The Residency Match: Interview Experiences, Postinterview Communication, and Associated Distress

Abstract

Background : Interview experiences and postinterview communication during the residency match process can cause distress for applicants, and deserve further study. Objective : We both quantified and qualified the nature of various interview behaviors during the 2015-2016 National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) Match and collected applicant perspectives on postinterview communication and preferences for policy change. Methods : An anonymous, 31-question survey was sent to residency candidates applying to 8 residency programs at a single academic institution regarding their experiences at all programs where they interviewed. Results : Of 6693 candidates surveyed, 2079 (31%) responded. Regarding interview experiences, applicants reported being asked at least once about other interviews, marital status, and children at the following rates: 72%, 38%, and 17%, respectively, and such questions arose at a reported mean of 25%, 14%, and 5% of programs, respectively. Female applicants were more frequently asked about children than male applicants (22% versus 14%, P < .0001). Overall, 91% of respondents engaged in postinterview communication. A total of 70% of respondents informed their top program that they had ranked it highly; 70% of this subset reported associated distress, and 78% reported doing this to improve match success. A total of 71% would feel relief if postinterview communication was actively discouraged, and 51% would prefer applicants to be prohibited from notifying programs of their rank. Conclusions : Applicants to several residency programs reported being asked questions that violate the NRMP Code of Conduct. The majority of applicants would prefer postinterview communication to be more regulated and less prevalent.