Best of both worlds? Otolaryngology applicant perceptions of hybrid residency interviews

Introduction: Residency interview formats remain a topic of debate, with virtual (VI) interviews praised for reducing financial burdens and in-person (IP) interviews valued for assessing program culture. Offering a hybrid model may allow applicants to choose based on individual priorities, but its impact on decision-making and interview experiences is poorly understood.

Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted with otolaryngology residency applicants at a single institution offering VI and IP formats during the 2023-2024 application cycle. After rank list submission, REDCap surveys were distributed to assess applicant experiences, followed by semi-structured interviews to explore decision-making. Quantitative data were analyzed using t-tests, and interview transcripts were thematically analyzed.

Results: Of 40 applicants, 21 (53%) completed the survey (8 VI, 13 IP), with 7 (33%) completing the semi-structured interview (4 VI, 3 IP). IP interviewees were more likely to report better connections with residents (p=.02), choose the same format again (p=.03), and place more importance on interviews for ranking (p=.02). Top reasons for selecting IP included a desire to experience the program in person (92.3%) and preferring IP (84.6%). The top reason for choosing VI was prior program experience (62.5%). No respondents cited financial constraints as a decision-making factor. Qualitative analysis revealed concerns about program perceptions of the applicant’s format choice and a preference for IP despite financial burdens.

Conclusions: When offered a choice, most applicants preferred in-person interviews, emphasizing the value of personal interactions. As the benefits of in-person interviews may outweigh financial considerations, additional strategies beyond virtual interviews are needed to address equity concerns in residency recruitment.