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Published in: Annals of Surgical Oncology 3/2020

01-12-2020 | COVID-19 | Health Services Research and Global Oncology

Virtual Surgical Fellowship Recruitment During COVID-19 and Its Implications for Resident/Fellow Recruitment in the Future

Authors: Charles C. Vining, MD, Oliver S. Eng, MD, Melissa E. Hogg, MD, MS, Darryl Schuitevoerder, MBBS, Rebecca S. Silverman, BA, Katharine A. Yao, MD, David J. Winchester, MD, Kevin K. Roggin, MD, Mark S. Talamonti, MD, Mitchell C. Posner, MD, Kiran K. Turaga, MD, MPH, Jennifer Tseng, MD

Published in: Annals of Surgical Oncology | Special Issue 3/2020

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Abstract

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has overlapped with the scheduled interview periods of over 20 surgical subspecialty fellowships, including the Complex General Surgical Oncology (CGSO) fellowships in the National Resident Matching Program and the Society of Surgical Oncology’s Breast Surgical Oncology fellowships. We outline the successful implementation of and processes behind a virtual interview day for CGSO fellowship recruitment after the start of the pandemic.

Methods

The virtual CGSO fellowship interview process at the University of Chicago Medicine and NorthShore University Health System was outlined and implemented. Separate voluntary, anonymous online secure feedback surveys were email distributed to interview applicants and faculty interviewers after the interview day concluded.

Results

Sixteen of 20 interview applicants (80.0%) and 12 of 13 faculty interviewers (92.3%) completed their respective feedback surveys. Seventy-five percent (12/16) of applicants and all faculty respondents (12/12) stated the interview process was ‘very seamless’ or ‘seamless’. Applicants and faculty highlighted decreased cost, time savings, and increased efficiency as some of the benefits to virtual interviewing.

Conclusions

Current circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic require fellowship programs to adapt and conduct virtual interviews. Our report describes the successful implementation of a virtual interview process. This report describes the technical steps and pitfalls of organizing such an interview and provides insights into the experience of the interviewer and interviewee.
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Metadata
Title
Virtual Surgical Fellowship Recruitment During COVID-19 and Its Implications for Resident/Fellow Recruitment in the Future
Authors
Charles C. Vining, MD
Oliver S. Eng, MD
Melissa E. Hogg, MD, MS
Darryl Schuitevoerder, MBBS
Rebecca S. Silverman, BA
Katharine A. Yao, MD
David J. Winchester, MD
Kevin K. Roggin, MD
Mark S. Talamonti, MD
Mitchell C. Posner, MD
Kiran K. Turaga, MD, MPH
Jennifer Tseng, MD
Publication date
01-12-2020
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Keyword
COVID-19
Published in
Annals of Surgical Oncology / Issue Special Issue 3/2020
Print ISSN: 1068-9265
Electronic ISSN: 1534-4681
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-08623-2

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