bbb
IM Program Coordinator
Topics: 32
Posts: 4,730
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One of my favorite topics!! The scores are a guideline for the program directors to know that you can pass the exams, and ultimately become board certified in any of the specialties of medicine. Remember that the time that you are in the interview is the time that you have to make your sale - YOU.
"Eighty percent of success is showing up" Woody Allen
Here is a subject that hopefully will help a number of you present yourself in an extremely positive light.
The first four items are your homework - things to prepare on prior to the interview. You need to know your answers before you are sitting in the hot seat, in front of the program director that you want to work with.
The last four work with your behaviour during an interview. Again, you need to them answers and behaviours to seem like they were born
inside you and not learned.
Self: Who are you, what are your ideas about life? What do you want, where are you going. This is about you NOW.
History: This is your personal history. Think about how you came to be where you are in life up to now. What made you become who you are.
Originality: What makes you different from the other candidates that the program director will be interviewing - what can you pull from
your history that was importante and makes you unique?
Philosophy of Life: How do you describe what you feel about life? (Please don't bring up that you want to serve the poor and indigent because that isn't different from the other candidates...).
The above is your homework before the interview - you need to have the answers right there - no thinking, no "eers" and "ummmms" in the conversation please!!
Now - when in the interview, you will be asked questions, sit tall in your chair. Gentlemen, undo the button of your jacket. Ladies, cross your legs at the ankles and place your purse or bag on the floor. The chair is your world. Don't share it. Own it.
Tell: Answer the questions to the best of your ability!
Illustrate: Use gestures, speak eye to eye (don't try and look in both eyes as you will be looking between the two of them. One of my residents told me that he looks for about 10 seconds at the left eye, then 10-20 seconds at the right - and switches back and forth. Makes it look like you are really interested). If you use hand gestures, keep them consistent through the whole interview.
Manage: Match your enthusiasm level to the same level as the interviewer, but somehow show your interest. You don't want to be the low person on this one. (We still refer to one applicant as the "starer" because he didn't blink, show any enthusiasm and in our post interview meeting, the PD wanted to know if a code should have run on the applicant because of his lack of response).
Engage: Offer contact (eye contact and physical). Shake hands at the beginning of the interview and the end. Don't have a wimpy or weak handshake. Don't have a wet handshake (yes, a weak wet handshake might get the comment "fishy handshake") on your interview score sheet. Firm, but don't break bones. One shake is plenty.
Ladies, the same goes for you. Not a polite tea party handshake, please. I know that certain religions prohibit contact between males and females who are not married or related and I don't want to offend anyone, but a PD who puts his hand out to shake with you, and if you pull back (don't pull back, be matter of fact) and say that you can't because of religious reasons; the PD is going to wonder how you will be able to work in this country and not touch a male patient (because, although the PD wants the best people that he can hire, he still has to think about how you will relate to the patient population). Will you shake hands with a male patient who comes to see you professionally? (If this is your case, your best defense might be to explain that although you can't touch a man in the social area, but that won't reflect on your abilities as a doctor because the rules are different.)
Conclude the interview with a quick overview of why you want to work in this city and program. Make it strong. Remember, that while you are interviewing you are on sale - and you are the best salesperson that you could have.
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bbb - trying to combine common sense and humour into realistic answers, but not going to guess on anyone's chances of getting into a position....
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| Anno Domini
Moderator
Topics: 293
Posts: 727
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Thanks bbb
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| datasmart
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 2
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Is it possible to get PDs to conduct telephonic interviews? I currently live in Southern Africa
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| Anno Domini
Moderator
Topics: 293
Posts: 727
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Bbb will answer your q when he comes back from vacantion.Check this post from time to time.
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| bbb
IM Program Coordinator
Topics: 32
Posts: 4,730
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:cry: Most program directors will want a personal interview. They will want to assess the candidate in person.
Good luck
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bbb - trying to combine common sense and humour into realistic answers, but not going to guess on anyone's chances of getting into a position....
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| bbb
IM Program Coordinator
Topics: 32
Posts: 4,730
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I just received this in with the private messages, but thought that the question might be something that others are asking, so I'll share with the group.
I am an IMG in (blank), I scored 89/220 in step2 and awaiting step1 scores shortly. I have applied to IM residency programs mostly. I intend to take CSA in order to make the 2004 match. As a IM residency program coordinator, what advice would you like to give me in preparing for the CSA and handling interviews. I mean, how does one go about getting mentally prepared for an interview? Moreover, am I in time for residency programs to consider me for interviews?
Read the reply posted here: http://www.prep4usmle.com/forum/thread/1056
When you are at the point that you receive an interview, the PD knows that you know the medical part of it - now, he/she wants to know if you will fit with the program.
Applying now is on time - in 2-3 weeks it might be too late.
Also, since I have never taken the CSA (heck, I couldn't pass biology in school - with tutoring!!) :oops: , and know little about the content of it, that would be better answered by other members of the forums here. Check under the forum about the CSA
Good luck with your step one score and your interviews.
Edited by prep4usmle on 12/15/05 - 06:32 PM
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bbb - trying to combine common sense and humour into realistic answers, but not going to guess on anyone's chances of getting into a position....
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| datasmart
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 2
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thanks bbb for your help.
Could you kindly provide insight on the postmatch scramble process - including any helpful strategies ?
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| step
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What should I ask the PD or faculties during the interview?
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| bbb
IM Program Coordinator
Topics: 32
Posts: 4,730
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What should I ask the PD or faculties during the interview?
Do your homework about the program - check on the internet for hospital information and the program director information. Find out information from residents in the program - how do they like it?
Ask about policies that might interest you, etc.
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bbb - trying to combine common sense and humour into realistic answers, but not going to guess on anyone's chances of getting into a position....
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| athzaf73
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 12
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if asked to present a case in interview, do it in SOAP fashion
ie subjective(hx), objective(PE), assessment(DDx) & plan(Tx plans).
hope this helps.
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wish u guys all the best
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| hs142003@yahoo.com
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hi,alina,do you know how i can get in touch with irinush(rom,did not obtain a visa-----i empathise w her bcs i had same problem 3 years ago---i want to give her some tips how to get out of this horrible situation---like i did,eventually
my email is hs142003@yahoo.com
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| Naty
Forum Newbie
Topics: 8
Posts: 16
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:o WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you so much BBB
I wilol definitely put everything in practice!
Thanks!
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| bbb
IM Program Coordinator
Topics: 32
Posts: 4,730
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I just thought of a little bit of interview sense that I thought that I should pass on.
When you walk into a room full of candidates and you notice that someone is from your home country....ALL your conversations should be in English - maybe a hello, how are you in your home language. Everything else should be in English.
Please, don't ask me how I thought of this.....
