Implementation of the AAMC's holistic review model for psychiatry resident recruitment

Authors

Robert Marvin, Professor and Residency Training Director, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago.
Yoon Soo Park, Associate Professor and Associate Head, Department of Medical Education, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago.
Michael Dekhtyar, Research Associate, Department of Medical Education, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago.
Marla Hartzen, Advocate Aurora HealthFollow
Laurel Bessey, Assistant Professor and Associate Residency Training Director, Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.
Ryan Finkenbine, Professor, Residency Training Director, and Chair, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria.
Brett Lloyd, Assistant Professor and Residency Training Director, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
Senada Bajmakovic-Kacila, Residency Training Director and Medical Director, Adult Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic, Department of Psychiatry, RUSH University Medical Center.
Art Walaszek, Professor and Vice Chair for Education and Faculty Development, Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.
Ara Tekian, Professor, Director of International Programs, and Associate Dean for the Office of International Education, Department of Medical Education, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago.

Recommended Citation

Marvin R, Park YS, Dekhtyar M, et al. Implementation of the AAMC's Holistic Review Model for Psychiatry Resident Recruitment. MedEdPORTAL. 2023;19:11299. Published 2023 Feb 7. doi:10.15766/mep_2374-8265.11299

Affiliations

Advocate Lutheran General Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: In psychiatry, several converging factors are impacting the recruitment of residents: the increased competitiveness of the specialty, the national trend to take active steps to improve diversity and inclusion, and the decision from USMLE to change Step 1 to a pass/fail result.

Methods: We developed a workshop for psychiatry residency program directors to meet these challenges and transition into using a holistic review model during recruitment. The workshop included (1) a didactic session providing background on the AAMC holistic review model; (2) a small-group exercise to determine and prioritize experiences, attributes, competencies, and metrics (EACMs) aligned with the program's mission and aims; (3) a review of the rankings from the previous exercise, selection of two "very important" criteria for each of the four domains of the EACM model, and operationalization of these criteria based on the recruitment process; and (4) a discussion focused on application of program criteria with example applicants.

Results: The holistic review workshop was conducted at the American Association of Psychiatry Residency Directors conference in 2021 with 48 self-selected attendees. Following the workshop, 74% of attendees reported a likelihood of implementing holistic applications during their next application cycle, 78% were able to leave with at least one actionable item, 100% thought that the session was interactive, and 78% felt that the session met their expectations.

Discussion: Implementing a holistic review for psychiatry residency recruitment can assist programs in responding to the rapidly changing landscape and achieve aims for improving diversity and inclusion.

Type

Article

PubMed ID

36760337