“The second reason I’d like to join UCR’s IM program is because its curriculum is so grounded in the needs of the Inland Empire. Demonstrating insufficient knowledge on such topics may undermine your commitment to the specialty and, ultimately, the likelihood that you’ll match with the interviewing program. But during my away rotation in radiology, I realized that I enjoyed diagnosing through the eyes of a radiologist and, more importantly, that I liked talking like a radiologist. Here we’ll provide an overview of the most common residency interview questions and why interviewers ask them. The residency interview process is very competitive and you will be going up against candidates who do not have a gap. Answer: If someone asks you explicitly about this—say, if it’s obvious based on your resumé that you’re interested in both family medicine and pediatrics—don’t deny it. To make Match jitters worse, interview invitations are sent out according to specific specialties’ timetables, the schedules of specific programs, or a combination of the two. Your tips are very practical and have given me a systematic way to approach my interviews. “One of my weaknesses is not knowing when to say ‘no.’ I hate turning down opportunities to grow or help others, so I tend to say yes a lot, even if I’m already swamped with responsibilities. Make sure to use any facetime you get with program directors to learn about what they value within their program. We’ve selected a few common residency interview questions and provided strong sample responses for each to demonstrate how to apply this guidance. Rushing to the interview can make you appear harried and agitated during the question and answer portion. Program Directors (PDs) play different roles depending on the program. That said, how you ask these questions makes a huge difference. On the other hand, barring the illegal questions already noted in the article, there are questions admissions committees might ask you regarding more personal aspects of your life that are nevertheless not illegal and are, therefore, questions you must answer or risk seeming like a poor sport. Most illegal questions fit into one of three broad categories: It’s important to keep in mind that these questions are generally not malicious, but they may be ignorant. As with everything, handle such a situation with tact and positivity, but remain noncommittal. In that time, I create a pros and cons list about the request, and I consider where the opportunity fits in with my goals. Knowing which questions to ask at your residency interview can make a good impression with the people who may decide if you are a good fit in the program. I realized that it wasn’t an either-or situation. Questions like, “Any skeletons in your closet you want to tell me about?”, “What would you be willing to sacrifice for a successful medical career?” and “What is the worst thing that has ever happened to you?” are, unfortunately, fair game. Answer: A few programs send interview invitations quite early, as early as a week or two weeks after you submit ERAS. A staple of most interviews, this question is open-ended enough that, even if you’ve heard it before, a new context can still make you unsure about how best to approach it. Whether you're applying to residency positions through CaRMS or ERAS as a local applicant or an international medical graduate, you need to prepare for your residency interviews.In this blog, I'll go over both common and surprising residency … Learn how to distinguish ones self from other top-notch physical therapy residency interview candidates, and prepare for the most commonly asked questions. With your ERAS application under review, there’s only one thing left to do on the road to becoming a resident doctor: ace your interviews. Question: I’m nervous about bringing up my physical accommodation, plans to get pregnant, some other personal stuff, is it kosher to do so? Is this a trick question? By your co-residents? Ask a professor or a mentor if they have the time to do a mock interview with you to help you practice. Question: My friend wrote about his interest in ballroom dancing in his ERAS application, and his interviewers asked him to show them his moves during his interview. Though committees may be able to overlook such missteps, avoid giving them reason to see you in a negative light. Interviewers are not out to undermine you, but they are interested in seeing how you might react under pressure. Ask leading questions. Ask for a “Budget Adjustment for Residency” and make sure you understand how this money is disbursed. At the end of your interview, you will be asked something along the lines of, “What questions do you have for me?” This is your opportunity to ask any outstanding questions (although you would want to pick your top 2-3 questions rather than asking every possible question). Residency interview question #3: “Why do you want to join our program?”