The residency interview is the scariest part of the application for some medical students.If you've prepared thoroughly, interviews are not designed to be frightening.You will arrive at your interview relaxed and ready if you prepare thoughtful questions, anticipate the answers you'll be expected to provide, and spend plenty of time practicing.Don't think of your residency interview as a trial by fire, instead view it as an exciting opportunity to show the faculty members why you're a great candidate for their program.
Step 1: Information about the programs you've applied to can be found here.
Your interviewer will ask you why you're interested in the program.You can thoughtfully answer this question if you think about your needs and preferences and investigate how the program might fulfill them.Consider your willingness to compete, where you want to be located, what kind of work-life balance you are looking for, and whether the program is a good match for your current or potential specialty field.The details of the program should be researched.What kinds of learning opportunities can you expect?How important are the scores in the in-service exam?How are residents evaluated?Look into the logistical aspects of the program, such as housing, transportation, salary, and additional benefits or support programs.
Step 2: Ask a list of questions.
You may have questions after researching your program.Write them down and ask them in your interview, as well as any other questions you can think of.Though you are interviewing to be chosen for a specific residency program, the choice is yours as much as it is theirs, you will both rank your top choices during the matching process.If the program is a good fit for you, you should interview.Asking questions that are more subjective and difficult to answer outside of an interview setting is something to remember.Do residents and faculty get along?What are the strengths and weaknesses of the program?Asking questions for the sake of asking them is not a good idea.In general, don't ask about vacation time, the difficulty of the program, or anything you could have found out on your own.You don't want your interviewers to question your intentions.
Step 3: You should learn about your possible interviewer.
The program director, the major faculty involved in the program, and the current residents are some of the things you should investigate.It's a high chance that you'll speak with some of those people.It's a good idea to note what their research interests are.What is their take on their specialty?What have they accomplished?You can use this information to ask informed questions during your upcoming interviews or even reference your interviewer's papers and projects.
Step 4: You should reflect upon your motivation to study medicine.
Interviewers will ask you a lot of questions, such as why you are interested in medicine in general.It can be hard to remember why you started medical school.Take some time to remember.It is an excellent way to reflect on why you entered the medical field.It is possible to clarify your sense of purpose if you discuss your interest in medicine with your friends.
Step 5: If there are any rough spots in your resume, be prepared to explain them.
Poor grades and lack of research experience are perceived to be weaknesses in your academic or professional history.If they do, rehearse possible explanations.Interviewers may want to know what mistakes you made in patient care and what you learned from them.They may want you to reflect on your weaknesses.Take some time to plan your answers.
Step 6: Check out the current state of health care reform.
"How do you think the health care system will evolve in the next 10-20 years?" is one of the questions you'll probably be asked.How will it affect your practice?Have a well-informed response prepared.You should be aware of the recent health policy developments, as well as the law passed by the Obama administration.The current state of these issues could affect your chances.
Step 7: Memorable learning experiences should be written down.
Take a moment to think about the most important moments in your career so far.It is possible that you will be asked to discuss pivotal moments, influential mentors, or any interesting and unusual cases you have encountered.You can organize these experiences in your mind so that they are easy to find on interview day.
Step 8: Take a moment to reflect on your career goals.
You may be asked where you see yourself in 5 years, or what you hope to accomplish in your medical career.Take some time to think about what you want to do, and be ready to talk about it.
Step 9: Write down the answers to the questions.
Brainstorm answers to common interview questions and then write them out using sentences or bullet points.If you are asked those questions in your interview, this can help you remember important talking points.Interviewers might ask you about your role models, your extracurricular activities, and why you're interested in their particular residency program, besides the topics noted above.
Step 10: You should film yourself answering questions.
Think of an anecdote that you might be asked to share.You can ask a question in front of a mirror or have a friend do it for you.Poor posture and verbal tics can be picked out when you watch the film again, and you can work to improve them as you continue practicing.
Step 11: Interview another person.
If you have a friend who is already a medical resident, you can ask them to give you a mock interview or give them a list of practice questions to ask you.This will help you understand the interview format.If you really want to make the experience realistic, practice with someone you don't know, and wear the outfit you plan to wear to your actual interview.
Step 12: You should prioritize and commit to your trip.
You want to convey to the interviewers that there is nowhere you would rather be than with them, interviewing for their residency program.Don't make big plans during interview season because there will be no conflicts.If you're sick, don't rescheduling your interview.The interviewers might question your desire to be a part of their program if you back out and ask to interview again.
Step 13: It is possible to book trips that are within your budget.
Traveling from program to program can be expensive.You don't want to get stuck without the means to make it to an interview.If the program doesn't offer a place to stay or a hotel room discount, you should stay with a friend in the city you're in.
Step 14: You should have a plan for the day of the interview.
Determine the location of the site, when you will have a chance to rest and eat, and what outfit you are wearing.You could be thrown off for the rest of the day if you show up late, hungry, or wearing wrinkled clothes.
Step 15: Relax and start the day rested.
You should get plenty of sleep the night before the interview.When you first arrive at the site, take a moment to yourself in your car or restroom and take deep breaths.Coffee can make you jittery and prone to frequent bathroom trips, so be sure not to drink too much.
Step 16: Do not tell the interviewers why you are an ideal candidate.
When you are asked about your strengths as a physician, or about what you have accomplished so far in your career, don't mention personal qualities without context.Give your answer in the form of a story that will give your interviewers a good idea of who you are.While you recount these stories, be sure to project humility.Faculty members don't want to work with someone with an ego.Mention a mentor who helped guide you there or the talented team you worked with if you mention an instance of success.
Step 17: When faced with difficult questions, stay calm.
Residency interviews can throw you off or even get you a rise out of you.If you encounter a question that makes you jittery or uncomfortable, answer it calmly and deliberately.Interviewers want to see that you are calm under stress.It is possible that you will be asked about a significant personal failure, bad things you have heard about the residency, or a time you made a serious mistake.Anticipate honest but careful answers to these questions, and deliver them in a measured, diplomatic manner.
Step 18: You should be friendly with everyone you meet at the interview site.
When you meet them, they will assess if they want to work with you.Don't forget to smile and keep eye contact.It's a good idea to operate as if every person you come in contact with has a say in your selection.Most of them will have a say.
Step 19: You should be genuine with your questions, answers, and interactions.
This interview is a chance to get to know you as a person, not just a name on a transcript and resume.Don't try to get your interviewers to listen to what you have to say.Being your authentic self throughout your day of interviews is likely to yield positive results if you prepare well.