Now that everything is virtual, I’ve accepted all offers and have cancelled none. You should expect that people will cancel very few interviews they get, if any, and apply accordingly (as in, don’t expect a 2nd and 3rd wave of interview invitations).

Will this be more expensive? Yes, applying to more programs will be expensive. But, you will also be saving money by not having to fly and stay at hotels. There’s been discussions over the past several years about applicants OVERAPPLYING to programs.

But honestly, this cycle will be different because you have no idea how programs will send out invitations. They may be more selective in who they interview, or they may interview more people —who knows.

What I *do* know what’s happening is that there are applicants who are receiving ZERO interview offers. These are probably applicants who would normally get interviews in the 2nd or 3rd ‘waves.’

However these ‘waves’ aren’t coming because applicants are not cancelling their interviews. Why would anyone cancel a virtual interview that takes just an afternoon and costs nothing?

NOW for the programs! Number one, PLEASE update your website. For the love of Beyoncé make sure things are accurate. I can tell some of y’all haven’t hired a web designer in years. Internet appearance matters now more than ever.

Here are things I’ve noticed that some programs are doing that I have really appreciated. One, send out a pre-recorded powerpoint presentation. You know, the same presentation you would normally give, but just record a voice-over.

Send it through email and let your applicants review it beforehand. Don’t make them waste time listening to you give it LIVE during the interview. Take your time to make it perfect.

Applicants can’t tour your hospital. Do a virtual tour! Everyone has an iPhone and every department has someone who is good with technology. Make a mini-movie! Share it!

Make a FAQ sheet. This will save significant time for applicants, tbh. Or just post it on your newly updated website!

Do NOT do group interviews. I do NOT want to sit in a group Zoom with other applicants. Two faculty interviewing just me at the same time? That is fine. One faculty with a group of applicants? NOT fine. It’s already impersonal. Don’t make it MORE impersonal. Periodt!

Be on time. I’ve really appreciate when programs give me a set time: “Your Zoom interview will be with Dr. Chair at 10:30 A.M. CST. The link to the meeting is ______.” Some programs are doing a mix of Zoom and Phone interviews (which I also think are fine).

But if you are doing phone interviews, also set a SPECIFIC time! I’ve had some programs send me “Dr. Chair will call you between 9 A.M. and 5 P.M. Please be available.” Bitch WTF? My time is valuable, too. Don’t make me wait an entire day for a phone call.

And programs, don’t be late to your interviews. Lmaoooo I can’t believe I have to say this. Yes, interviews run late, so time accordingly. Don’t plan one 30-minute interview at 10 AM and have another one scheduled at 10:30. Give yourself some time in-between.

Try to consolidate your interviews! I’ve had programs spread out interviews over DAYS. Others did all of their interviews in one day. This was fucking HELL to schedule (maybe not so much of a problem for M4s who have 2-3 months off, but for a working resident, it was awful).

Be aware of time zone differences! A 5 PM interview at a California program while I’m on the east coast means it is 8 PM my time. A 9 AM interview on the east coast means Cali applicants will need to be awake and ready by 6 AM.

Anyway, that's all I can think of for now. And since y'all are already here, abolish Step 2 CS!