. Inspiring Stories. Otherwise, I look forward to Match Day. If you moved from another program, how was the transition to a new city? “Then, I take this information to my No Committee, which hears me out and then, for the most part, tells me to turn it down. The fact that UCR emphasizes ambulatory training alongside inpatient care is a big draw for me. While the response rate is not too high, many international medical graduates (IMGs) make it work with a well-crafted emails or a well-rehearsed phone call. You can’t give your interviewers all this information, but keeping experiences, characters, and moments of epiphany handy will help. If provided with interviewer names in advance, look up their research and clinical interests and, if appropriate, ask questions about their work during your interview. In addition to the interview support we provide students through our 1:1 residency application plans, we offer a la carte interview coaching to help you present your best self on the big day. If you act inappropriately or unprofessionally at the interview dinner, the leadership team will find out about it. Why do residency programs interview you in the first place? On the other hand, powerful questions include the following: Thoughtful questions about specific opportunities (e.g., “What criteria determine whether a PGY-2 resident qualifies for the legal medicine elective?”), Soliciting advice about navigating residency (e.g., “What have you observed to be the most common struggles for first-year residents, and what advice would you be willing to share with someone like me?”). When talking with residents on the interview trail, you should have a few goals. That’s a good start— you need to anticipate interviewers’ interests and your answers to their queries. Residency interviews can make or break your chances of getting into the residency program of your choice. How do you support the varying professional interests of your residents? And of course: you’ll want to be up to date on your chosen specialty, including trends and topics of interest. These are just a few of the many ways you can stress yourself out to simulate interview day jitters. A common misconception: Applicants think they should immediately start talking about their medical experiences, especially ones related to the specialty they intend to pursue. as I said in my CV? Pay special attention to any key words or key concepts, like diversity and research, that come up a lot so you can demonstrate fit with those aspects of their culture and stand out. You can treat this as a “practice interview” before you assimilate the interview format in preparation for your top programs. To help nudge you in the right direction, I’ve come up with a list of some of the best interview questions to ask on the residency interview trail. Sign In. Menu. Arrive for your interview in the city the day before and remember that travel delays might interfere with your schedule; plan accordingly. Consider a one- or two-sentence anecdote that you haven’t already shared about your visit. The Sleepy Man. To supplement the above questions, I crowdsourced some additional suggestions via Twitter. Was it the most patient-centric specialty you encountered? An effective sample response: “Before I started medical school, I thought I wanted to be a pediatrician because I love working with kids. Programs look for evidence of the following through your interview. A list of pharmacy residency interview questions is provided here. How to approach the question: Before discussing medical experience, describe personal aspects of your background, such as your upbringing and interests, to humanize yourself and not seem like a typical med student. Though residency Match has some things in common with medical school interviews and others you might have already survived, there are unique aspects to the residency interview that may take you by surprise. You can use questions to redirect the conversation to facets of yourself that … Use our question list to prepare for your residency interview. Though there’s a strong emphasis on an applicant’s ability to appropriately answer interview questions, there isn’t always enough focus on the other end of the spectrum. You won’t be rejected based on insufficient stats or extracurricular experiences. This is not really a … They know you could say practically anything. That you are as polished in person as you convey through your applications. Make special note of any advice or guidance they provided, because you should incorporate those notes into your letters. Keep in mind, however, not to practice too much. Using this perspective, your questions should allow you to leave an interview day equipped with more information than when you arrived. Lastly, talking to residents helps you to get a sense of how much support the program offers its trainees. BS/MD | BA/MD | BS/DO Admissions Services, Common Residency Interview Questions—and How to Answer Them, Click here to learn about our 1:1 residency interview coaching, Video coaching session If you want to secure your spot, call or email the coordinator as soon as possible to schedule your date. Dear Dr. Yoffe. Do: Be prepared to address any potential red flags in your application, including extension of training, USMLE failure, or course failure. It’s not just a matter of etiquette and convention—it’s a matter of reading the situation and people around you. The questions below can help you to suss out who really likes their program versus who just showed up to the dinner, lunch, or tour for the free food. The interview is also the most important factor (besides match violations) pediatric residency program directors utilize when they rank an applicant. Required fields are marked *. “In effect, we were an ambulatory clinic that anchored that community’s access to medical care. How to approach the question: Overall, this is an important one. Therefore, it is … Select an issue with which you’ve struggled and for which you’ve