ABSTRACT
In July 2020 the National Dermatology Interest Group Association (DIGA) co-hosted the first national dermatology webinar with the Association of Professors of Dermatology to address the residency application process during COVID-19, with over 996 students in attendance. Prior to the webinar, students anonymously submitted 54 questions through a google survey. Program directors addressed these questions during the webinar. Attendees could ask questions (99) during the webinar anonymously via Zoom’s “Chat” function. Following the webinar, attendees completed a survey. The topics of the anonymous questions submitted included application logistics (41.12%, 63/153), USMLE board scores & grades (21.57%, 33/153), demonstrating interest (14.38%, 22/153), away rotations (12.42%, 19/153), special applicant groups (11.11%, 17/153), research (5.88%, 9/153), and letters of recommendation (4.58%, 7/153). 96% percent of survey-responders rated the webinar as “helpful,” 93% were satisfied with the content, and 84% found the webinar to be stress-relieving. Application logistics as the top category is pertinent given this unique application cycle. Students responded well to the webinar as indicated by the positive post-webinar survey results. This could be related to the opportunity to anonymously query program directors without fear of retribution. Furthermore, this qualitative analysis may guide programs to increase transparency on their websites. Regardless of the landscape of future application cycles, we advocate for continued use of online platforms annually to assist applicants.