In this inaugural episode of the Program Directors at SEA podcast, hosts Dr. Brian Mahoney and Dr. David Stahl open a candid conversation about the current landscape of anesthesiology residency recruitment. They explore how program directors are adapting to application signaling, the transition to pass–fail Step 1 scoring, and the continued reliance on virtual interviews. Drawing from their own programs in New York City and Columbus, they compare regional dynamics, shifting applicant behaviors, and the tension between efficiency and equity in the match process. The episode sets the tone for an ongoing dialogue between educators and learners, inviting listeners to participate in shaping the future of anesthesia education.

Originally published July 3, 2023 on YouTube