A survey of urology residency program directors assessing criteria to interview applicants during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: To determine criteria of interest to Urology residency program directors (PDs) when selecting applicants for residency interviews during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: An anonymous survey was sent via email to all Urology residency PDs across the United States. PDs were asked to assign the degree of importance (1-5, with 5 being very important) of selected factors in deciding which applicants to interview. Surveys were distributed and study data was managed using REDCap. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: In total, 130 urology residency PDs were contacted and 64 (49.3%) responded to the survey. Urology letter(s) of recommendation (LOR) based on non-virtual rotation(s), Urology clerkship grades, research experience, and Visa status of the applicant were cited as the most important factors in selecting applicants for interview with median importance ratings of 5, 4, 4, and 5, respectively. Urology LOR based on virtual rotation(s), virtual subinternship( s), and participation in social media activities were the least important in selecting applicants for interviews with median importance ratings of 2 for each. Notably, Urology LOR(s) based on non-virtual rotation(s) and Visa status were consistently ranked as the most important factors by over 50% of PDs. CONCLUSIONS: Urology PDs value urology LOR(s) from nonvirtual rotation(s), Urology clerkship grades, research experience, and applicant Visa status as the most important factors in selecting applicants for interviews during the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual rotation(s) and social media activity were ranked the lowest among criteria that influence the selection process for interviews.