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bbb - trying to combine common sense and humour into realistic answers, but not going to guess on anyone's chances of getting into a position....
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| radha2004
Forum Newbie
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keep the presentations short. aim to complete it in 7 minutes and be ready for discusasion about it. they will surely ask a couple of questions just to prove to you that they know what you are talking about. if you have not come across a interesting case, just make one up...
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| saleelraut
Forum Newbie
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I need some information on the interview at St Joseph's at paterson NJ. If you are done with your interview could you please give me some information.thanks.
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| monica76
Forum Senior
Topics: 13
Posts: 151
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u r an angel....really...for all of us
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| dev
Forum Guru
Topics: 70
Posts: 1,794
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hi bbb
how do we contact residents in aprogram??
bye
dev
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| katzung
Forum Guru
Topics: 72
Posts: 528
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DEAR FRIENDS,HERE ARE THE TIPS FOR YOUR INTERVIEW,SOME OF THE DOCUMENTS WERE BORROWED FROM OTHER FORUMS.
PLEASE SHARE YOUR VIEWS AND EXPERIENCE SO THAT OTHER PEOPLE CAN BENEFIT AS WELL.
GOOD LUCK WITH EVRYTHING
KATZUNG.
INTERVIEW PLAN
SELECT- whether you want to attend- how?...
a. friends
b. reputation
c. visa sponsored
d. available dates
e. program website
f. FREIDA info
g. Call program co-ordinator
SCHEDULE- based on geography,
Email Program Coordinator
- what dates are available
- what dates you would like to pick
- details of program other than that on website
- schedule for interview
- how long back and when we can leave
- who will interview me
- where in hospital interview will take place
- any other documents needed
- transport from airport to Hospital
- Accommodation close to Hospital
- Transport from Hotel to Hospital
- What documents need to be brought to interview
- Interaction with current residents
- apologize profusely for yet another long mail
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU RECEIVE THE INTERVIEW CALL?
1. Send a thanks letter to the program coordinator or director.
2. Before calling them to set the date for interview, try to find out with the current residents or other people in the program about the psychology of the director in terms of earlier interview candidates and later candidates. Some programs have a tendency to select from earlier candidates and some have the opposite.
3. Before going to the interview, you should always try to find out about your specific interview board personals and try to know their psychology. You should also know about their position in the program, their research interests and if the have any recent publications. Sometimes they feel good if you have the same research interest as them and they start talking about it.
4. You should try to arrive at that city or the hospitals 2-3 days before the interview and speak with the chief resident, other residents and interns. When you are asked in the interview about the program, then always quote that you have been here for 2-3 days, observing the atmosphere with residents and you really like the place. Try to make friends with the Chief resident because one of the chief resident is also in the interview board.
PREPARE- research program, research interviewers, mock interviews, rehearse answers to common questions
Preparing for the interview
Make specific travel arrangements (from transport to airport/ bus stand/ train station to arrival at Hospital), Pack completely and smartly Mock interviews/ residency preparation Videos Research your application- KNOW YOURSELF research your specialty- KNOW YOUR SPECIALTY Research the program- KNOW THE PROGRAM How to handle the interview- non-verbal cues and body language What questions are asked and how to answer them What questions to ask and whom to ask The pre-interview dinner and post-interview follow-up.
DAY AND DRESS OF INTERVIEW:
Formal suit (no shiny stuff, try to be conservative), dark charcoal grey, black or dark blue, conservative tie and formal shoes. Preferably short hair, no pony tails and preferably white shirt inside.
FOR LADIES: We would also recommend ladies to wear something like a (dark conservative color) mid-length skirt suit with a blouse or a shirt and a jacket on top. a full length pair of pants is also a good idea. a regular port folio (black, burgundy or dark brown) for keeping documents. preferably shoes rather than pencil heels. Try to look like one of those business executive ladies.
PLEASE TRY TO BE ON TIME OR BEFORE TIME.
DRESS FOR INTERVIEW:
will be wearing a very dark navy 3 button suit with faint stripes, a red patterened (but not busy or too shiny "power") tie, black leather belt, comfy black (shined) shoes, black socks, and a silver (not fancy) watch. I will be carrying a black leather portfolio- with info about the school and perhaps interviewer's research, my cv/papers and extra lors (if applicable), a nice (not drug rep) pen, a black wool overcoat in the winter, my wallet, breath strips, and a few tissues, my pda, and cell phone (turned off).
i will be traveling with: a carryon trifold suit carrier- suit, three shirts, one pair of dress pants, four ties, belt, comfy shoes, a backpack/laptop bag, and if traveling longer a checked duffel, travel steamer, lint brush, toiletries, shoe shine wipes, laptop with extra battery, camera, cell phone with charger, copies of my CV, copies of my application and MSPE, extra LOS, extra pictures, headphones, copy of whatever book i am reading, the latest ski mag and car and driver, my portable mouse, a few dvds, aspirin, pepto, and tums.
Fashion has always been one of my favorite subjects (too bad they don't teach it in med school!). If you're buying a suit, try to buy one that's double-vented. It's a little more up-to-date than the single vent (I call it the "butt-crack" vent) or even worse, the jacket with NO vents! The pants should be flat-front with no creases (the double-vented suites usually come with flat-front pants). These type of pants look especially good if you're on the slimmer side. If your belly is big enough where you can't see your belt or even worse your feet, STAY AWAY FROM FLAT-FRONT PANTS!
In terms of color of the suit, keep it dark. I would go with a really dark charcoal grey or dark navy blue suit (my favorite!) with subtle pinstrips. I wouldn't exlude pinstrips. I think they make a suit (and you) look really good. However, as the other poster stated, keep the strips sutle. (stay away from bold gangsta-strips). Most "nicer" designers don't make these types of suits. You can find these nicer suits in stores like Nordstorms, Saks, Bloomingdales, etc. A good idea is to try their outlet stores. You'll save sometimes over 50% off the original price.
I would definetly try to wear a french-cuff shirt but keep the cuff-links subtle. No big diamonds or other flashy ornaments. In terms of the color of the shirt, white will obviously work with both combos (charcoal grey/navy blue). If you're doing the navy blue suit with pinstrips, I would throw in a nice french-cuff pink shirt. Try to buy a shirt with a spread color. They look more sophisticated. Just make sure you use the full-windsor knot with a spread color. It's shows confidence. (If you don't know how to tie a full windsor knot, LEARN NOW! Use google and you'll get plenty of info). My absolute favorite shirt store is Thomas Pink. Their shirts are a little pricey ($140+) but if you've got the money/testicular fortitude, buy one. You won't be disappointed. Great pair of cuff-links ($25-35) can be found at Macy's.
