Community Findings
As part of our efforts to make GME more equitable, efficient, and streamlined, we regularly host GME Community Forums: virtual, interactive events at which stakeholders across all of GME can come together to discuss relevant topics and share insights. Explore our our community-sourced findings, based on live feedback and expert recommendations, below.
Based on Virtual Forum, Hosted by Thalamus.
The residency recruitment process has shifted to the virtual world as a result of COVID-19. While there have been some marked improvements, this novel environment has exacerbated several pre-existing challenges. At the forefront: the stress and anxiety related to interview scheduling and the resulting effects of the 24/7 nature of the internet, which is further challenged by the demanding schedules for applicants and programs throughout US and global time zones.
In the midst of interview scheduling, challenges can arise for both applicants and programs.
- Applicants often feel frustrated that their scheduling periods are brief, unpredictable and inconveniently timed, even as some specialties transition to common interview releases.
- Programs are working to schedule hundreds of interviews for applicants from all over the US (and across the world), in many different time zones, within a constrained time period while working to maintain equity.
We have compiled insights gathered during Thalamus’ Community Forum on, How the GME Community Can Optimize Structuring Interview Scheduling, which was attended by GME stakeholders including program directors, coordinators, current residents, applicants, and others.
Based on Forum, hosted by Thalamus
GME will conduct an entirely virtual interview season for the second consecutive year, and based on the equity and cost savings resulting for both applicants and programs, it is expected that future GME recruitment seasons will continue to be virtual, or at least partially virtual. A program coordinator’s or administrator’s job is to ensure that interviews run as smoothly and effectively as possible for both the interviewers and the applicants.
Based on insights gathered during Thalamus’ recent GME Community Forum on Virtual Interview Best Practices attended by 100+ GME stakeholders, below are community-generated and grassroots recommendations/considerations for how to accomplish a seamless and successful virtual interview season.
Without the ability to host in-person dinners, social events, or hospital tours, how can program coordinators and directors effectively convey the unique qualities of their institutions virtually?