Virtual Impressions: An Examination of OBGYN Programs’ Online Presence in the Match Process

BACKGROUND

The COVID pandemic led to the transition of residency applications to a virtual format and the expansion of residency programs' virtual presence.

OBJECTIVE

The objective is to understand what information Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency interviewees prioritize and how influential program websites and social media platforms are.

STUDY DESIGN

Electronic surveys were sent to fourth-year medical students and OBGYN residents and were available for 6 weeks in spring 2023. All responses were anonymous and voluntary.

RESULTS

There were 198 survey respondents. From our cohort, fourth-year medical students, PGY-1, and PGY-2 residents had virtual interviews (71.2%) while PGY-3 and PGY-4 residents had in-person interviews (28.8%). Both virtual and in-person interviewees reported that the most important residency website information they were interested in included current resident profiles, rotation schedule, application cycle information, postresidency employment or match, and salary and benefits. Virtual interviewees were more interested in current resident profiles, salary and benefits, and video tours. Program websites and social media platforms were used by most, with virtual applicants accessing social media platforms more than in-person applicants (p < 0.001). Of those that interviewed virtually, when compared to those who interviewed in-person, there were more interest in resident profiles, salary and benefits, and video tours. Websites and social media were influential for all respondents, most significantly for virtual applicants (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The recent shift to virtual OBGYN interviews has placed emphasis on residency programs' virtual presence. Our findings suggest that programs must be vigilant in providing a comprehensive view of their program in order to remain relevant and competitive.