Ok, now shoes. They don't have to be $500 Italian shoes but please make sure they're new/look like new. Theres nothing worse than a man with a nice suit on and ugly/dirty/old shoes. What's even worse is when a guy thinks he can get away with wearing his what I call "clunky shoes" (those black shoes with big soles/heals that some guys wear with jeans) with his suit. That should be against the law! Try to buy a nice pair of simple, european-style shoes. Remember, simplicity is the rule with men's dress shoes. Oh yeah, stay away from wing-tips. Your dad should be wearing them. Not you. A good store for men's dress shoes is Aldo, Steve Madden (one of my favorites), and the big department stores.
I think that sums it up. Hope that helps. G'luck.
Doc Saib gives some great advice. I would add that since Pink is so expensive- try the higher line shirts at Brooks Brothers- they have so many outlets and even a different line of clothes they see at the outlets- so you should be able to find a deal. Also, choose the collar that suits you best- if you have a skinny/oblong head- choose a wider collar, and if you are more round faced- choose a pointed collar- you can tell by putting two shirts next to one another and seeing which one has a collar that is a little narrower and points more downwards than the other. I prefer a french collar to a buttoned color- but that is a matter of taste. Also, I would stay away from the pink colored shirts for interviews- stick with white or light blue. I have 4 pink shirts, but think that it is a little too bold of a color for an interview day. Definitely polish your shoes, wear a nice but not flashy watch and a belt with a subtle buckle- don't show off the belt your oil rancher grandpa got you. Barney's has some great suits at reasonable prices at the end of the season- if you are in NYC you can go to their warehouse sale in the summer- or check out one of their outlets. Alternatively you could go there, have their salesman tell you what you should get, then go get it somewhere else.
Good advice Doctorsaib, but a few points that I might contend...no right or wrong answers, just opinions
1) Pink or purple shirts, I dig them, but wouldn't wear them on an interview...I'd stick to the more conservative colors
2) Cuff links, great for formal affairs, but I'd go with the traditional cuff or barrell cuff for interviews. My rule is to never wear anything more flashy than anyone interviewing you. Stay away from big shiny watches, jewelry, french cuffs, tie clips, etc.
3) Big fan of Thomas Pink, some other great shirt makers are Charles Tyrwhitt and Turnbull & Asser. I'd definitely get one or two of these shirts for interviews...the brits know what they're doing.
4) Suit color, Brown, I'd stay away from, navy is ok, but I'd go with a black or dark charcoal suit, maybe with subtle pinstripes. From what I've seen so far, suit color often correllates with the conservativeness of the specialty you're interviewing for. Every single one of the ortho guys and girl who interviewed last year here wore black. I think you can figure out the other conservative specialties on your own. Hehe, if you're interviewing for FP, you may get away with wearing a jacket and jeans. Maybe you can pull off cufflinks, diamond crusted watch, sunglasses, and shiny tie if you're interviewing for plastics in LA. Use your personal discretion.
5) When in doubt, go more conservative. What you wear won't get you into a program. However, what you wear can keep you from getting in a program. Your interviewers have varying taste, so even if you wear something that impresses one of your interviewers, you risk turning off another one.
6) Get a manicure if you have nasty chewed up nails
Preparing For Interviews
Purpose
To assess how compatible you are with the program, how comfortable you feel, and how well the program meets your stated goals. To convey your sense of compatibility with the program to your interviewers
Preparation
By the time you start interviewing, you will have gotten the taste of several medical specialties, experienced their ups and downs, spoken to people who are active in those fields, and finally selected the one in which you will likely spend your professional life. With this commitment made, it is time to get practical. In order to present yourself, your accomplishments, and your abilities to a selected group of programs, in one of which you will pursue your graduate medical education, you will obtain and fill out applications. You will prepare/update and print your curriculum vitae and your Personal Statement. And you will select your potential interview wardrobe. You will also need to begin to do your homework.
You must do your homework to be an excellent interviewee. This begins as you begin sending for brochures and applications. Take advantage of these early sources of information. They provide an inexpensive way to start comparing programs. Use - ref="http://www.ama-assn.org" http://www.ama-assn.orgKnowing what is available and what you like and dislike is the key to choosing programs to apply to which will have the potential to provide you with a satisfying residency experience. As you receive each program's information, read it carefully, take notes and highlight features important to you. Use a checklist (Appendix A) to create a uniform set of criteria for all of the programs that you will be considering. Additional information may be obtained by calling the House Staff Office or residency program coordinator. Evaluate the checklists after reviewing the information and assign a grade or preliminary rank to each program. This exercise will help you to remember the details of each program and help you to formulate a complete picture of what is available. The average student considers (but may not necessarily interview at) twenty five to thirty programs. This adds up to a large amount of information to keep organized. So take detailed notes. Periodically review your growing list of programs to compare the pros and cons of each, and revise your list as needed. The scale you are using to evaluate your programs will change as you gain more knowledge, so go over and revise old checklists. As you do this, you may find you wish to eliminate some programs.
Timing of Interviews
There is a great deal of mythology and conflicting information regarding interview timing. Early in the interview cycle, interviewers evaluate applicants in comparison with projected qualifications based on previous experience. This may have a variable and unpredictable effect on how early applicants are "judged." Another example of student folklore is that applicants should interview as early as possible, since interviewers may become bored with recruiting and conducting interviews as the winter month's progress. This may or may not have validity. For some programs you will have little choice of time - you will be given a date, and will be expected to adjust your schedule to meet it. One word of advice is applicable to all: if at all possible, get a few "experience interviews" under your belt before you present yourself to those programs you most desire. As a general rule, the earlier a program receives your application, the more flexibility you will have in scheduling interviews. A late application may arrive after there are no more interview "slots."
Interviewing and Senior Rotations
Course directors do not view the senior year as a year of job hunting. They expect you to be present and working on senior rotations. Most will work with you to have a couple of days off during a block, but please do not approach this privilege as an entitlement. And, under no circumstances, be so unwise or inconsiderate as to simply not appear at your rotation because you have an interview.
Travel for Interviewing
Some skill is required to get through the trials and tribulations of interviewing successfully. The AAMC offers special travel fares to students interviewing for residency positions. Shop around with a travel agent; you may be able to get fares at even less cost than the AAMC discount. Cluster interviews geographically to reduce the travel expense. Allow a whole day for each program. Allow yourself plenty time between interviews to record detailed notes, to reflect on each day's events and to digest the information that you have received. Combining interviews with vacation is a pleasurable and practical way to arrange appointments away from home. Take care that your need for a vacation does not interfere with being on-stage for your interviews. If you are interviewing on vacation, you may wish to limit your interviews to the first few days and defer relaxation until the end. Invest in good carry-on luggage, so that lost luggage will not land you in the nightmare of facing an interview in whatever you traveled in. You must be on time for your interviews.
