In the face of the pandemic, radiology residency programs have been forced to adapt their recruitment strategies. But a program piloted by Dartmouth-Hitchcock has found success by creating a YouTube video to communicate essential information to prospective residents.
After the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), along with other medical educational organizations, recommended residency interviews again be conducted virtually for the 2020-2021 cycle, programs across the country were required to alter their processes. Dartmouth program directors found this especially difficult.
“Being located in a uniquely rural setting which heavily relied upon in-person interviewing to accurately portray the institution and surrounding region, our radiology residency program found the new remote paradigm to be particularly challenging,” corresponding author, Timothy P. Kerrigan, MD with the department of radiology at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, and co-authors wrote.
The doctors realized the potential of utilizing a creative internet medium to produce custom content that described their institution in detail, so they created a YouTube channel and uploaded 13 videos that chronicled every aspect of their residency program. The videos were uploaded to the program’s website and social media outlets, as well as on YouTube. Each varied in length and subject matter.
To measure the success of their campaign, a 10-question survey was distributed to interview candidates. Out of 114 candidates, 57 responded to the survey. The resoundingly positive results were shared this week in Academic Radiology.
When respondents were asked whether the video impacted their decision to apply to the program, 84% agreed and 86% stated they felt adequately informed about all the program and institution had to offer. The format was also well-received in comparison to text-based media, with 77% of candidates finding the videos more effective.
Considering the emergence of new COVID variants, the doctors acknowledge that the virtual interview process may remain, but they feel optimistic about their program’s virtual communication method.
“Our initial experience and data show the video-centered approach to be overwhelmingly positive with applicants and at a minimum, we've established a baseline process and aesthetic for others to improve upon," the authors concluded.
In addition to her background in journalism, Hannah also has patient-facing experience in clinical settings, having spent more than 12 years working as a registered rad tech. She joined Innovate Healthcare in 2021 and has since put her unique expertise to use in her editorial role with Health Imaging.