Surgical Aptitude Testing among Ophthalmology Residency Applicants: Current Utilization and Residency Program Directors' Perspectives

Purpose To investigate the proportion of United States ophthalmology residency programs that utilize surgical aptitude testing during the applicant interview, and the perspectives of program directors (PDs) regarding surgical aptitude testing of applicants. Design This is a cross-sectional survey. Methods An anonymous survey constructed on REDCap was emailed to the PD of each ophthalmology residency accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Main outcome measures are proportion of programs which include surgical aptitude testing during the applicant interview, and proportion of PDs who (1) believe the current residency application process adequately assesses applicants' surgical aptitude; (2) believe surgical aptitude testing results predict surgical success; and (3) favor inclusion of surgical aptitude testing for applicant evaluation. Results Of 115 PDs, 63 completed the survey (54.8%). One (1.6%) reported current use of surgical aptitude testing during the interview and 6 (9.5%) used such testing previously. Fifty-five (87.3%) respondents do not believe the residency application process adequately assesses surgical aptitude. Most respondents (40/63, 63.5%) do not support using results from currently available surgical aptitude testing strategies performed during the interview to rank applicants; 47 (74.6%) do not believe results of such testing predict ultimate surgical potential. However, 35 (55.6%) would use surgical aptitude data for applicant screening if valid testing could be performed before the interview. Conclusion While most PDs do not believe the current ophthalmology residency application process adequately assesses surgical aptitude, screening for surgical aptitude during the application process is seldom employed, largely due to a perceived lack of valid testing strategies available.

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Current Models for Inpatient and Emergency Room Ophthalmology Consultation in U.S. Residency Programs

Journal of Academic Ophthalmology ◽

10.1055/s-0040-1717064 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (02) ◽

pp. e171-e174

Author(s):

Donna H. Kim ◽

Dongseok Choi ◽

Thomas S. Hwang

Keyword(s):

Emergency Department ◽

Medical Education ◽

Emergency Room ◽

Program Directors ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Direct Supervision ◽

Residency Programs ◽

Residency Program Directors ◽

Competency Assessments

Abstract Objective This article examines models of patient care and supervision for hospital-based ophthalmology consultation in teaching institutions. Design This is a cross-sectional survey. Methods An anonymous survey was distributed to residency program directors at 119 Accreditation Council for Graduated Medical Education accredited U.S. ophthalmology programs in the spring of 2018. Survey questions covered consult volume, rotational schedules of staffing providers, methods of supervision (direct vs. indirect), and utilization of consult-dedicated didactics and resident competency assessments. Results Of the 119 program directors, 48 (41%) completed the survey. Programs most frequently reported receiving 4 to 6 consults per day from the emergency department (27, 55.1%) and 4 to 6 consults per day from inpatient services (26, 53.1%). Forty-seven percent of programs reported that postgraduate year one (PGY-1) or PGY-2 residents on a dedicated consult rotation initially evaluate patients. Supervising faculty backgrounds included neuro-ophthalmology, cornea, comprehensive, or a designated chief of service. Staffing responsibility is typically shared by multiple faculty on a daily or weekly rotation. Direct supervision was provided for fewer of emergency room consults (1–30%) than for inpatient consults (71–99%). The majority of programs reported no dedicated didactics for consultation activities (27, 55.1%) or formal assessment for proficiency (33, 67.4%) prior to the initiation of call-related activities without direct supervision. Billing submission for consults was inconsistent and many consults may go financially uncompensated (18, 36.7%). Conclusion The majority of hospital-based ophthalmic consultation at academic centers is provided by a rotating pool of physicians supervising a lower level resident. Few programs validate increased levels of graduated independence using specific assessments.

