Background: A unique
group interview has been used by George Washington University’s OBGYN Residency
for many years. The group interview involves reading and discussion of several
short literary vignettes. There are no studies looking at this type
of interview. We wanted to ensure that the diversity of our program
is not limited by making minority applicants uncomfortable in the group setting.
Methods: A brief
questionnaire about the group and faculty interview was sent to all applicants
following the completion of the match using a 5 point Likert scale. The
responses were analyzed using paired/non-paired t-tests.
Results: 38/85
(45%) of interviewed applicants completed the survey. Applicants did not feel
as comfortable with the group interview when compared to the individual
interview (Mean 3.32 and 4.39, p value 0.0001). The applicants felt the group
format did not allow for interviewers to get an accurate impression of them
when compared to the individual interview (Mean 3.11 and 4.34, p value
0.0001). Minority candidates (Men, non-Caucasians, and
non-native English speakers) felt more comfortable with the group interview
than their peers (Mean 3.37 and 2.8, p value 0.02).
Discussions: Applicants felt less
comfortable with our novel group interview when compared to the traditional
individual interview. Interestingly, minority candidates felt more comfortable
in the group setting than their female, Caucasian, native English-speaking
counterparts. This study demonstrates that our group interview does
not discourage minority applicants and may improve the diversity of our
residency program.
Topics: CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, 2019, Residency Director, Interpersonal & Communication Skills, GME, Assessment,
Rachael Cleberg,
MD MPH, George
Washington University; Lauren Nelson, MD;
Jennifer Keller,
MD MPH
