Applicant Perceptions of Post-Interview Communication during the 2022-2023 Neurosurgery Recruitment Cycle: A Survey Study

Introduction: Post-interview communication (PIC) between programs and applicants following neurosurgery residency interviews is frequent during the U.S. residency match process. Various perceptions amongst applicants exist on the influence of PIC and its impact on the outcome of the match. To date, perceptions on PIC practices between neurosurgery residency programs and applicants have not been studied. Our objective is to evaluate applicant perceptions on the PIC process, specifically the role that applicants feel PIC plays in influencing match outcomes.

Methods: A voluntary and anonymous post-match survey was sent to 209 candidates who applied to one academic neurosurgery practice during the 2022-2023 recruitment cycle one week following match day. Survey questions focused on their use and perceptions of PIC and how this impacted their rank list.

Results: Seventy-eight (37.3%, 95%CI) of the 209 candidates responded to the survey. Sixty-four (84.2%, 95%CI) respondents gave a letter of intent (LOI) to their number 1 ranked program. Sixty-one (82%, 95%CI) felt pressured to send a LOI to improve their rank status, fearing that it may harm them if they did not. Fifty-four (73.0%, 95%CI) respondents felt pressured to send an early LOI despite not seeing the program in person, to communicate interest before programs certified their rank lists. Fourteen (18.9%, 95%CI) respondents agreed that a second look experience impacted their rank list enough to where they regretted an early LOI. Fifty-five (76.4%, 95%CI) respondents disagreed that second look attendance had no impact on their rank status with a program. Fifty (71.4%, 95%CI) respondents agreed that PIC causes undue stress during the match process. Sixty-one (84.7, 95%CI) respondents agreed that aspects of PIC require universal guidelines.

Conclusion : This is the first study to describe the perceptions of PIC and behaviors of neurosurgery applicants during the U.S. residency match process. More research on the neurosurgical recruitment process is warranted.