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Perceptions of a Virtual Interview Exercise for Ophthalmology Residency Applicants

Journal of Academic Ophthalmology ◽

10.1055/s-0041-1733939 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (02) ◽

pp. e256-e263

Author(s):

Bilal Ahmed ◽

Victoria Ly ◽

Ankur Parikh ◽

Arjun Watane ◽

Sanah Aslam ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Data Collection ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Application Process ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Standard Format ◽

Residency Programs ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Residency Application

Abstract Importance In-person interviews have traditionally been considered a crucial component of the residency application process. Virtual interviews (VIs) became the standard format for the 2020 to 2021 application cycle due to the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. VIs offer a new perspective and challenge to this process which warrants unique considerations and further understanding of effects on applicants. Objective This study aimed to assess the perceived efficacy of a VI preparedness exercise for ophthalmology residency applicants in the 2021 residency application cycle. Design, Setting, and Participants A cross-sectional survey was distributed online. All participants in a mock VI exercise conducted via video-telecommunication technology were invited to complete the survey. Data collection occurred from October 12, 2020, to November 2, 2020. A follow-up survey after a match results released was distributed to all participants and data collection occurred from February 18, 2021, to February 25, 2021. Main Outcome and Measures Applicant demographics, comfort, and attitudes toward VIs and VI practice were the primary measurements of this study. Results Responses to the initial survey were received from all 35 participants (100%) in the VI mock interviews. There was a statistically significant difference between the pre- and postinterview responses for “How prepared do you feel for virtual interviews with residency programs?” (p = 0.0003) and “How likely are you to practice virtual interviews with someone you know?” (p = 0.0023). Participants reported feeling more prepared for VIs with residency programs after the mock interview (p = 0.002). A greater proportion of participants responded with “Very Likely” after the mock interview in comparison to before the interview to the questions “How likely are you to practice interviews with someone you know?” (p = 0.039) and “How likely are you to practice virtual interviews in the same room/area as you will during the official interview season?” (p = 0.021). Of the 35 original participants, 20 completed the follow-up survey. There were an equal number of participants who responded either “Helped Somewhat” (n = 9) or “Helped Greatly” (n = 9) to “How much did the VI mock exercise help you for the actual interview season?” in the follow-up survey. The majority of follow-up survey respondents (17/20) reported that they had additional practice in the virtual environment for interviews after the VI mock exercise. There was no significant difference in perceived helpfulness of the VI mock exercise during the actual interview season between matched and unmatched participants. Conclusion and Relevance As residency applicants prepare for future VIs, practice and adequate preparation will be essential. In this study, implementation of a VI preparedness exercise had a positive impact on applicants' perception of their preparedness and intention to practice the format in the future.

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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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A national cross-sectional survey of social networking practices of U.S. anesthesiology residency program directors

Journal of Clinical Anesthesia ◽

10.1016/j.jclinane.2012.06.002 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 24 (8) ◽

pp. 618-624 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Andrew L. Barker ◽

Hania Wehbe-Janek ◽

Naumit S. Bhandari ◽

Timothy M. Bittenbinder ◽

ChanHee Jo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Networking ◽

Residency Program ◽

Program Directors ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Residency Program Directors

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A Characterization of Ophthalmology Residency Program Social Media Presence and Activity

Journal of Academic Ophthalmology ◽

10.1055/s-0040-1714682 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (02) ◽

pp. e110-e114

Author(s):

Hasenin Al-khersan ◽

Rebecca Tanenbaum ◽

Thomas A. Lazzarini ◽

Nimesh A. Patel ◽

Jayanth Sridhar

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Application Process ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Residency Programs ◽

Social Media Platforms ◽

Chi Square Test ◽

Media Platform ◽

Use Of Social Media ◽

Residency Application

Abstract Objective To determine the presence and activity of ophthalmology departments associated with residency programs on social media platforms and the use of these social media platforms by residency applicants. Design Cross-sectional online assessment of ophthalmology training program departments' presence and activity on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Participants A total of 120 accredited ophthalmology residency training programs and 498 ophthalmology residency applicants. Methods Each department was evaluated by (1) searching for social media links on the department's Web site, (2) searching for the department on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and (3) searching on Google. A simultaneous survey was conducted to assess social media platform use of 2019 to 2020 ophthalmology residency application cycle candidates. Main Outcomes The presence of ophthalmology departments on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, as well as the total number of followers and posts during January 2020. Results Of 120 programs evaluated, 45 programs (37.5%) had a Facebook page, 29 (24.3%) were on Twitter, and 22 (18.3%) had an Instagram page. Among top 20 Doximity-ranked ophthalmology programs, 80% had at least one social media page on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram compared with 33% among the remainder of programs (chi-square test = 15.2, p < 0.001). Top 20 programs also had more followers compared with others on Facebook (4,363 vs. 696, respectively, p < 0.0001) and Twitter (3,673 vs. 355, respectively, p = 0.007) but not on Instagram (1,156 vs. 1,687, respectively, p = 0.71). Among 498 residency applicants to Bascom Palmer Eye Institute from the 2019 to 2020 cycle, 159 (31.9%) responded to a survey regarding their use of social media during the application process. In total, 54 (34%) responded that they used social media to evaluate residency programs. Conclusion Departments of top 20 ophthalmology residency had both a greater presence and following on social media compared with other departments. While Facebook was the most used platform by ophthalmology departments, applicants most commonly used Instagram. As applicants come to use these social media resources more frequently, ophthalmology residency programs may increasingly benefit from maintaining an active social media page.

