Meal vouchers for interview candidates?

[Christine Pallasigui]

Hello!

I hope you’re all doing well. I’m not sure if this was already asked but are any programs planning to provide meal vouchers or meal gift cards to virtual interview candidates this year? I understand that some programs and institutions have different policies so curious to hear others’ thoughts.

Thanks and take care,
Christine

[Laurel Lewis]

Hi Christine,
I have not heard about this. Is this just like you might give them “swag” with their interview info at the interview? Forgive me for my ignorance but can you explain further?
Thanks,
~Laurel

[Joni Roberts]

I know some other specialty programs are doing like doordash gift cards but we are not planning to do anything.

[Ramona Guyden]

We are not providing meal vouchers or meal certificates. We are providing out interviewees a goody bag that we will mail them after they interview with us that includes a signed note from myself and PD.

[Christine Pallasigui]

Hi Laurel,
Similar to what Joni said. I read on an ERAS forum that some programs sent grubhub or doordash gift cards to their candidates, either as part of a thank you or as part of their pre-interview dinner the night before. Because we aren’t having in-person interviews with dinners or lunches, we were wondering if other ARCOS programs were considering a similar idea.

Thanks for the feedback, Joni!

Take care,
Christine

[Courtney Matlach]

While we won’t have the expense of the pre interview social events this year, unfortunately the hospital’s budget is tight and we can’t justify sending 100 doordash cards.
While it is a nice idea in theory, we never gave out excessive “swag” or paid for hotel rooms. Since ortho is so competitive and we have so many applicants I don’t think by not doing things like this that we are going to go unmatched.

[ARCOS]

Courtney said it well, we also have institutional constraints.
The option to send Gift Certificates and/or swag in place of interview social events is off the table.

We will send informational links and provide virtual open houses.
Wishing everyone the best as we approach October 21st.

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