Nobody wants to work with someone whose ego or self-consciousness makes day-to-day work a slog, especially not during residency, which is demanding enough without contending with fraught social dynamics. If you endear yourself to faculty and staff, you’ll survive minor missteps. It would be a pleasure to guide you! They also worry a lack of experience in their specialty of choice will reflect negatively on them, even in cases when it’s not their fault—for instance, if their medical school did not offer a rotation option in that specialty. You’ll be interacting with people every day as a physician, so you must be sociable. These are the best residency interview questions. Are you more interested in practicing medicine or pursuing academic or research opportunities during your career? Our patients were more willing to come to us because we were conveniently located and met their needs without being the full-size hospital down the road, which they found intimidating and inaccessible. 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. Conversely, schedule programs that you are less likely to go to at the end of the cycle. If you’re nervous that you might be seen as green to this particular specialty, think of the skills, traits, behaviors, and values that dominate in your specialty of choice and answer with analogous experiences. Focus more on personal things (had good personal relationships and experiences here, live in the community, location, research strengths, etc.). Did you only encounter dermatology during a fourth year rotation? Your step 1 score is much more important than you think.. In addition, list your strengths, values, accomplishments, and abilities. This need not be a complicated audiovisual ordeal with high production values; your phone camera will usually suffice. “In effect, we were an ambulatory clinic that anchored that community’s access to medical care. The trickier part for almost all applicants is identifying, and speaking about, a weakness. Doesn’t your CV speak for itself? Can you tell me about your research experience? We have included a list of relevant questions that you can ask the residency program. 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. An effective sample response: “One of my strengths is definitely perception. Do I tell the program about my professional experience? Finally, avoid putting them on the spot for breaking a rule. All Rights Reserved, 200+ Job Interview Questions List (PDF Practice Cheat Sheet Included), How To Write A Killer Resume Objective (Examples Included), Behavioral Interview Questions And Answers 101 (+ Example Answers), The Best Cover Letter Format For 2021 [3 Sample Templates], 8 Phone Interview Tips That Will Land You A Second Interview. A common misconception: Applicants wonder whether they should reiterate the answer they gave in their personal statement. When you interview for a nursing position, you will likely be asked about your temperament, education, skills and training. I ended up getting very interested in radiology, which can actually feel a lot like a darkroom at times…”. What area are you most hoping to develop during your residency? Six Residency Interview Tips. Second, think about key experiences and anecdotes. Your Trusted Advisors for Admissions Succes, PRACTICING RESPONSES TO COMMON RESIDENCY INTERVIEW QUESTIONS IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF INTERVIEW PREPARATION. It is more about finding the right match, for everyone involved. How to approach this question: To discuss a strength, share something you do well and provide a concrete example that demonstrates this quality in action. Express your gratitude for the opportunity and excitement to learn more about the program. 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. When you’re asked about your desire to become a physician, or why you want to join a particular program, your response should be consistent with your application. You can highlight these points during your interview. But make clear that you’re interested in their program for specific reasons. Answer: You can contact a program at which you’re interviewing and inquire as to any financial aid for interviewees. You won’t be rejected based on insufficient stats or extracurricular experiences. Question: Is it appropriate to ask about sick days, holidays, what time residents get out, whether moonlighting is an option, etc.? The first opportunity you have to take notes about your interview, jot down the person’s name and a few bullets about what you discussed during the interview. Here is a list of ways you can make your mock interview more stressful: Sleeping less than 7 hours the night before, Consuming more or less caffeine than you typically do, Interviewing with someone who has a harsh or cold demeanor. Once you confirm your interview date, book your travel and accommodations immediately to lock in the best available prices. You’re highly ranked in your class—what more could they possibly want to know? Specialty-specific advisors at your school may have insight about a program’s interview process or areas of importance, and faculty or attendings may have been residents or know current residents in the program with whom they can connect you. What do you find most frustrating about the current state of medicine and healthcare? We’ve selected a few common residency interview questions and provided strong sample responses for each to demonstrate how to apply this guidance. If interview panelists will be present at the dinner and you’re especially adept at conveying interesting details about your experiences in casual conversation, the dinner can even be an opportunity to “shape” the kind of interview you’ll have the next day, as it will allow you to display your warmth and interpersonal touch. Most, if not all, residency programs are moving to an online interviewing platform via Zoom, Google Meet or other video conferencing software. Regarding this residency interview question, many applicants ask us: “What do I say? It’s best to focus on excelling in your rotations and, when you can carve time out of your busy schedule, practice your interview skills. If so, what does this entail? 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. 