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Craniomaxillofacial Trauma Experience in Otolaryngology Residency: A National Survey of Program Directors

Craniomaxillofacial Trauma & Reconstruction ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1660442 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 134-140

Author(s):

Melissa S. Oh ◽

Anita B. Sethna ◽

Oswaldo A. Henriquez

Keyword(s):

Pediatric Trauma ◽

Program Directors ◽

The United States ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Case Volume ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Residency Programs ◽

Level 1 ◽

Didactic Lecture ◽

Lecture Time

This article aimed to assess the depth and volume of craniomaxillofacial (CMF) trauma exposure and education in otolaryngology residency training in the United States. This is a cross-sectional survey. A 15-question web-based survey was distributed to program directors of 106 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-approved otolaryngology residency programs to inquire about program size and demographics, trauma coverage, case volume, and education. Responses were collected anonymously. A total of 77 responses were received, representing 73% of residency programs. Seventy-five programs (97%) reported that their residents rotated at a level 1 trauma center, and 72 (94%) covered CMF trauma. Sixty-one programs (79%) included pediatric CMF trauma. The majority of programs (76%) allocated less than 10% of residency-dedicated didactic lecture time to CMF trauma. Residents in all programs typically logged at least 11 to 20 cases before graduation with 24% of programs averaging more than 50 cases per resident. Ninety percent of respondents described the training as “somewhat” to “very adequate.” CMF coverage by the otolaryngology department, number of cases, and dedicated didactic lecture time to CMF trauma were significant factors on the perception of adequate training. The majority of program directors felt that the training in CMF trauma was adequate. Reasons for this may include that most residents rotate at level 1 trauma centers, have exposure to pediatric trauma, encounter an adequate volume of cases, and have dedicated didactic time to CMF education.

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COVID-19’s Impact on the 2020-2021 Resident Match: A Survey of Otolaryngology Program Directors

Annals of Otology Rhinology & Laryngology ◽

10.1177/0003489420967045 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 000348942096704

Author(s):

David A. Kasle ◽

Sina J. Torabi ◽

Said Izreig ◽

Rahmatullah W. Rahmati ◽

R. Peter Manes

Keyword(s):

Program Directors ◽

Large Majority ◽

Free Text ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Residency Programs ◽

Research Involvement ◽

Historical Importance ◽

The Impact ◽

Question Survey

Objective: To determine the impact coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) will have on the 2020-2021 otolaryngology (OTO-HNS) resident application cycle. Methods: A cross-sectional survey targeting OTO-HNS program directors (PD) was created and disseminated via email to PDs on May 28th 2020. Descriptive analyses of the 19-question survey was performed, and free text responses for certain suitable questions were thematically categorized into groups determined to be relevant during analysis. Results: Twenty-nine of 123 solicited PDs (23.6%) completed the survey. Nineteen (65.5%) respondents indicated they would not host away rotations (AR) in 2020, and 9 (31.0%) reported that they would consider away rotators without home programs. Regarding the historical importance of AR, 21 (72.4%) PDs stated they were either “extremely” or “very” important in evaluating candidates. Sixteen (55.2%) PDs stated that virtual interviews would impact their ability to properly gauge candidates and 12 (41.4%) were unsure. Eight PDs (27.6%) stated their evaluation of candidates will likely change, with a shift toward an increased reliance on letters of recommendation, research involvement, and clerkship grades. The large majority of PDs—25 (86.2%)—were not worried that the COVID-19 pandemic would affect the abilities of new interns beginning in 2021. Conclusion: Virtual interviews and engagement activities will mostly supplant sub-Is and AR for the 2020-2021 OTO-HNS application cycle. Surveyed PDs largely believe these will be insufficient in providing a comprehensive assessment of candidates, and will similarly limit applicants’ ability to gauge residency programs. Criteria utilized to evaluate students is expected to change.

