Implementation of the AAMC's Holistic Review Model for Psychiatry Resident Recruitment
Robert Marvin,
Yoon Soo Park,
Michael Dekhtyar,
Marla Hartzen,
Laurel Bessey,
Ryan Finkenbine,
Brett Lloyd,
Senada Bajmakovic-Kacila,
Art Walaszek,
Ara Tekian
Affiliations
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
Psychiatry Residency Training Director and Medical Director, AMG Park Ridge Behavioral Health, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
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
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.