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. I ask the residents who were sitting next to him in the conference room about the candidate and they say he didn’t speak a word. Interviewers are not out to undermine you, but they are interested in seeing how you might react under pressure. Here are 5 of the hardest residency interview questions, with some tips to answer them and one full expert response! Why did those appeal to you? These restrictions exist to prevent employers from unfairly eliminating you from consideration. Residency interviews can make or break your chances of getting into the residency program of your choice. Read more about Virtual Residency … These rules apply to both the applicant and the programs and they are known as the Match Communication Code of Conduct. residency interview questions. I realized that it wasn’t an either-or situation. Interview Questions to ask the Residency Program Remember that interviews are meant to be an exchange of ideas between yourself, and the residency program. Is it okay to do this when I have several interviews at other programs lined up for the rest of the cycle? This is as much of an opportunity for you to interview programs, as for programs to interview you. You can practice such “curveball” questions during your mock interview to get comfortable responding. This is why it’s important not to embellish your initial application and to review your application materials thoroughly. If you couldn’t pursue a career in medicine, what would you do instead? Medical Residency Interview Questions You Will be Asked You should be prepared to talk eloquently about anything and everything on your resume (curriculum vitae), including your extra-curricular activities, research project work, medical residency personal statement, work experiences, and ERAS application. The order of questions should be made by the most common questions asked first, and then the other possible questions so that you do not get surprised by a question during your interview that can make you feel anxious and ruin your performance. As I mentioned at the beginning of the article, this is not a typical interview. Tell me about a time you let a patient down. These are just a few of the many ways you can stress yourself out to simulate interview day jitters. 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. However, conducting a mock interview with someone with previous experience with residency interviews is the best way to know what questions they'll ask and how to respond to them. 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. Residency interview question #4: “What is a strength of yours? Sometimes I’ll even tell them directly: ‘Sorry, but my No Committee said I can’t help this time, but thanks for thinking of me.’ Setting boundaries in this way has worked wonders in my professional and personal life.”, Residency interview question #5: “What are the characteristics or traits in colleagues or coworkers you dislike the most?”. I don’t do that regularly anymore, but the practice left quite an impression.”. “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. As with everything, handle such a situation with tact and positivity, but remain noncommittal. I have known of these rules being violated often during and post residency interview. Answer: It’s always fine to try to find out these things at any job interview, including at a residency interview. This will show the program how you problem-solve, learn, and grow, all key elements of the self-awareness all programs hope their residents exhibit. These six tips are what you need to know before you start applying to residency.. An effective sample response: “I’ve never found that my accent has interfered with my ability to provide quality care to patients, and I don’t expect it to be a problem during my residency.”. Optional closing if this question does not occur during the interview: “Tell me more about the residency or about your position with the residency.” This leads the way for the interviewer to introduce him/her self and the residency. Scheduling interviews, especially during peak interview season, can be a logistical nightmare, and you may find available dates inconvenient for one reason or another. If you saw a fellow resident acting inappropriately, what would you do? Can you tell me about a patient mistake you’ve made? Bring your response back to the purpose of the interview: evaluating you for the residency position. Here’s a sample thank you letter template you can use to email your interviewers. 110 Questions UCSF Students Were Asked in a Residency Interview This list of residency interview questions is the result of one of Phi Lambda Sigma (PLS), Beta Beta Chapter’s professional development initiatives for fellow UCSF School of Pharmacy students. What did you learn from that experience? How would you rate the quality of your medical school education? A solution I’ve found that works is having what I call a “No Committee.”. 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 want to be remembered for your politeness and tact. Clearly, what you say is not as important as how you say it. In cases such as these, use your judgment. Sign in for full access to Careers in Medicine’s tools Sign In You have one. This is a tip that may seem counterintuitive but can reap positive results: if possible, schedule an interview for a program that’s lower on your list for your first interview. 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. If you want to secure your spot, call or email the coordinator as soon as possible to schedule your date. Remember: first, remain consistent with the answer you gave in your personal statement. Residency programs can learn much about you through your ERAS application materials, including your: Clinical performance (MSPE scores/Dean’s Letter/grades in required clerkships), Medical knowledge, including basic sciences and medical practice (USMLE scores), Perceived commitment to specialty and relevant experiences (Residency personal statement, CV), Evidence of professionalism in collaborative settings (ERAS letters of recommendation). Questions you should ask during your interview for a psychiatric residency program. Is there an example you could share that would showcase you in a positive light, perhaps bouncing back from adversity or demonstrating your commitment to your chosen career in a way that still demonstrated your even-keeled demeanor? You don’t need to have a laundry list. Some of these are things that you can do before even applying, while some others are things that you can do throughout your actual application cycle.. NOTE: Many of these questions have some form of a standard “acceptable” response that is expected by the interviewers.Detailed guidance on how to respond to the questions below is intentionally not provided here, so as to challenge residency seekers to be independent and genuine in their thought processes. It’s possible to edit an essay to sparkling perfection, but flaws are difficult to cover up during an in-person interview. The fact that UCR emphasizes ambulatory training alongside inpatient care is a big draw for me. 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. 