Background: While virtual residency interviews improve accessibility and convenience, concerns have emerged about limited interpersonal engagement and applicant ability to assess program culture. This study explores emergency medicine (EM) applicants' perceptions of virtual versus in-person interviews during the 2024-25 application cycle. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of applicants to an urban academic EM residency program in the northeastern United States. The survey was distributed via Qualtrics after applicants and the program certified their rank lists but before Match Day. It assessed interview format preferences, and factors influencing program ranking. Data analysis followed the STROBE reporting guidelines, and an adjunct analysis of free-text responses followed a standard descriptive approach of two-reviewer thematic analysis. Results: = 8) said it negatively impacted their position. Conclusion: Applicants who accepted an in-person interview to a single urban academic EM residency program reported that in-person interviews allowed them to better assess the factors most important in building their rank lists: overall fit, desirability of location, and interview day experience. Applicants also reported a general preference for in-person interviews. While virtual interviews continue to offer advantages in cost, convenience, and accessibility, this study highlights applicant perspectives on in-person interviewing.
Jameyfield et al. (2026) studied this question.