Attire
Carry a brief case, pens (working and not chewed up), a pad of paper, extra C.V.s, and your checklist. Be Professional. For both men and women, interview clothing should be a tailored, professional looking suit and shirt or blouse, or classic (not faddish) blazer with pants or skirt. Avoid overwhelming colognes and perfumes. You must be neatly groomed. Do not chew gum. Guidelines for men: stick with solid, dark-colored socks and tie, a dark leather belt and shoes. Limit jewelry; strongly consider avoiding wearing earrings. Guidelines for women: minimum conservative jewelry and conservative cosmetics. Avoid very high heels and outlandish nails. Avoid having your skirt length one which draws attention.
The Appointment
A few weeks before your scheduled interview, call the residency secretary/coordinator to confirm your interview. Ask for any updated information, such as a new edition of their brochure. Inquire about the schedule of events on the interview day and the names and titles of the people with whom you will be interviewing. Be sure to obtain and write down the correct pronunciation of their names. Ask whether or not you will have free time during the day to walk around and to talk with residents. If not, block some time to do this. Be sure to account for travel time. Also, be sure to get exact directions to the institution and to the department. You do not want to get lost in a maze of hospital hallways on the way to your interview. Go over your checklist the day before your interview. Make a list of questions to ask each individual.
Psyching up - The Interview (Be on time)
Mental preparation is the key to a successful interview. Your attitude should be confident and forthright, but not cocky or arrogant. In the back of your mind, you should believe that you are the best qualified person for this position, but recognize that you must present yourself before the appropriate decision-makers who will then be able to see that you are indeed the person for the job.
There are a number of clues to your manner and interpersonal skills of which you may be completely unconscious, but for which interviewers look. Maintain eye contact. Interviewers will be concerned about anyone who cannot or will not do so. Your voice is an indication of solidity and confidence; hold a strong and unwavering tone. Don't make your answers too long (easy to do when responding to the question "how did you come to choose X as your specialty?), but don't answer in only one or two words. Body language can communicate confidence, arrogance, disinterest, nervousness, or whatever else you are feeling. Be conscious of the signals you are sending. Once the interview has begun, resist any temptation to look at your watch. The interviewer may perceive this as an indication that you are bored or disinterested.
A certain amount of anxiety is normal. Your attitude should reflect recognition of the importance of this day, but not project stark terror. Although most programs will do the traditional one-on-one interview, some will conduct other types. An increasing number of programs are using panels to interview applicants. You may find yourself seated alone with three or more individuals firing questions (panel interview). You may find yourself one of three or four applicants meeting together with one or more interviewers (group interview). In each case, the format will provide the interviewers with information about how you carry yourself and how you communicate as a part of a group. The "never-says-anything" applicant and the "dominates-the-group" applicant will not fare well in a group interview. The interview should end on a strong note. Don't run out of the room. Initial interviews will generally last around thirty minutes. Be sure to thank your interviewer and give a firm handshake and a smile (with eye contact).
The purpose of the interview is to provide the opportunity for the interviewer and interviewee to meet and gain knowledge and understanding that cannot be gleaned from academic credentials or program brochures. As a result of the competitiveness of some specialties, however, some programs use the exchange between interviewer and applicant to address more definitive factors. An applicant might be asked a double-edged question, which will be followed by one sort of question if answered "yes," or a different question if answered "no." These interviews may feel somewhat intimidating. Some programs in "competitive" specialties will ask questions about patient management problems and/or ethical dilemmas. If you have engaged in research, do your homework about your project. Expect to be asked about your hypothesis, choice and rational for methodology, data analysis, etc. Some interviewers might even ask somewhat outlandish questions just to observe your reaction. Although the latter is uncommon, you should be aware that you might be faced with a situation that requires considerable diplomacy and certainly more than just a straight answer. Some interviewers will ask those questions which you know they should not be asking at all - such as those about an applicant's plans for family, etc. A word of caution - the interviewee is in a tough spot in regard to the amount of information they wish to reveal about sensitive issues. This extends even to the point of interview illegality with such topics as pregnancy, family planning, sexual preference, race and religion. Flatly refusing to answer an "unacceptable" question or answering forthrightly may both lead to problems. However you choose to answer, avoid showing hostility or anger about the dilemma.
There is an abundance of questions that you might be asked in an interview. Although you cannot prepare answers to all possible questions; you should prepare answers to a number of standard questions. Rehearse mentally or with a friend or faculty member. Prepare and think through a broader list of questions, and have a sound understanding of other topics which you might be asked to discuss. The key to answering questions well is preparation. Go over all of the information provided by the program (brochures, etc.) so that when you are asked a question pertaining to that specific program, it will not be the first time that this knowledge has crossed your mind. Read through your checklist, refreshing your knowledge of the program and helping you determine what information you will need to seek out on the day of your visit. Organize your thoughts. The more clearly you present your ideas, the more easily the interviewer can comprehend and recall the content and quality of your answers.
You should have a thorough knowledge of your own academic history and be prepared to answer any questions. If you have any inconsistency in your record, your interviewer will probably ask you about it. This is an opportunity to allow the interviewer to see how normal you are and that you are capable of coping with problems. Avoid being defensive. Take responsibility for your own performance.
Some questions to think about are listed below.
What will you do if you don't match?Why have you chosen this specialty? (Take care not to go on with this one until the interviewer begins to lose touch with what you are saying.)Why have you chosen this program to look at?Was there a particular event or person which influenced you to pursue this specialty?What are your strong points?What do you consider are your weaknesses?What are your overall career goals? How would you describe yourself?Describe a particularly satisfying or meaningful experience during your medical training. Why was it meaningful?Describe your personal interests, outside activities.What is the last book you read for enjoyment?What do you do for fun?
Be able to talk about:
What about you makes you a good match for this program/specialty.Any discrepancy in your record, i.e. a class that you failed, time that you took off, a rotation in which you did poorly. (Take responsibility for your own performance.)Current medical events in the specialty.The changing health care environment and this particular medical discipline.Current politics. (Be careful!)
When answering questions, be concise and enthusiastic. Watch the interviewer's body language for feedback. Listen carefully to the whole question that is asked. Often, in an interview situation, we are so anxious to please that we presume the direction of a question and answer without listening to the end. If you completely miss the question, do not take a shot in the dark, ask the interviewer to repeat it.
Avoid dominating the interview. You may ask your questions, but avoid seeming to interview the interviewer. You may encounter an interviewer who seems to expect you to lead the interview. If this happens, start off by giving information about why you feel that this specialty and, in particular, this program is appeals you, and in turn, why you are well qualified for it. Ask questions about specifics of the program. Try to read the interviewer's reactions in order to give you some direction.
