Improving methods of resident selection.
OBJECTIVE
Applying the concept of the ACGME general competencies, it is possible to define the essential job objectives and competencies of a junior otolaryngology resident. The objective of this study is to incorporate commercially available tools of business in the identification of competencies specific to the junior otolaryngology resident and develop behavioral-based interview questions and techniques designed to identify these qualities in candidates for residency.


METHODS
Institution of a pilot program involving a focus group within an otolaryngology department, a professional development consultant, commercial business software for occupational analysis and personnel selection, and an interview technique training seminar for faculty and residents.


METHODS
In coordination with a university-based professional development consultant, a formal job analysis was conducted to define the job objectives and competencies of a junior otolaryngology resident. These results were used to generate behavioral-based interview questions for use in the resident selection process. All interviewing faculty and residents were trained in behavioral-based interviewing.


RESULTS
Occupational objectives for the junior resident position specific to a particular university department of otolaryngology were identified. Additionally, the essential skills, areas of knowledge, and competencies were identified. Behavioral-based questions specific to the competencies were created and incorporated into the current resident selection interview.


CONCLUSIONS
Using tools of occupational analysis and personnel selection, a list of job objectives and competencies for the junior otolaryngology resident can be created. Using these results, behavioral-based interviews may be implemented to complement traditional interviews with the ultimate goal of improving candidate selection.
Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.
Jeremy D
JD
Prager
Charles M
CM
Myer
Kay M
KM
Hayes
Charles M
CM
Myer
Myles L
ML
Pensak
D005180:Faculty, Medical; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D007587:Job Description / Q000592:standards*; D010036:Otolaryngology / Q000193:education*; D010560:Personnel Selection / Q000592:standards*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D014481:United States