166 - Utilizing Virtual Open House for Interventional Spine and Musculoskeletal Medicine Fellowship Applicants

Friday, February 23, 2024

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM EDT

Presenting Author(s)

CU

Chiamaka J. Ukoha, MD

Resident
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Coppell, Texas, United States

Co-Author(s)

AP

Ankit Patel, MD

Associate professor
UT Southwestern Medical Center
Southlake, Texas, United States

Objectives: The fellowship application process can lead to emotional and financial burdens for PM&R residents. Virtual open houses (VOH) can help applicants learn about fellowship programs prior to applying or attending an interview. The objective of this survey study is to assess the perceived usefulness of a VOH for fellowship applicants for the UT Southwestern Interventional Spine and Musculoskeletal Medicine (ISMM) fellowship. An additional goal was to assess for any technical barriers to the virtual open house.

Design: A 15 question survey with a 5-point Likert scale was given to UTSW ISMM interviewees at the conclusion of their interview day by program coordinator (PC). The survey was also collected by PC to ensure anonymity. Interviewees who did not attend the VOH were asked to abstain from completing the remainder of the survey. A percentage was calculated for all responses for each survey question.

Results: There was a 100% response rate for the survey (n=13). 10 out of 13 (76.9%) candidates indicated attendance to VOH.

100% of applicants strongly agreed that the program director segment of the VOH provided adequate information about the program. All applicants were more inclined to accept interview after VOH (Agree = 40%, Strongly Agree = 60%).

All applicants strongly disagreed (SD) or disagreed (D) that internet connection, (SD=40%, D=50%), distractions (SD=40%, D=60%), or technical problem (SD= 50%, D=50%) were an issue except one that had neutral response about internet connection. When asked if participants preferred VOH, only 30% agreed or strongly agreed.

Conclusions: The majority of applicants agreed that VOH was a useful alternative to gain insight about the ISMM fellowship program and had positive effects on their interview day. Although the negative aspect of virtual open houses are rarely an issue, if in-person open houses are available applicants would prefer this option.