Questions to ask
Here is where good homework pays off. After researching the program by reading the information packet, comparing it with the other programs available, and finding out about what is going on in the institution, you now have the opportunity to meet with a representative, usually someone integral to the program, the ultimate source of information.
Questions for the Program Director -
Your focus here should be upon educational questions. Let the interviewer lead, but get the information you need.
Are there any changes or new developments for the program anticipated in the near future?If appropriate for the specialty, what subspecialty/fellowship training programs are available?What are the other residency programs at the institution? How does your specialty fit into this?How many full-time teaching staff? How much of the day are they in the hospital? How stable is the group of teaching faculty over time?What medical schools are the residents from? Where do they go after completing the program? What are the statistics on passing their specialty boards? Do they subspecialize?Who are the attendings? Where did they train? (Do your homework. This may be in the informational material you have.)What percentage of residents do not make it to the end of the program? Is the program pyramidal?Will you have any research responsibilities or opportunities should you wish them?What is the extent of your responsibility for teaching medical students? Do residents receive preparation for these responsibilities?How do you feel your program compares to other programs? Are some rotations done at other hospitals? How and how often is feedback provided to residents? How would you describe the patient demographics? What community service programs does your residency participate in?
Questions for Housestaff -
Here you can be somewhat more relaxed and direct. Ask for somewhat specific information and "read" the responses. Don't criticize the program or dwell on lifestyle issues. The housestaff could view you as a potential detriment to the team. The bottom line - are they happy with the program and why? If not, how would they like to see it change so that they would find it better met their hopes / needs.
What was the most important factor that made you decide to come to this program? What are your plans after graduation? What's a typical week, month, year like for a first year, second, and third year? What is call like? What kind of backup is provided? How do you deal with the stress of residency? If there are other residency programs in-house, how do you view their presence? What do you/other residents do outside the hospital for community service and for fun? Where do you feel most of your learning is coming from? What are the program's areas of strength? What are the program's areas where improvements could be made?
Questions for Housestaff Coordinator -
Use your checklist to figure out what information you are lacking. This individual is often a non-physician staff member who has a close working relationship with the program director.
The Follow-up / Thank You Letters
One to two weeks after your interview, send a thank you letter to the program director. You may wish to reiterate your interest in the program. If your interview was early in the season, it is advisable to recontact the program either by phone or by another letter to express your continued interest later in the interview season. EVERY program you visit deserves a follow-up letter, whether you are interested or not.
Review your notes. You will most likely remember the aspects of the program that dazzled you and the points that you thoroughly disliked; but it is a good idea to go over all of the information that you noted to keep an accurate and ongoing perspective. Remember that you will have to rank all of the programs in which you are interested, and the nuances and small details will shade your final decision.
Second Looks
If you feel that you still need to know more about the program or about the institution, schedule a follow-up visit with the housestaff. Ask to tour with them, round with them, and even take call with them. If you are seriously interested in a particular program, this can be your opportunity to see it run from the inside. Some programs will invite you back for a second look. Take advantage of the invitations if you feel it would benefit you. In some cases, programs will interpret your interest in a "second look" as an indication of your enthusiasm for the program. If offered a call-back always RSVP even if you cannot attend. In other cases, a program may discourage "second looks" and interpret it as an insult if you request one. Try to get some insight into this issue when you talk to the residents in the program. Further communication is optional.
Appendix A: (Please modify / adapt a form like this to your unique needs)
Residency Program Evaluation Check List
Program Address_________________________________________________________
Program Director_________________________________________________________
House staff Coordinator____________________________________________________
Secretary Phone & Email___________________________________________________
1 = best 5 = worst
Community and Personal Factor to Consider
1
2
3
4
5
Type of institution (academic, private, academic affiliation, etc.)
Type of community in which located (urban, rural, suburban, etc.)
Cost of living/ housing in the community
Safety, crime rate in the community
Religious/ cultural needs and opportunities
Proximity to family
Availability of work for partner/ spouse
Quality of Schools, public and private
Availability and quality of day care
Insurance costs for cars, housing
Job details and benefits:
Salary
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Life and Disability Insurance
On-call facilities
Vacation
Family/ maternity/ paternity leave
Parking
Student loan forgiveness
1 = best 5 = worst
Service/ Educational factors
1
2
3
4
5
Economic status of the hospital/ academic medical center
Number of residents on the various services
Supervision of resident inpatient work
Frequency of on-calls
Number of patients managed per resident
Means for patient coverage
Number of patients covered when on-call
Amount of ambulatory training
Supervision of ambulatory care
Means for inpatient coverage for residents in ambulatory setting
Number of medical students on the various services
Resident responsibilities for medical students
Length and location of the various rotations
Amount and timing of electives
Affiliations with medical school(s)
Affiliations with other hospitals
Number of inpatient beds
Percentage of filled beds
Average length of stay of inpatients
Annual admissions
Annual outpatient visits
Number of procedures, as relevant to specialty
Number of residents, as relevant to work load
Patient mix and ethnic/cultural balance
Physician support services (IV team, etc.)
Laboratory services
Radiology services
Social services
Nursing services
Mock interviews
Timing
Ratings inflation later in interview cycle
Last interviewed remembered best
Cluster interviews
Avoid scheduling interview every day
Special fares
Cheap housing (OSR, AMWA, program)
Always use best telephone skills
Update information before interview
Solid or pin stripe navy or gray
Well fitting
White or pale blue solid shirt
Tie - ?red/navy. NOT BOW TIE
No earrings/nose rings
No flashy accessories
Skirted suit/tailored dress
Wool, linen, synthetic
Light gray, medium blue, dark maroon
Simple blouse, avoid low neckline
Moderate heels, closed toe but COMFORTABLE
Simple jewelry
Briefcase vs purse. Leather note pad
Pack minimally - all clothes should match each other
Try to fit all clothes in carryon without squeezing
Carry ALL interview schedules, tickets, money, credit cards, ID, jewelry, hotel/auto confirmations and medications with you
Arrive before the time - EARLY connotes eagerness
Reconfirm your interview prior to travel
Know the interview schedule (fax)
Leave some time after interviews for flexibility
Smile (check body language with friends)
Review own medical school file (for positives and negatives)
Have detailed knowledge re: specialty
Average day for practitioners
Procedures
Reimbursement
Subspecialty
Board exam
Outlook for future
Have detailed knowledge about the program
Written and oral information
Medline search on faculty
See/check out all affiliated hospitals used for training
Talk to current residents
Talk to senior medical students on rotation
Talk to current residents from your school
Hiring decisions are made in the first 30 seconds of the interview - the balance of the time is used to justify the decision
Behavioral interview
Communication skills, physical presence, motivation, truthfulness, how well applicant would fit the job
Appear eager
Base eagerness on strong points (written material)
Know how to pronounce interviewers names
Enter room confidently - head up, shoulders squared, poised. Pause...
