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Virtual Interview Support Resources for Programs, Program Directors and Faculty

Virtual Interview Support Resources for Programs, Program Directors and Faculty

As our Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME) Programs are planning for the next academic year, we understand that you are facing unprecedented times due to COVID-19. The PGME office has created a list of available support resources as programs plan and prepare for a virtual interview process. Please review the available resources outlined below to support you with your virtual interviews. The resources include information for programs, program directors, faculty, and interviewers. Don't forget to review the list of academic research articles and additional resources included.

Contact Bela Ferreira (bela.ferreira@schulich.uwo.ca), PGME Educational Developer, for additional support or questions about the below resources.

AFMC & CaRMS Interview Guidelines and Policies

CaRMS, in conjunction with the Undergraduate/Postgraduate Medical Education (UGME/PGME) standing committees of the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC), has developed guidelines to assist programs in conducting applicant interviews. These guidelines are based on the terms of the CaRMS service contract with AFMC, CaRMS privacy policy, as well as applicable privacy and human rights legislation.

For more information on the CaRMS interview guidelines visit the CaRMS Website.

Applicant Rights

Applicant rights are defined by applicable human rights legislation that is intended to ensure all individuals have equal employment opportunities without regard to: race, colour, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, family or marital status, sex, a pardoned conviction, disability or sexual orientation.

Human rights legislation is not intended to prevent organizations from choosing candidates based on skills that are required for the position. A particular skill or qualification can be specified if the preference is based on a bona fide occupational requirement. Occupational requirements should focus on a person’s actual ability – not assumptions based on a group characteristic. We encourage your selection committees to obtain additional information on determining bona fide occupational requirements from the human rights office within your institution or from the human rights commission in your province/territory.

In accordance with the Services Contract between the AFMC and CaRMS, you are only permitted to use and/or hold the personal information of applicants, disclosed to you by CaRMS, for the purpose of selecting candidates for postgraduate residency training programs. You must securely destroy, delete, or convert personal information into the anonymous form for all unmatched applicants unless otherwise permitted by CaRMS. (Source: CaRMS.ca)

AFMC Virtual Promotion Guide and Updated CaRMS Match Violations Policy

A reminder from AFMC: ‘The COVID-19 pandemic has created unique challenges for all stakeholders involved in the 2021 R1 match. Unsanctioned electives including weekend site visits, observerships and virtual electives (including new virtual research electives) will not be allowed. As all stakeholders adjust it is important that equity remains a core principle of the match process. (AFMC)

Several policies govern the use of CaRMS services. CaRMS’ policies are in place to help ensure a fair and transparent match. Violations may result in a CaRMS process complaint by applicants to a program, and result in program sanctions.

The updated AFMC/CaRMS Match Violations Policy

If you have any questions about the policies outlined, please contact compliance@carms.ca.

AFMC Virtual Promotion Guide and Updated CaRMS Match Violations Policy

The updated AFMC/CaRMS Match Violations Policy

If you have any questions about the policies outlined, please contact compliance@carms.ca.

Canadian Residency Virtual Promotion Guide

AAMC Virtual Interview Support

AAMC PROGRAM DIRECTOR SUPPORT

The AAMC Best Practices guide describes interview best practices to assist with implementing valid and fair interview processes. The information in the guide is divided into two sections:

(1) Structuring Your Interview Process—A Program Director’s Guide provides an overview of the current state of research and best practices in selection interviews
(2) The Resident Applicant Interview—A Practical Guide for Faculty provides practical information on conducting interviews, including helpful tips and traps to avoid.

Here you will find AAMC's tips for those preparing to conduct or organize virtual interviews. This also includes approaches on how to address possible complications from transitioning from traditional to virtual interviews. This guide also includes tips to maintain the effectiveness of the interview.

AAMC INTERVIEWER SUPPORT

The AAMC Best Practices guide describes interview best practices to assist with implementing valid and fair interview processes. The information in the guide is divided into two sections:
(1) Structuring Your Interview Process—A Program Director’s Guide provides an overview of the current state of research and best practices in selection interviews
(2) The Resident Applicant Interview—A Practical Guide for Faculty provides practical information on conducting interviews, including helpful tips and traps to avoid.

This AAMC document provides considerations and tips for those preparing to conduct virtual interviews, including:
- identifying a suitable environment
- setting up and practicing with technology
- becoming familiar with interview materials
- creating a comfortable
- fair interview experience

Resource Guide:

HELPFUL AAMC WEBINARS

Webinar: Creating a Positive Virtual Interview Experience (16:05)

This webinar will prepare you to create a positive virtual interview experience for you and your applicants. Topics include: preparing and practicing with technology, identifying a suitable environment, preparing and coordinating in advance of the interview, and how to ensure a standardized and fair process while creating a comfortable atmosphere for the applicant during the interview. It will also discuss how to address possible complications from transitioning to virtual interviews without losing the effectiveness of the interview.

Access the video or the PowerPoint slides (PDF).

Webinar: Prep for Success in Your Virtual Interview (17:49)

Many residency programs are pursuing virtual interviews this year. Programs may be conducting live virtual interviews or incorporating an asynchronous/on-demand virtual interview into their process. This webinar will help you prepare for success in your virtual interviews by identifying a suitable environment, preparing and practicing with technology, and preparing for and responding to interview questions. It will also discuss how to address possible challenges you may face with virtual interviews and possible steps you might take to overcome them.

Access the video or the PowerPoint slides (PDF).

Addressing Implicit Bias in Virtual Interviews (15:08)

During this webinar, participants will receive an overview of unconscious bias, reflect upon how their own biases manifest, and receive guidance on how to recognize and mitigate their biases when conducting, reviewing, and scoring virtual or in-person interviews. This webinar is strongly recommended for anyone conducting interviews or evaluating interview responses.

Access the video or the job aid (PDF).

(Source: AAMC)

AMFC Virtual Resources

A virtual interview handbook for programs is now available to assist with the transition to virtual interviews for the 2021 residency match. The AMFC handbooks were created by a working group of the AFMC Resident Matching Committee (ARMC), which included learners, PG deans and Program Directors.

AMFC Virtual Interviews Program Handbook