In-person interview as sine qua non for fairness and success of candidates applying to surgery residency: A 3-year pre-interview survey.

Publication date: Jan 01, 2026

Despite the declaration that COVID-19 no longer represents a “global health emergency,” the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) continues recommending that residency programs use a virtual interview (VI) rather than an In-person (IPI) format. This study assesses the applicants’ preference for interview types. Responses of applicants who were offered interviews across three interview cycles were analyzed. Academic and demographic factors that could impact applicants’ decisions were evaluated. Of 283 invited candidates, 257 were included in this analysis, of which 176 (68. 5 ​%) candidates preferred VI, while 81 (31. 5 ​%) preferred IPI. Overall, VI candidates were more likely to attend distant medical schools and had higher USMLE-Step 2 scores. IPI candidates were more likely to have signaled interest, or international medical graduates. General surgery residency programs should offer both in-person and virtual interview platforms. Furthermore, there is a need to re-evaluate the current AAMC recommendations regarding interview format.

Semantics

Original Article