Disruptive Innovations: Uncertainty, a Pandemic, and the Residency Application Cycle

Abstract Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a profound impact on medical education, particularly for those applying to residency programs in 2020 to 2021. This study describes the challenges for potential ophthalmology residency applicants so that residency leadership can make informed decisions about changes to the process. Methods A survey was distributed electronically via social media and medical school ophthalmology interest groups from June 18, 2020 to July 2, 2020 to individuals interested in applying to ophthalmology residency in the United States. Survey questions included demographics and perceived impacts of COVID-19 on ability, confidence, intention to apply, and perceptions toward changes in the application process for the 2020 to 2021 ophthalmology residency application cycle. Results One-hundred sixteen total responses were received. Eighty-six responses (74%) were from individuals intending to apply in the 2020 to 2021 application cycle. Most respondents (86%) felt that their application would be affected by COVID-19 with 51% feeling less confident. Only four (5%) felt that they could adequately compile a rank list following a video interview, and over half (51%) anticipated applying to more programs than they originally intended. Academic plans of seven (8%) respondents were significantly altered via deferral of application or cancellation of a research year. Thirty-nine (45%) students reported delayed ophthalmology electives, with less than half (41%) feeling that they had adequate clinical exposure to be prepared for residency. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on the 2020 to 2021 ophthalmology residency application cycle. As stakeholders begin to approach this cycle, these findings will help them make effective and informed decisions to create the best overall experience for all involved.

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OHNS Residency Program and Applicant Social Media Presence During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Annals of Otology Rhinology & Laryngology ◽

10.1177/0003489420987977 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 000348942098797

Author(s):

Shadi Ahmadmehrabi ◽

Deborah X. Xie ◽

Bryan K. Ward ◽

Paul C. Bryson ◽

Patrick Byrne

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

The United States ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Application Process ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Residency Programs ◽

Social Media Presence ◽

Residency Application ◽

The Impact ◽

Residency Match

Objectives: In addition to clinical and social disruption, the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected many aspects of the otolaryngology residency application process. With delays in the 2021 Electronic Residency Applications Service (ERAS) timeline, students and programs have had more time to interact prior to the formal application process. This communication will report recent trends in social media presence by OHNS residency programs, and discuss mechanisms to compensate for decreased applicant-program interactions using social media ahead of the 2021 Match. Methods: In a cross-sectional study of the accredited otolaryngology residency programs in the United States, the number of social media profiles on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook from 2009 to 2019 were recorded and compared. Results: Most programs (61%) have at least 1 social media profile. Over the past 10 years, the number of programs on social media has increased. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Twitter and Instagram showed higher rates of growth compared to Facebook. With the reduction of in-person opportunities for interactions, both applicants and programs are utilizing social media to showcase their values and their research. Twitter, in particular, also serves as a platform for professional networking. Conclusion: Both Twitter and Instagram are growing in popularity among programs and applicants to enhance networking. Social media is a powerful tool for networking and may help compensate for limitations imposed on the residency match process by the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining professionalism considerations. The impact of social media on the 2021 otolaryngology residency match is an evolving phenomenon.

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Optimizing the Virtual Otolaryngology Residency Information Sessions: A Survey of Applicants

OTO Open ◽

10.1177/2473974x211001407 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 2473974X2110014

Author(s):

Jordan Grauer ◽

Amir Aaron Hakimi ◽

Sonya Malekzadeh

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Recruitment Strategies ◽

Information Session ◽

Travel Restrictions ◽

Residency Application ◽

Almost All

The 2020-2021 otolaryngology residency application cycle has been immensely distorted by travel restrictions mandated in response to coronavirus disease 2019, limiting opportunities for applicants to meet and rotate with programs of interest. The purpose of this study was to evaluate otolaryngology applicants’ preferences toward the content and format of virtual residency information sessions. An anonymous online survey was developed to gauge applicants’ virtual exposure to otolaryngology programs and investigate their preferences during virtual sessions. Almost all respondents attended at least 1 virtual information session (89%). Respondents felt that the most important aspects of these sessions were meeting residents, learning about operative volume, and meeting faculty. The majority (85%) preferred these sessions last no longer than 2 hours. Participants preferred virtual sessions to include breakout sessions with participant video/microphone on. These findings have implications for future virtual resident recruitment strategies.

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The Importance of International Medical Rotations in Selection of an Otolaryngology Residency

Journal of Graduate Medical Education ◽

10.4300/jgme-d-10-00185.1 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 3 (3) ◽

pp. 414-416 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Nathan H Boyd ◽

Raul M Cruz

Keyword(s):

Residency Program ◽

General Interest ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

Residency Programs ◽

International Elective ◽

Program Selection ◽

Application Service ◽

Residency Application ◽

Lifestyle Research ◽

Selection Of

Abstract Background The objective of this study was to determine the extent of interest in international electives among prospective otolaryngology residents and to determine whether the availability of international electives affected students' interest in ranking a particular residency program. Methods A 3-part survey was given to all medical students enrolled in the 2008 otolaryngology match via the Electronic Residency Application Service. Part 1 elicited demographic information. Part 2 explored general interest in international rotations. Part 3 involved ranking several factors affecting students' choice of residency programs. This survey was developed at our institution, with no formal validation. Participation was anonymous and voluntary. Results A total of 307 students entered the otolaryngology match, and 55 surveys (18%) were completed. Twenty-five of 55 students (55%) had completed an international elective during or prior to medical school, and 51 of 55 respondents (93%) had a “strong” or “very strong” desire to participate in an international elective during residency; 48 of 55 students (87%) had a “strong” or “very strong” desire to participate in international surgical missions after residency. Future practice goals had no correlation with interest in international rotations, either during or after residency training. Respondents ranked 8 factors that had an impact on residency program selection in the following order of importance: operative experience, location, lifestyle, research opportunities, didactics, international electives, prestige of program, and salary. Conclusion Interest in international medicine among prospective otolaryngologists was high in this subset of respondents but did not appear to affect residency program selection.

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A paradigm shift: Adoption of disruptive learning innovations in an ODL environment: The case of the University of South Africa

The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning ◽

10.19173/irrodl.v16i3.2165 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 16 (3) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Blessing Mbatha

Keyword(s):

Paradigm Shift ◽

Teaching And Learning ◽

Qualitative Approach ◽

Transactional Distance ◽

Focus Group Interviews ◽

Disruptive Innovations ◽

Different Types ◽

Group Interviews ◽

Axial Coding ◽

The University

<p class="norm">The aim of this article is to shed some light on patterns of and major motives for the adoption of different types of disruptive learning innovations by Unisa academics. To realise the aim of the study, the following questions were addressed: What are the reasons for adopting disruptive learning innovations? What is the level of interaction with disruptive innovations? What training do Unisa academics require on disruptive innovations? A qualitative approach was adopted by conducting focus group interviews with 76 Unisa academics. The data was analysed using open and axial coding, where dominant themes from the discussions were identified and discussed in detail. The findings show that the interaction of Unisa lecturers with different technologies varied from technology to technology. The study also found that disruptive innovations play a pivotal role in opening avenues and collapsing the transactional distance in an ODL institution. Some lecturers lack skill in using some technology, which is a cause for concern. Therefore, lecturers need to be trained in using technology and develop a good understanding of it to improve teaching and learning.</p>

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