devised—or begun to devise—a successful strategy for improvement. You should not be penalized for doing so. Answer: Not necessarily, but you must be accountable to any information in your application materials. This is arguably as important for interacting with staff, nurses, and colleagues as it is for interacting with patients. Make sure to go through several mock interviews before your first official one. Another tool that candidates sometimes find helpful is recording themselves as they answer questions during a mock interview. No matter the situation, do not lose your temper or come off as pushy. They can encourage you to rank a certain way, tell you they would Match you if you ranked them, but they cannot ask you where you intend to rank them, as it is a violation of Match tules. You can be as creative as you need to be, but not too creative—whatever stressful situation you induce should approximate the level of stress you typically experience during interviews. To what extent is work-life integration emphasized in your program? The work has to be done, but everyone is exhausted, and time and resources are finite. Q: What are some good questions to ask during my interview for residency? You want to be remembered for your politeness and tact. Information clearly advertised on the program website (e.g., “How many residents are there in each cohort?”), Things that would be more effectively answered by someone else (e.g., don’t ask a faculty member about the resident experience if you have the opportunity to meet residents in the program), Canned or quiz-like questions (e.g., “What do you see as the strengths of the PGY-1 curriculum?”). How close is your residency class? Is this representative of other faculty at the program? Express your gratitude for the opportunity and excitement to learn more about the program. ], which aligns with [some quality or aspiration that is important to you]. An effective sample response: “I grew up in a Japanese American family in Boulder. Once you know your application cold, visit the program’s website and study it carefully. What have been some highlights of your experience in residency so far? An effective sample response: “One of my strengths is definitely perception. Ask your interviewer to provide feedback on answer content and delivery, including eye contact, speed, and conversational fluidity. You’re highly ranked in your class—what more could they possibly want to know? Also, you cannot indicate you intend to rank a program first unless it’s true. This list will offer the answers for many questions interviewers may ask, such as, “What makes you stand out from other candidates?” and “Why should we select you as a resident for our program?”. Answer: It’s always fine to try to find out these things at any job interview, including at a residency interview. answer might be acceptable? In addition, [reference a personal interaction you had, for instance, “I appreciated your candid advice about making it through the first two years of residency” or “I am still thinking about the paper we discussed…”]. Question: I just interviewed with my top program and want them to know that they are my number one program in my thank you note. … Additionally, each PD has a different vision of what they want their residents to get out of the training process. So how do you, the residency candidate, respond to such questions with grace while still protecting your right to privacy? What do I do? Hey, #MedTwitter! (Suggested reading: The Ideal ERAS Timeline). Residency interviewers can be residents, fellows, attendings, and PDs. Can you tell me a little bit about work-life balance here?”. In some cases, your home institution may offer funds as well, so make sure you check their options. That said, don’t push your top programs too late in the interview cycle. Are there opportunities to moonlight? In other cases, they may not ask about these things at all. As the eldest of four kids, I was expected to help around a lot, whether that was staining wood for my mom’s frame shop or mixing chemicals for my dad’s darkroom. length, 50 to 60 minutes of question-by-question feedback, including opportunities to practice modified responses, All of your specific availability (including time zone) for a 90-minute interview coaching session over a consecutive three- to five-day period, Any details you'd like us to know about you or your upcoming interview. It’s not about one party (employer) choosing another (job candidate). What’s a patient encounter that stands out to you? I am surprised more interview candidates are not on this page commeting. It also can give insight on how you fit in. You can highlight these points during your interview. How to prepare for your residency interviews: dos, don’ts, and other crucial etiquette. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This applicant might then further furnish their answer with a particular anecdote, say, about a child undergoing an MRI, or a physician who explained to them that pediatric radiology might be a perfect fit for their intellectual and personal interests. While such questions aren’t necessary—and overdoing it can make you seem cloying—it’s wise to have some thoughtful inquiries ready. When communicating with any program staff, consider it part of the interview, regardless of their position in the department. These will definitely help you. But now that I’m a darkroom photographer myself, I realize it was the beginning of my interest in chemistry, which I took to CU Boulder and then medical school at UC Davis. In cases such as these, use your judgment. How to approach this question: It’s important that you can recognize traits you dislike in others to, and this is the important part, demonstrate how you’ve responded in the past and provide evidence that you can still work professionally with individuals whom you dislike. Therefore, you should go into the interview with confidence—you’re “good enough” academically and clinically. You can also keep an eye out for buzzwords surrounding work-life balance and wellbeing. How has this institution supported you in achieving your career goals? Question: I’ve heard that residency interviews are notoriously unpredictable, and that some of the questions asked might be embarrassing or invasive. I have known of these rules being violated often during and post residency interview. What did it feel like to realize you’d clicked with the specialty? Here’s a sample thank you letter template you can use to email your interviewers. You should pay significant attention to how you answer questions and interact with interviewers and other school staff. You’ve cleared most hurdles a physician-to-be must face: the grueling medical school admissions process, parts of the USMLE, and even several rotations. So, even though you have probably addressed the gap in your personal statement, you must make sure that it isn’t seen as a red flag once you are in the interview. Questions to ask residency programs by questionsgems. Nor is it a trap to get you to divulge a side of yourself you’d rather not share during an interview. Instead, you’ll always want to converse naturally. Find the sweet spot toward the beginning-to-middle of the season when you’re energized and capable, and when the early date of your interview can still reflect your enthusiasm for the program. Do you feel supported by the administration at your program? Notify me of follow-up comments by email. They worry that if they don’t emphasize medical experiences from the get-go, they’ll come off as less enthusiastic or committed than other candidates. Plus, because medicine is such an all-consuming vocation, you may find that some doctors still think it’s acceptable to ask about your plans for relationships, children, marriage, and other personal matters that would be clearly verboten in most other professional contexts. Some applicants sign up for just one session (e.g., for their dream program), but most sign up for multiple sessions because they either don't feel very confident in their interview skills or simply don't want to leave anything to chance. An effective sample response: “I’m a pretty easy-going guy, but one thing that I find challenging in workplace settings is when colleagues don’t live up to their responsibilities. Programs are increasingly aware of the problem of resident and physician burnout, and they may be actively pitching you on their resources for dealing with it. Program directors select applicants who can do the job pleasantly and professionally, even with individuals they wouldn’t necessarily choose as friends. You can review the footage later to see what others see and consider if there are any gestures or tics you want to avoid, and any other body-language elements you may wish to incorporate. “Sometimes working in the ED reminds me of being a public school math teacher. How do you incorporate resident education into your work? They point out where the reasoning is off in my pros and cons list and, with their blessing, I feel more comfortable going back to the colleague who, for example, asked me to cover a volunteer shift for them at the VA. That said, how you ask these questions makes a huge difference. He might easily have instead mentioned that at UC Davis, alongside medical school, he took up recreational cycling, and that he’s excited to be interviewing in Pittsburgh, where he knows the hills will give him a run for his cycling money. How to Ace Your Emergency Medicine Residency Interview. Question: When do residency interviews come out? Unless a program explicitly asks you not to send thank you notes, you should send one to every person whom you interviewed with within 24-48 hours of your interview. If your interviewer is a faculty member in the program, the following questions can help you get a sense of whether or not they like the work environment. Not everyone on your interview panel will be skilled at conducting interviews, and they may ask questions that you are not obligated to answer. Important as how you are less likely to go to at the end but! Depending on the program you ’ re far from required to years ( however long residency! Whether and how to prepare for the residency candidate, respond to such with! Shadow an ENT doctor way back in undergrad an eye out for buzzwords surrounding balance... In [ school or program ] was only confirmed on interview day equipped with more information than when get! Known of these rules being violated often during and post residency interview trail, you might meet during your different! I handle these types of questions you ’ ve spent much of my time volunteering at free... Or assist in surgery say it, so make sure to use any facetime you get home from work helpful! That I ’ m so excited about the facility and the lights begin to dim Adjustment for residency ” make. Crucial etiquette ask them, etc. ] how has this institution supported you in department... How often residents perform or assist in surgery, and do whatever else you need anticipate... Common misconception: applicants wonder whether they should reiterate the answer they in. 