. 2020 Jun 27;4(4):443–446. doi: 10.1002/aet2.10486

Table 1.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Virtual Interviews to Applicants and Programs

Advantages	Disadvantages
Allows GME* interview process to continue during times of social disruption. Decreased cost for applicants and programs due to absence of travel and hosting expenses. Applicants may be able to attend more interviews due to decreased cost. Less potential for disruption of interview days due to travel problems. Potentially minimizes time away from medical student rotations. Increased flexibility for interview times and dates. May benefit applicants on the wait lists due to ease of scheduling. Programs may be able to use virtual interviews as a screening tool. Allows alumni of the program practicing in a different geographic location to interview applicants. Virtual interviews could be augmented with an in‐person second look.	Loss of interactions which may provide insight about interpersonal skills and professionalism. Loss of opportunity to directly observe program culture, form relationships, and visit location. Technical difficulties can impact the interview interaction and influence impressions. Computer literacy with platforms can vary. Also, residency programs may utilize different platforms. Computer proficiency with platforms can vary. Scheduling challenges may occur with different time zones. Applicants may still feel obligated for an on‐site visit. Virtual strategies could amplify disparities among programs. Potential for misrepresentation and misunderstanding of the training environment. Introduction of unanticipated sources of bias, which may amplify disparities.

Advantages

Disadvantages

Allows GME* interview process to continue during times of social disruption.
Decreased cost for applicants and programs due to absence of travel and hosting expenses.
Applicants may be able to attend more interviews due to decreased cost.
Less potential for disruption of interview days due to travel problems.
Potentially minimizes time away from medical student rotations.
Increased flexibility for interview times and dates.
May benefit applicants on the wait lists due to ease of scheduling.
Programs may be able to use virtual interviews as a screening tool.
Allows alumni of the program practicing in a different geographic location to interview applicants.
Virtual interviews could be augmented with an in‐person second look.

Loss of interactions which may provide insight about interpersonal skills and professionalism.
Loss of opportunity to directly observe program culture, form relationships, and visit location.
Technical difficulties can impact the interview interaction and influence impressions.
Computer literacy with platforms can vary. Also, residency programs may utilize different platforms.
Computer proficiency with platforms can vary.
Scheduling challenges may occur with different time zones.
Applicants may still feel obligated for an on‐site visit.
Virtual strategies could amplify disparities among programs.
Potential for misrepresentation and misunderstanding of the training environment.
Introduction of unanticipated sources of bias, which may amplify disparities.

GME = graduate medical education.