Online interview tips for fellows and residents

After the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic last week, many universities and medical centers have restricted work-related travel for faculty and discouraged non-work-related travel as well. In their online article about video interviews for gynecologic oncology fellows and residents, Ryan J Spencer, MD, MS, from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, WI, and Shitanshu Uppal, MBBS, from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI, detail options for video platforms, how to prepare for an online interview and tips for scheduling video interviews.

According to the authors, “Given the very real possibility that video interviews will be necessary for the upcoming fellowship and even residency recruitment seasons, there are numerous options and best practices that can be summarized in order to maximize the experience for both the programs and the applicants.”

The article lists several considerations for gyn onc programs when considering video interviews for residency/fellowship spots:

• Programs should select a video interview platform early after consulting with their institution’s Information Technology (IT) specialists.
• They should communicate with the interviewees with detailed instructions on how to install the necessary software prior to the interview day.
• If the program/university has a preferred vendor, the program director and the other members of the team should do test runs and make themselves comfortable with using and troubleshooting the software.

In addition, programs should consider a phone interview back up with clear instructions on how and when to initiate the phone call if issues arise with the video platform.