Greet with firm handshake-dry hands
Sincere enthusiasm
Sit straight, leaning slightly forward
Don't fiddle!!!
Look interviewer in the eyes
Acknowledge by nods, short phrases
Practice ending - look forward, glad to meet, etc
Directions/phone numbers of program and interview site
Information from program
List of questions
Pad of paper/pen
Additional credentials r paperwork
Something to read
1. Attitude 1. Interview
2 Stability 2. Letters
3. Interpersonal skills 3. Attitude
4. Academics 4. Academics
Where are graduates?
geography
academics, practice, research, admin
How have graduates done on specialty board exam?
"Did anyone have to take the boards more than once?"
Turnover of faculty
Ask if all will still be there in July
Availability of teaching faculty
nights/weekends
Didactics? Priority over clinical?
teaching schedule
Type of clinical experiences
Procedures
Time to read
Support staff (IVs, transport)
Call schedule/who makes it?
Patient population/# patient encounters per rotation
Distribution of disease processes
Type and frequency of resident evaluations
Anticipate changes in near future?
Accreditation status
Pyramidal?
Have housestaff left the program?
Do residents socialize as a group?
Do you help your graduates find jobs?
individual sessions
faculty contacts/review of job offers?
Salary
Benefits (don't ask faculty)
Vacation
Competition
Inadequate preparation
Applicant does not listen to questions
Applicant answers questions that were not asked
Rambling on and on
Applicant gives warning signals that he/she might have unstable personality
Inconsistent answers
Inconsistencies between interview and past performance
Abrasiveness/anything making interviewer uncomfortable
Evasiveness
Pattern of unhappiness in former jobs
Blaming others for own problems
Dullness in response to questions
Pattern of taking advantage of or deceiving others
Edited by katzung on 11/15/05 - 04:26 AM
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KEY PERSONALITY TRAITS INTERVIEWERS SEEK <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
PERSONAL
Drive
Motivation
Communication SKILLS
Chemistry
Energy
Determination
Confidence
KEY PERSONALITY TRAITS INTERVIEWERS SEEK
Professional
Reliability
Honesty/integrity
Pride
Dedication
Analytical skills
Listening skills
TALKING ABOUT YOURSELF
List job skills and characteristics you would want if you were program director
List your strengths which match those characteristics
List 3 accomplishments of which you are proud and what each indicates about you
List 3 abilities you have
THE QUESTIONS
Do you have any questions?
Tell me about yourself.
What do you do in your spare time?
If you could be any cell in body...
If your house was burning, what 3 objects would you take?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
THE QUESTIONS
Why should we take you in preference to the other candidates?
What would be the toughest (most enjoyable, least enjoyable) aspect of this specialty?
With what people do you have trouble working?
With what patients do you have trouble dealing?
THE QUESTIONS
Who are your heroes?
What is your energy level like?
What were the major deficiencies in your medical school training?
How do you explain....(blemish on record)
Have you always done the best work of which you are capable?
THE QUESTIONS
How well do you function under pressure?
What are your plans for a family?
Tell me about the patient from whom you learned most
What error have you made in patient care?
With what subject or rotation did you have the most difficulty?
THE QUESTIONS
Why do you want to go into this specialty?
I didn’t think you’d be right for this program/specialty
Why did you apply to this program?
Teach me something in five minutes?
If a patient just stabbed your best friend...?
THE QUESTIONS
Where do you see yourself in five/ten years?
How do you see the delivery of health care evolving in the 21st century?
What problems do you think the specialty faces over the next five, ten years?
What do you think of what is happening in the economy/congress, etc?
THE QUESTIONS
Where else have you interviewed?
What if you don’t match?
Can you think of anything else you’d like to add?
If we offered you a position today, would you accept?
INTERVIEW
Advice from the Dean of Student Affairs
Success in the interview is critical. Once you have been invited to the interview (assuming that the program does some screening), you are justified in assuming that you are a competitive applicant "on paper." The outcome of the interview will strongly influence the ranking order of the selection committee. I am not simply expressing a personal opinion here because there have been surveys of program directors and several specialties through years past regarding factors influencing the selection process, and all considered the interview to be extremely important.
Dr. Kenneth B. Iserson has published through Camden House a book entitled "Getting Into A Residency--A Guide for Medical Students" which some people find useful. Chapters 9-13 deal with the interview and have some good pointers, although I personally do not agree with everything he says. By and large the advice is good. You can order his book through the bookstore. I do recommend it.
My own personal opinions are as follows:
When to Interview? Iserson says categorically, it is better to interview late in the season because you are better remembered when the committee meets and because early in the season, the interviewers do not have a good feel for the applicant pool and tend to grade down because they are awaiting for the "ideal applicants" to come along. As time progresses, they become more realistic and are more lenient in their ranking. Others argue that it is better to interview early because interviewers tend to "choose as they go along," and a lot of them may have fairly well made up their minds by the time the interview season begins to close. My own opinion is "you pay your money and you take your choice." Until I see a study demonstrating that there is actually a difference in the outcome of the committee's selection and ranking choice correlating to the timing of the interview, I will remain respectively agnostic on the matter. I don't think it makes much difference.
Timing the Interviews: Pace yourself. Don't try to crowd too many interviews into too short a period of time. You will get tired; you will get harried; and you will lose some of your cutting edge and not be quite as sharp as you would be in the case if you were well rested. Always get into town the day before the interview and try to stay near the hospital. Get a good night's sleep and be well rested. Don't drink alcohol the day before; don't take tranquilizers for the interview. Given the problems with substance abuse in this day and age, you want to be a paragon of sobriety and propriety. Report to the designated room or place thirty minutes beforehand. Never cut it close; never appear hurried or in a rush.
What to Wear: Everyone agrees on this point. Dress conservatively. For the men, the suit should be dark grey or dark blue. The shirt should be long-sleeved, white or pale blue, and you must wear a long tie and not a bow tie. Jewelry should be kept to a
minimum, earrings are forbidden and in surgical fields, it is best if you are clean shaven. Don't use cologne or aftershave lotions with a strong scent.
The women should dress with equal conservatism, and this is especially true if you are applying for surgical fields. However, it is good advice in general. Dark grey, dark blue suits are optimal, but a shirt worn with a jacket or a tailored dress are possibilities, if you simply don't want, for personal reasons, to wear a tailored suit, the less jewelry the better.