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. What happened? If you would like any additional information from me, please feel free to reach me by phone at [number] or email at [address]. (This is true of all interviews- not just residency 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. What percentage of residents complete the program? This responder doesn’t need an anecdote to illustrate her strength—it’s a pretty clear and comprehensible strength, and, frankly, someone with emotional intelligence often just beams that quality out naturally. You may not be fully rested and feel anxious, so aim to recreate stressful conditions for your mock interviews. Medical residency interview tips, strategies and sample residency interview questions. 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. What aspect of your medical education did you enjoy most? Can you tell me a little bit about work-life balance here?”. I was exposed to all sorts of ailments and people of all ages, but the common factor was that everything was outpatient work. Which was your least favorite? “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. No matter the situation, do not lose your temper or come off as pushy. But there are things that can’t be gleaned from your application materials alone. Arrive for your interview in the city the day before and remember that travel delays might interfere with your schedule; plan accordingly. Are research projects required of residents? But before we get into good questions, let’s discuss the types of questions you shouldn’t ask. Yet, the question is still confusing. Reflect on your strengths. When you get feedback, practice answers using your newfound approach instead of simply taking notes for the future. What did it feel like to realize you’d clicked with the specialty? What should I do? They know you could say practically anything. Can you describe the overall relationship residents have with faculty members during the program. If so, how should I handle these types of questions? There are a few ways you can discern this information. If this true? Residency Interview Questions These articles give you a step-by-step breakdown of how to answer the most common residency interview questions, including sample answers and a … If you’re pregnant now, many employers would hope that you mention it, though you’re far from required to. I love working with children, but the technical part of me likes having equals with whom I can solve problems. 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. What about in this specialty? 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 Some applicants who over rehearse answers or repeat examples from essays can seem robotic. It’s easy to despair if those around you are receiving interview invites at a higher rate than you, for example, but remember that the interview period runs from September until mid-January at the latest. Therefore, we invite you to sign up with confidence. In the midst of COVID-19 related shutdowns and travel limitations in 2020, residency programs are still interviewing to make sure they have housestaff to man the next wave of potential hospitalizations. How to prepare for your residency interviews: dos, don’ts, and other crucial etiquette. But for the most part, you can expect residency interview invitations in October. 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. I grew up in Hemet, not too far from the Riverside University Health System Medical Center, and I saw firsthand how healthcare disparities in the inland desert grew as more people started moving in from LA and Orange Counties. US Residency interview questions November 26, 2020 Quiroga Law Office, PLLC Immigration The US residency interview is one of the last steps in the process of becoming a resident through marriage. Not everyone on your interview panel will be skilled at conducting interviews, and they may ask questions that you are not obligated to answer. Behavioral questions are those that begin with “Tell me about a time…” or “Give me an example of…”. The rules are as follows along […] While such questions aren’t necessary—and overdoing it can make you seem cloying—it’s wise to have some thoughtful inquiries ready. In medical school, I’ve spent much of my time volunteering at a free clinic for low-income patients in Boyle Heights. (Suggested reading: The Ideal ERAS Timeline). Make sure that you plan enough time to arrive at the location, gather your thoughts, and relax before the interview. The interview starts and I try to get him to respond to my questions, but it’s like “pulling teeth”. We have also created a separate list of interview Are there any other specialties you seriously considered aside from this one? 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. In 100% of cases during our 15+ years of supporting thousands of students, we have been able to schedule coaching sessions in time for upcoming interviews. Good folks to request practice interviews with include: Your medical school advisor, especially if their area of expertise is your specialty of interest, A friend who has successfully navigated the residency match process. I haven’t been able to explore pediatric radiology, but if my away rotation and my experience volunteering at the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital are any indication, I’d combine the best of both.”. Your main objectives for the interview: Determine how well the […] https://www.rookiedoctor.com/store/qrWif3w4 Residency interview questions can be found everywhere online. In what direction do your residency participants take their careers? Would you use a different approach if the person acting inappropriately was a physician, nurse, or another medical professional who isn’t a resident? Question: I want to ask programs where I’m interviewing if they might subsidize my travel to their interview, but I’m worried it might be frowned upon or adversely affect my chances at matching. 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?”. 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. Isn’t there enough information for them to gauge whether you’d be a great resident in your Dean’s Letter? “For instance, when I was working as a teacher before medical school, I saw very clearly how so much of what hasn’t been done is being neglected not out of malice but simply out of really threadbare financial conditions and overstressed calendars. A good, broad phrasing might be: “I’m so excited about the program for X, Y, Z reasons. Interview questions for nursing new grads will likely vary depending on the institution and specialization. What was your first exposure to this specialty? It’s not just a matter of etiquette and convention—it’s a matter of reading the situation and people around you. Why do you believe they came out where they did? If you have any question or suggestion then just comment below or contact us. As you continue toward a career in medicine, what is your biggest fear about working in the field? Therefore, you should go into the interview with confidence—you’re “good enough” academically and clinically.