Planning and Implementing an Online Undergraduate Medical Student Selection Exercise during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Experience of the School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia

Abstract

This article described the context, planning and implementation of a video-conference-based undergraduate student selection exercise held in response to restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. A task force has brainstormed the ideas and decided a face-to-face interview using a video conferencing application which was the best way to achieve the objective set for the exercise. Facilitators communicated with interviewers and candidates, and hosted video meetings between the two parties. Interviewers were trained using online videos, a webinar and a trial run. They rated candidates using a printed rating instrument as well as an online form. About 615 candidates were interviewed in this study. Initial impressions were positive and will be followed-up by a proper evaluation.