Presentation: Smile, introduce yourself (even though they know who you are), and offer your hand. Speak Modern English and not Saxon. The word gea in Old Saxon means "yes" and is pronounced "yeah." We do not speak Old Saxon, and in Modern English we say "yes, sir" and "yes, ma'am" (courtesy or William of Normandy). From the lowest secretary to the chief of the service, it is "yes, sir," "no, sir," "yes, ma'am," and "no, ma'am." If you don't understand a question, say "Sir?" or "Ma'am?" I don't mean that you have to speak with military precision, but with grace and good manners.
Conduct of the Interview: This is highly unpredictable. The people who interview you are generally not trained at interview techniques. They will usually ask you how you got interested in the specialty; so it is imperative that you be very familiar with the field and be able to discuss your decision to enter this field and do so with animation and enthusiasm. Very often you will be asked, "Why did you apply to this program?" Be ready with your answer. You will have read all the material that they sent to you, presumably discussed the list of places to which you are applying with faculty members, deans and house officers, and perhaps, in the case of surgery, read descriptions of the programs in "The Red Book." You must spell it out to them in a convincing way: They are well regarded and come highly recommended at Tulane (name the people who recommended them). They have teaching faculty with excellent national reputations (name them), and their teaching hospitals (name them) also enjoy national reputations. Be knowledgeable, and beyond being knowledgeable about the program, let the interviewer know that this is the sort of program that you believe will best fit your training needs for whatever reason. You must be prepared to discuss the goals and objectives that you are planning out for yourself and how these correlate with what the program has to offer.
Sometimes the interviewer will ask you questions testing your medical knowledge or present a case to you and question you about it. There is really no way you can prepare for that. However, it comes to pass every year that some of the students out on interviews are asked by the interviewer to present a case that the student found to be a very challenging or an interesting diagnostic or management problem. This is the "favorite patient" question, and it behooves you to have the answer readily available. They will, of course, ask you if you have any questions about the program. Standard questions are about fellowships and their record of placing their graduates in fellowships (if you are interested in a fellowship), research opportunities (if you are interested in research), teaching opportunities (if you are interested), and whatever else comes to mind through the course of your experience with the program that particular day. If you have
discovered that some sections are without a chief, e.g., Gastroenterology or Cardiology, you can ask about the search and when they think the position will be filled. If you have spoken with some residents and they are very pleased with their training, you may ask the interviewer, "I talked with three of your residents, and they were very pleased with their training. I was wondering if you think that reflects the outlook of your residents as a whole.”
Your chances of getting accurate information about the residency will probably better come from the residents themselves. Of course, they will select the residents for you to meet with, which stacks the deck a bit. Still, if the residents are high on the program you can usually believe them, and if they are critical, you can believe that, too. Don't pay too much attention to the complaints of interns. Interns always complain. Interns are supposed to complain.
Things not to do: It's best not to ask about salary, insurance, benefits, vacation, etc. All of that should be in the information that they give to you, anyway. You will want to convey the impression that you absolutely thrive on hard work and revel in long and grueling hours, which is pretty hard to do when you are asking about vacation and time off. If they make some negative remark about Tulane, the South, your Dean's Letters, your grades, etc., simply respond courteously as best you can, but do not lose your temper or give them a sharp, defensive, or angry response. That's what they're looking for. They're checking to see if you have a short fuse or if you get flustered and can't land on your feet.
Let me also warn you that after psyching yourself up for the interview, you may get an interviewer who simply wants to talk about the restaurants in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />New Orleans or his student days at Tulane. You just do your best under those circumstances.
Follow-up: It is imperative that as expeditiously as possible (don't let it get stale), you write a letter or note to everyone who interviewed you thanking them for all the courtesies that they extended to you and for their graciousness in taking time out of their very busy schedules for the interview. Tell them in a very positive way what you liked about the program and what its specific strengths were. Sometime in February you will get a memorandum from me about the sort of letter that you should write to the school or program that you are going to rank number 1. That's later after you have completed your interviews, and you are getting ready to drop your rank order list.
The Interview
The process of applying and interviewing for a residency position is frequently a stressful one. This process involves both selling yourself to a program, as well as collecting the information that you will need in deciding how to rank the various programs. Programs that you consider will all have different strengths and weaknesses - some of which may not be apparent by a cursory look at the program.
Preparation: It is imperative that you have questions to ask the faculty and residents on your interview inorder to make an informed decision. Every interviewer will ask you if you have any questions. It is okay to ask the same question of different interviewers.
Questions to ask faculty:
Where are your graduates? Where do they come from and where do they go?
How have the graduates done on the USMLE Step 3 and specialty boards?
How much didactics? Are the resident's relieved of clinical duties to attend?
Patient population?
Is attendance at national/regional conferences encouraged and funded?
Is this program affiliated with a medical school?
What teaching responsibilities for medical students are expected of residents?
If residents have teaching responsibilities, approximately how much time each week is spent with students?
Is there formal training of residents on how to effectively teach and evaluate medical students?
Are the clerkship objectives for students shared with the residents?
Are research opportunities provided to the residents? Is this a required experience?
Is there a possibility of protected time for research?
How are resident's evaluated?
Are there other hospitals used for rotations or electives?
What type of attending backup support is available when residents are on call?
Are residents assisted in find a job when completed?
Do residents have any problems finding jobs?
Do residents moonlight?
What changes do you see in the program during the next few years?
Have any residents left the program recently?
What are the program's strengths?
What are the program's weaknesses?
Questions to ask residents:
Starting salary
Vacation schedule
What are the positive aspects (strengths) of the program?
What are the negative aspects (weaknesses) of the program?
Well prepared for boards? Time to read?
Electives available?
Relationship with the other specialties in the hospital.
Moonlighting? Benefits-meals, health insurance etc.
Patient load?
Didactics-taught by faculty or residents? How many resident conferences are required? Is there time to attend conferences?
Call-schedule, what patients are you responsible for?
Interaction between residents and faculty?
Do residents have any problems finding jobs?
Would you apply here again if given the chance?
What changes do you see in the future?
What is the housing situation?
Where do you park and is it paid for?
Answers to Questions: The following are examples of frequent questions asked applicants. Though you shouldn't memorize answers, it would be to your advantage to write out your responses so that your responses will be fluent and thought-out.
Tell me about the patient you learned the most from?
Why did you apply to this program?
What are you looking for in a program?
Why do you want to go into this specialty?
What do you see as the negative and positive features of this specialty?
What problems do you think the specialty faces?
How do you see the delivery of health care evolving?
What if you don't match?
What do you do in your spare time?
What are your plans for a family?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Questions to Ask Yourself
Can I be happy working in this program and with these people?
Are there factors that make this city an attractive place for me to live during my residency?
Presenting Yourself: Dr. Iverson lists in his book Getting Into a Residency, A Guide for Medical Students, five reasons why interviews fail.
Inadequate preparation.
