Do medical student mental stress and burnout vary with virtual versus in-person residency interviews

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to identify medical student stressors and mitigation methodologies based on interview modality. Materials & methods: A survey was administered to obstetrics and gynecology applicants in in-person (IP) and virtual (VR) National Resident Matching Program cycles. This included demographics, the Mayo Clinic Medical Students Well-Being Index and stressor questions. Results: A total of 137 of 151 surveys were completed (91% response rate). Subjective stress was significant in 76% of IP and 57% of VR applicants (p = 0.07). The objective Mayo Clinic Medical Students Well-Being Index values were higher in the IP (2.47 ± 1.75) compared with the VR group (2.00 ± 1.55; p = 0.10), suggesting lower stress with VR interviews. More IP (53%) compared with VR applicants (44%) were deemed ‘at risk’ (p < 0.01). Conclusion: VR interviews may mitigate select stressors during interviews.