Attitudes toward Virtual Admissions Interviews among Applicants to a Veterinary School.

Virtual interviews have gradually begun to be utilized in health professions education; however, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in virtual interviews rapidly becoming commonplace for the 2020-2021 admissions cycle. This study aimed to evaluate attitudes toward and experience with virtual interviews of applicants to a veterinary medical college. All applicants to the Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine (MWU-CVM) were provided with a link to a voluntary, anonymous survey after completing a virtual interview with the program. A 27.5% response rate (114/415) was obtained. Responses indicate widespread acceptance of virtual interviews, with respondents noting they would be more likely to interview for an out-of-state program with a virtual interview option and most feeling more positively about the program after their virtual interview. In-person interviews were preferred by 62.3% of applicants, while 32.5% favored a virtual option. Most applicants (58.8%) applied to more than six schools, indicating a major burden of cost and time associated with veterinary college applications. Students who experienced technical difficulties were less likely to feel positively about the interview (p = .01). Overall, virtual interviews were viewed favorably by applicants, although many indicated a preference for an in-person interview when possible. Prioritizing an accessible technology platform and high-quality sound input/output for interviewers may help foster a more positive virtual interview for applicants. Virtual interviews are a viable option for veterinary admissions interviews associated with a positive applicant experience.

A Qualitative Study of How On-Campus Faculty and Off-Campus Preceptors Evaluate Veterinary Students' Professionalism.

Professionalism is defined and described in a variety of ways that differ considerably in details and quantity. While professionalism has become increasingly important, educators' opinions regarding the types of professionalism vary. The objective of this qualitative study was to evaluate faculty and preceptors' perspectives regarding veterinary medical students' professionalism during their clinical rotations. A thematic content analysis was performed to classify 2,014 comments. Five main themes emerged: (a) work ethic and attitude; (b) effective interactions with clients and delivering patient care; (c) effective interactions with health care professionals; (d) punctuality, task completion, and organization; and (e) commitment to improving competency in self and others. The importance of professionalism was stressed by both groups of faculty and preceptors through written comments; however, the magnitude of each theme differed. The results indicate that without understanding professionalism elements, the lack of conceptual clarity and consensus related to expected behaviors and attitudes would make it challenging to assess professionalism appropriately. The themes identified can be used to begin a discussion about expected behavior among faculty, preceptors, and students, therefore prompting a reasonable assessment of professionalism, as well as avoiding unprofessional behavior.