Comparing Perceptions of Virtual and In-Person Interviews: Results From a National Survey of Internal Medicine Residents

Background Since 2020, virtual interviews have become the typical way in which applicants assess residency programs. It is unknown whether the change from in-person to virtual interviews has been associated with changes in perceptions of the quality of information gathered by prospective applicants. Objective To ascertain perspectives on the satisfaction with, quality of, and accuracy of information gathered by internal medicine (IM) residency applicants from virtual and in-person interviews. Methods A total of 29 776 residents from US and Puerto Rico residency programs sitting for the 2022 American College of Physicians Internal Medicine In-Training Examination (IM-ITE) were surveyed. An optional 5-question survey was administered at the end of the examination. Responses were analyzed based on interview format—virtual (postgraduate year [PGY] 1-2) or in-person (PGY-3)—and PGY. Results Of 29 776, 23 161 residents responded to the survey (77.8% response rate). Regardless of PGY, respondents reported a high degree of satisfaction with the quality of information gathered from their interview day, though there was a statistically significant difference between virtual and in-person [somewhat/very satisfied: in-person 5938 of 7410 (80.1%); 95% CI 79.2-81.0 vs virtual 12 070 of 15 751 (76.6%); 95% CI 76.0-77.3; P<.001]. Residents in all PGYs reported sessions with residents and one-on-one interviews as the most important factors when creating their rank lists. Conclusions We found differences in satisfaction and perceptions of the quality of information gathered between IM residents who participated in virtual and in-person interviews. However, regardless of format, most respondents reported satisfaction with their interview experience.