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Ophthalmology Applicant Perceptions of Two Residency Application Services: The San Francisco Match Central Application Service and Electronic Residency Application Service

Journal of Academic Ophthalmology ◽

10.1055/s-0040-1717065 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (02) ◽

pp. e188-e194

Author(s):

Shazia Dharssi ◽

Fasika A. Woreta ◽

Michael V. Boland

Keyword(s):

San Francisco ◽

Online Survey ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Residency Programs ◽

Application Systems ◽

Application Service ◽

Applicant Perceptions ◽

Positive Experiences ◽

Residency Application

Abstract Purpose Given ophthalmology residency programs are transitioning to include the internship year, either through “joint” or “integrated” 4-year programs, we set out to identify applicant preferences regarding the match and their experiences with two residency application systems: (1) the Central Application Service (CAS) and (2) the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Design This study is designed as a retrospective repeated cross-sectional survey. Methods A 15-question online survey was sent to 196 and 461 applicants to the 2019 and 2020 ophthalmology match cycles, respectively. Questions from the survey assessed user experiences with specific components of both application services and evaluated preferences regarding the future of the ophthalmology match. Results Responses were received from 208 (32%) applicants. A majority of users had positive experiences with both application services; for CAS, 162 (78%) applicants had a positive experience, compared with 111 (53%) for ERAS. When compared directly, applicants favored the CAS (60%) to ERAS (21%). Furthermore, 108 (52%) respondents stated that they would prefer ophthalmology continue to use both the CAS and ERAS, while 47 (23%) respondents indicated a desire for the CAS to become the only application system for both matches. Conclusion Although half of all respondents prefer that both the CAS and ERAS systems are utilized for the match process, many express a desire for a single matching program. As ophthalmology residency programs move to joint and integrated 4-year programs, the complexity of matching will increase. Further evaluation of applicant preferences during this transition phase is needed as applicants are required to apply to a variety of different joint and integrated internship and ophthalmology programs.

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Effect of COVID-19 on Canadian Medical Student Attitudes toward Ophthalmology Residency Application

Journal of Academic Ophthalmology ◽

10.1055/s-0040-1722740 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (01) ◽

pp. e5-e10

Author(s):

Cody Lo ◽

Amandeep Rai ◽

Jonathan A. Micieli

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Student Attitudes ◽

Program Directors ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Survey Tool ◽

Medical Student Attitudes ◽

Negative Impacts ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

Residency Application

Abstract Objective This study aims to survey medical students interested in ophthalmology about how changes in electives and Canadian Residency Matching Service (CaRMS) due to the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have affected their attitudes toward applying to ophthalmology residency. Design This is a cross-sectional survey. Participants A total of 32 Canadian medical students interested in ophthalmology responded to the survey. Methods A 32-question survey tool used was developed in consultation with medical students, academic ophthalmologists, and residency program directors. The survey was distributed through e-mail by local ophthalmology interest groups at all of Canada's medical schools. Results Respondents felt that changes in ability to travel for electives significantly decreased their likelihood of applying to ophthalmology residency. Additionally, respondents expressed concerns that lack of travel for electives and in-person CaRMS interviews significantly reduced their chances of successfully matching to ophthalmology. Respondents identified one-on-one video calls with program directors and residents as the initiatives that would best counteract the negative impacts from COVID-19. Increased presence of programs on social media were relatively less valued. Conclusion Canadian medical students interested in ophthalmology have concerns about how changes in electives and the CaRMS match due to COVID-19 will impact their ability to be fairly assessed and successfully match to ophthalmology. Lack of travel for electives and interviews has also resulted in students feeling ill equipped to make informed choices about program selection. However, there remains a sustained interest in ophthalmology among applicants.

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