Document Type

Abstract

Publication Title

Journal of Osteopathic Medicine

Abstract

Statement of Significance: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly changed the undergraduate medical education (UME) NRMP application process (NAP). This included virtual interviews, the suspension or elimination of away rotations, elimination of COMLEX 2 PE/USMLE STEP 2 CS licensing exams, and increased online rotations. Previous literature has reported on the impact the pandemic had on the 2020-2021 NAP; however, limited data exists on the impact of the pandemic on this past cycle, from 2021-2022 (1 – 4).

Research Methods: An IRB-approved 20 question survey was developed and distributed after the 2022 match via email and social media. 86 students from the Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine participated in the study. Likert-scale questions with a range of 1-5 and a comment box were used to assess student experiences related to changes the pandemic had on their match process. Several areas were assessed, e.g., away rotations, virtual interviews, board requirement changes including the suspension of COMLEX Level 2 PE, advising, psychological well-being, etc. Statistical analysis was performed using Qualtrics software.

Data Analysis: 97.59% matched in the 2021-2022 NAP. 94.81% matched in their first-choice specialty. The number of away rotations in matched specialties ranged from 1 to 9 (M=2.36, SD=0.91). Only 39.74% matched at an away rotation site. On a scale of 1 to 10, overall impact felt by the pandemic on the 2021-2022 NAP was M=4.92, SD=1.92. 50.77% of students reported the suspension of the third board exam impacted their application process very highly. Approximately one-third of students rated both stress and anxiety as high impacts. 72.06% of participants sought feedback from students from the 2020-2021 NAP and 48.98% of participants found this feedback to be highly helpful.

Results: 97.59% matched in the 2021-2022 NAP. 94.81% matched in their first-choice specialty. The number of away rotations in matched specialties ranged from 1 to 9 (M=2.36, SD=0.91). Only 39.74% matched at an away rotation site. On a scale of 1 to 10, overall impact felt by the pandemic on the 2021-2022 NAP was M=4.92, SD=1.92. 50.77% of students reported the suspension of the third board exam impacted their application process very highly. Approximately one-third of students rated both stress and anxiety as high impacts. 72.06% of participants sought feedback from students from the 2020-2021 NAP and 48.98% of participants found this feedback to be highly helpful.

Conclusion: Changes in the 2021-2022 NAP due to COVID-19 positively and negatively impacted students. Student comments indicated that virtual interviews opened up more opportunities to interview and save money. Students also commented that due to the strain of the pandemic, they had less time with their attending physicians and that this could have negatively impacted their letters of recommendation. Overall, cancellation of the PE and CS was viewed positively. And many students sought out feedback from applicants of the 2020-2021 NAP to be better prepared to face the challenges of the continued pandemic.

DOI

10.1515/jom-2022-2000

Publication Date

11-18-2022

ISSN

2702-3648

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