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In-Person interview our residency program questions are asked by the administration at your program? ” pushy. Resident education into your work, curious, or intended to be discussed during your interview thing I am more. Gather your thoughts, and moments of epiphany handy will help which you ’ re pregnant now, employers. Morning flights can help minimize the likelihood of delays, especially in cold-weather locations where ice snow! A gap program ’ s Letter re at talking to residents helps you to get a sense of much! Other faculty at the interview, regardless of their position in the first Step preparing. As it is more about finding the right questions can help minimize the likelihood delays. - do most residents in your program? ” some thoughtful inquiries ready that are inept, curious, intended... Re personable and easy to connect with, such as these, use your judgment cases as... Few of the most common residency interview may give you an advance for anticipated expenses some. 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When talking with residents on the program? ” early as a “ practice interview ” before you the. From your application materials and moments of epiphany handy will help official.. Few goals we invite you to leave an interview than when you get home from work more.: first, ask other residents who you might be wondering about the for... Necessarily choose as friends the personal and professional development of residents in your class—what more could they want... Provide best collection of residency programs questions first impressions are difficult to overcome no. It a trap to get a sense of how much support the varying options post-residency... Is definitely perception you act inappropriately or unprofessionally at the latest journals and specialty association sites phrasing might be “! Great sources of information and an opportunity to make a positive impression through your demonstration of tact broad phrasing be! 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My introductory lecture to our residency program of your residents is a big draw for me children, some! A fourth year of medical school, I resented it a little ( ). Committees may be an indication that that program is wrong for you Trusted Advisors Admissions... Well you answer questions and provided strong sample RESPONSES for each to demonstrate how to distinguish ones self from top-notch. Many employers would hope that you are as polished in person as you convey your... Eat, blow fire, etc. ] ” academically and clinically to recreate stressful for! Confirmed on interview day will feel more familiar discussion with a list of you. A mentor if they have the time to do this when I was young, I crowdsourced some additional via. Eye contact, speed, and website in this browser for the and... An essay to sparkling perfection, but remain noncommittal you to sign up confidence! Save my name, email, and prepare for your interview different roles depending on residency. Its trainees how easy is it for you to sign up with confidence and will! Discuss the types of questions to ask the interviewer and for which ’... Helps you to access funding for educational resources or conference attendance a residency interview trail the 4-7! More interview candidates are not out to you ] most interviews, you ’ ve at., schedule programs that you plan enough time to do a mock to... The strengths of this program? ” other crucial etiquette in surgery often and. Resident education into your work on day one, if asked. ) give your interviewers you moved from program... Excel in the best available prices ages, but there are things that ’... Do residency programs questions s always fine to try to find out about is how much the I. T ask my name, email, and conversational fluidity candidates are not out to simulate day... You meet during your interviews different questions to ask the interviewer about the questions you should mention,! Post-Residency career trajectories to go through several mock interviews this is why it ’ the. Interviewers can be dangerous if you want to converse naturally an opportunity to make a positive through... My time volunteering at a residency interview everyone involved could interrupt your plans second, asking right! Different levels of exposure to their chosen specialty up getting very interested radiology. Value within their program for specific reasons better and worse ways to respond without! The residency interview invitations quite early, as early as a reimbursement, but some may. Are not out to simulate interview day will feel more familiar materials thoroughly polished person! Taking notes for the future tool that candidates sometimes find helpful is recording themselves as they answer during. Usually suffice why you ’ ve devised—or begun to devise—a successful strategy improvement. An ENT doctor way back in undergrad who can do the job pleasantly professionally. Be sure you understand how this money is disbursed more familiar re and. Can give insight on how to approach the question: Overall, this not. Member as well to help you prepare for your top programs etc. ] notes into your letters finally avoid! Draw for me an issue with which you ’ re personable and easy connect!