The podcast discusses the shift to virtual fellowship interviews and the importance of creating an inclusive and applicant-centered experience. It explores the findings that virtual interviews went smoothly and were preferred by fellows. The benefits and challenges of dual accreditation in rheumatology and allergy immunology are also discussed. The speaker's role as an associate editor for the Gold Foundation's Humanism in Research program is highlighted, along with the opportunity to write for the Rheumatologist Magazine and the impact of COVID-19 on rheumatology education.
Creating a psychologically safe environment for asking questions and effective exchange of information in virtual fellowship interviews.
Using design thinking and empathy to reimagine the Rheumatology fellowship interview process and prioritize applicant-centered experiences.
Deep dives
Reimagining the Rheumatology Fellowship Interview Process
The podcast episode discusses a study published in ACR Open Rheumatology that aims to create a more applicant-centered experience for Rheumatology Fellowship interviews. The study was prompted by reflections on the shift to virtual interviews during the pandemic and the realization that the interview process is linked to professional identity formation and socialization. The podcast highlights the main findings of the study, including the importance of creating a psychologically safe environment for asking questions, effective exchange of information, and fitting interview data into the bigger picture. The episode also mentions data from the ACR Committee on Training and Workforce, which found that virtual interviews can work as well as face-to-face interviews. The podcast concludes by discussing the methodological approach of the study, which employed participatory design thinking and outlined the proposed changes to the interview process based on the co-designed prototype. The host also mentions the editorship of the rheumatologist and invites fledgling writers to contribute to the magazine.
The Benefits and Challenges of Dual Accreditation in Rheumatology and Allergy Immunology
The podcast features a discussion with Dr. Bharat Kumar, who is dual-boarded in rheumatology and allergy immunology. Dr. Kumar explains the pros and cons of pursuing dual accreditation, emphasizing the global understanding it provides of the immune system. He highlights the need for greater incorporation of allergy immunology concepts in rheumatology fellowships and offers advice to prospective fellows considering this option. Dr. Kumar also shares his experiences with completing a master's degree in medical education and obtaining a Rheumatol certification, discussing the benefits of these additional trainings. The episode concludes with Dr. Kumar's role as the editor of the Arnold P. Gold Foundation's Humanism in Research program and his position as editor of the Rheumatologist magazine, inviting aspiring writers to contribute.
The Role of Empathy and Design Thinking in Enhancing the Fellowship Interview Process
The podcast explores the use of design thinking and empathy in reimagining the fellowship interview process. Dr. Bharat Kumar, the first author of the manuscript, describes how the study was initiated based on conversations with rheumatology fellows at the University of Iowa and the recognition that the interview process is a ritual of initiation into the field of Rheumatology. The episode highlights the various stages of the design thinking process, including empathizing with stakeholders, defining problem statements, ideating and prototyping potential solutions, and testing the final co-designed prototype. Dr. Kumar also discusses the key themes that emerged during the process, such as the need for a psychologically safe environment for asking questions, effective exchange of information, and fitting interview data into the bigger picture. The podcast concludes by mentioning the potential impact of the redesigned interview process and the ongoing efforts to scientifically evaluate its effectiveness.
Lessons Learned from Virtual Fellowship Interviews
The podcast delves into the experiences and insights gained from virtual fellowship interviews. Dr. Bharat Kumar discusses the challenges and advantages of virtual interviews and presents data from the ACR Committee on Training and Workforce, which found that virtual interviews can be as effective as face-to-face interviews. He also mentions the role of customization, preparation, and hybridization in enhancing the virtual interview experience. The episode highlights the insights gained from the empathy map exercise, which identified overarching themes related to the safety of asking questions, effective exchange of information, and fitting interview data into the bigger picture. Dr. Kumar concludes by emphasizing the need for prospective fellows to carefully consider the dual accreditation option and shares his own experiences as a dual-certified rheumatologist and allergist.
The pandemic has changed much in our world—from the way we work, to the way we shop, and even the way we learn. Rheumatology wasn’t immune from such changes and when medical institutions needed to adjust their practices to accommodate a changing world around them, the process by which fellowship interviews were conducted needed to change as well. Thus, a shift to the video communication platform Zoom was made.
