PM2083: Measuring the Impact of a Virtual ‘meet and Greet’ Conference on Recruitment of Uim Medical Students to Pediatric Residency During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: To achieve health equity, residency programs recognize the necessity of recruiting a physician workforce that reflects the diversity of their patient populations. Programs across the country have had to adjust to virtual recruitment of Under-Represented in Medicine (UiM) trainees in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, there is a gap in sharing virtual strategies implemented to increase UiM recruitment. The goal of this publication is to share one strategy and ultimately bolster the rate of UiM applicants who match nationwide.

Methods: At Children’s National Hospital, three pediatric residents and a faculty advisor organized a Zoom UiM “Meet and Greet” that occurred after the interview season and prior to rank list submissions. UiM interviewees were recruited via ERAS messaging and emails, and UiM residents were recruited via word of mouth and email. RSVPs collected UiM identity information to allow for planning of breakout rooms. DoorDash gift cards were provided to all participants with a goal of everyone sharing a meal together virtually during the event. The first half of the meeting incorporated randomized breakout groups to give all applicants a chance to ask UiM residents questions and get to know the program. Subsequently, participants moved themselves to breakout rooms based on self-identified affinity groups represented in the residency program. After the event, a REDCap survey was emailed to applicants to collect feedback on the experience.

Results: Prior to implementing UiM virtual recruitment, UiM pediatric match rates at Children’s National Hospital averaged 28% over the past five years (2016 - 2020). In 2021, a total of 87 residents and applicants (27 residents; 60 applicants) participated in virtual recruitment. The matched class of 2021 included the largest UiM cohort in the program’s history, with 51% identifying as UiM; 90% of matched UiMs attended the Meet and Greet. In 2022, a total of 88 residents and applicants (37 residents; 51 applicants) participated. Among the matched class of 2022, 31% identify as UiM and 50% attended the Meet and Greet. Data collected from applicants who participated in 2022 (n=9) demonstrates positive feedback about interactions with UiM residents (n=5), a large number of UiM residents present (n=3), and comfort in affinity breakout rooms (n=5). Constructive feedback includes suggesting more time in breakout rooms (n=1) and including a breakout room for affinity groups not represented in the program (n=1).

Conclusion: Overall, data suggests this event was valuable for prospective UiM residents. Although there was significant variation in UiM match rates between two years, this can be attributed to multiple factors including other programs creating robust virtual recruitment strategies and statistical variation over time. Further research is warranted to determine the impact and efficacy of virtual UiM recruitment strategies and how best to optimize them across programs.