Applicants to Washington University’s Otolaryngology residency will interview virtually again this year, as mandated by the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). But applicants to Washington University’s program will have a special opportunity – a Second Look – to visit in person and see the medical campus, meet current residents, and explore a bit of what life in St. Louis has to offer.
Of the 434 applications received, 60 applicants were granted interviews. Those virtual interviews were spread over five half days and conducted by WashU Otolaryngology faculty and senior and chief residents.
“It’s a huge job,” said Residency Program Director Judith Lieu, MD, MSPH. “Twenty-four faculty members and our PGY4 and PGY5 residents assisted with the evaluation and interview process, organized by the tireless efforts of our residency coordinators Maria Harrington and Jana Richardson.”
The onsite visit is scheduled to occur February 17 – after the department submits it’s own rankings – to avoid being influenced by applicant participation in the visit. Importantly however, the visit will allow those applicants the opportunity to experience the program prior to the March 1 deadline for their rank submissions.
“We are offering the Second Look so that applicants can experience the department and St. Louis culture and climate for themselves,” said Lieu. “We believe we have a lot to offer beyond the traditional clinical otolaryngology training program and this is a great way to demonstrate that.”
Agenda for the on-site visit will include a lunch with faculty and residents; resident-led campus and city tours; a Q&A session with Director Lieu; and a hosted dinner with residents.