A Survey-Based Evaluation of the Radiology Residency Interview Process

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic radiology residency interview process and determine variability among programs in their approach to interviewing candidates. Methods: A survey of the residency interview process was sent to diagnostic radiology program directors through an e-mail address list provided by the Association of Program Directors in Radiology. Questions addressed were (1) the number of applicants interviewed per residency position offered; (2) the number of interviews scheduled for each applicant on the interview day; (3) whether interviews were performed by staff members, residents, or both; and (4) whether interviewers were granted time away from clinical services to interview applicants. Results: Two electronic mailings were sent to 313 individuals. Responses were received from 89 of 188 accredited diagnostic radiology residency programs (response rate, 47.3%). The average number of interviews per residency position was 12.6 (range, 3-28), with university-based programs interviewing significantly fewer candidates (mean, 11.5) than non-university-based programs (mean, 15.3). The average number of individual interviews during the interview day was 3.9 (range, 1-8) per candidate at each program. Of responding programs, 69% of responding programs included residents in interviews, and 67% compensated their interviewing staff members with time off clinical service, with no statistical difference between large and small programs. Conclusion: There is a large amount of variability present in the residency interview process. Applicants to programs may have very different experiences while visiting programs. Further study of this variation may allow programs to optimize resource utilization while maintaining success in the match process.