Applicant does not listen to the questions being asked.
Interviewers may get annoyed by having questions answered that were not asked.
Rambling, providing superfluous information.
Applicant inadvertently gives warning signals to the interviewer (inconsistent answers, abrasiveness, evasiveness, blaming others for applicant's problems, dullness).
The bottom line in the interview is that you have to sell yourself. Key personality traits sought by interviewers to keep in mind: drive, motivation, communication skills, energy, determination, confidence, reliability, honesty/integrity, pride, dedication, analytical skills, listening skills. You can include these "key words" into your personal statement and in your responses during the interview.
Interview attire: "In your town, your reputation counts; in another, your clothes do." Talmud, Shabboth. Appropriate dress is an essential part of any interview. Keep in mind that most interviewers are conservative. Above all, dress neatly. Men: two piece suits in a solid color (gray, black or navy). Does not need to be expensive, but it should be well-cult and tailored. If you don't have or cannot afford a suit, wear a navy blue sport jacket with matching pants. The shirt should be plain white long sleeve with a conservative tie. Be sure your shoes are well polished. Carry a notepad, preferably in a leather-like portfolio to take notes. Besides, it looks good.... Women: two piece suit or a well tailored dress. Simple blouse (watch the neck line...). Shoes should be simple pumps, low heeled in a dark or neutral color. The less jewelry you wear the better. Carrying a purse is debatable. Some say to never carry one. If you have an attache case, place all your stuff in that as well as a notepad (portfolio style as above). If you can get away with it, just carry a notepad-it will be easier on you.
Materials To Bring On Interview:
Copies of CV, Personal Statement, application, board scores, extra picture.
Materials from the program to review the night before.
Notepad portfolio to take notes on. It is okay, and probably shows organization and interest, to take notes during the presentations. You especially need to write down impressions immediately after the interview because you will soon forget all that you heard. Write down the interviewers names, the residents who took you out to lunch etc. so that you can thank them by name in the follow-up letter.
Pen (a nice one).
Money-in case you have to pay for parking or lunch.
Parking ticket to have validated by the secretary.
Program Evaluation (rate the following as Good, Average or Poor):
Area surrounding hospital: safe, well lit, parking close
Diverse socio-economic patient population
Residents are happy
Location acceptable
Cost of living managable
Accreditation of program unquestionable
Number of hospitals in rotation
How far away are rotations
Job opportunities upon completion
Acceptable salary
Vacation benefits
Insurance coverage
Impression of faculty
Impression of residents
Overall program rating
FOLLOW-UP
Type follow-up letters promptly after interviewing, thanking the program director for the opportunity to interview and for any lodging and meals they provided. Be sure to mention the interviewers and the residents by name in your letter. Also, at this time or definitely after the match, write a letter to those faculty members who wrote your letters of recommendation thanking them and informing them of your match.
HOW TO WIN FRIENDS AND INFLUENCE SELECTION COMMITTEES:
TIPS ON SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING
The interview process is an aspect of residency application which is of primary importance to the prospective house officer. The investments involved in this venture usually include a month of the applicant's time and a monetary expenditure in quadruple digits. The outcome of the interview process will have a major effect on the residency program finally selected, and can have implications for the future medical career of the applicant. Because the stakes of this game are so high, it is of vital interest to the interviewee that he or she derive the maximum benefit from the investment made.
The applicant should strive to achieve two basic goals at each institution he visits: first, to gather information to help determine the merit of a given residency program and second, to achieve a successful interview such that the selection committee will realize the merit of the applicant. The time allowed for the latter is limited by protocol; the
time for the former, however, is determined by the applicant and should by no means be limited to the formal arrangements made in advance by the interview committee.
The applicant should thoroughly familiarize himself with all prepared information such as brochures, etc. prior to visiting each institution. Before ever leaving home, the applicant should seek out all faculty and housestaff at KU who have had personal experience with the residency programs in question. These individuals can be excellent sources of information, since they are in a position to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a given training program from the same perspective as the applicant. For the same reason, the applicant should attempt to meet with any faculty or housestaff at each institution he visits who received some part of their training at KU.
Of course, the best sources of information for the prospective house officer are the interns and residents who make up each training program. For the most part, these people are quite candid and willing to discuss any aspect of their residency program. It is to these individuals that the pragmatic questions should be addressed, such as salary, call schedules, moonlighting, etc. Questions pertaining to the strengths and weaknesses of the program are also best directed to these people, as some faculty are offended by such inquiries. Most importantly, the applicant should attempt to determine the general happiness of the housestaff, and whether he would be happy in the same situation. The applicant should also make observations concerning the esprit de corps and whether he would fit in well with the existing group of house officers. A complete list of the type of information which should be obtained will not be undertaken here, as this has been done quite thoroughly elsewhere (N.Engl.J.Med. 291:601-605,1974). Most interview schedules allot at least one hour for the applicant to interact with the current housestaff for the procurement of such information. Often this time is inadequate, however, especially if the ratio of applicants to house officers is high. A seldom utilized but highly recommended practice is that of visiting the hospital the evening before the scheduled interview. If not too busy, the house officers on call are usually more than willing to discuss their residency program at length, and tend to be more candid in this setting. In addition, the applicant may have the opportunity to see parts of the hospital and gain insights into the actual day to day realities of the training program that are not available to the average interviewee. The importance of the night-before visit and its potential yield of information cannot be over-emphasized.
Other very -important sources of information included the institution's faculty and medical students, especially senior students interested in the same specialty. Discussions with applicants from other medical schools who are interviewing at the same time can also be very informative, especially if they are personally familiar with any of the hospitals to which you are applying.
Because there is no hard data available by which one can evaluate the various training programs, the applicant must base his decisions on personal observations and word-of mouth information obtained from the sources discussed above. Because much of this type of data is subjective, the applicant must attempt to base his conclusions on the largest possible data base. In each instance, of course, the source of information must be considered. While it is not mandatory that each intern be overjoyed with his current lot in life, he should be able to smile and to say positive things concerning his training program. It is probably a good idea to make an attempt to convert subjective observations into objective data by means of some scoring system following your visit to each institution. Each applicant must determine beforehand the aspects of a training program which are important to him, and then grade on a scale of I to 5, for example, how every program fulfills each of the requirements. If this is not done, it is sometimes difficult at the end of a long interview trip to recall the positive and negative attributes of each residency program.
In the final analysis, you will find that your ultimate decision on how to rank the programs to which you have applied will be based largely on intangible factors. You will like or dislike the various training programs for reasons that you cannot easily identify. The more exposure an applicant has to each institution he visits, both in terms of personal observation and word-of-mouth testimonials, the more likely it will be that his gut feelings about that training program are accurate.
All of the effort in the foregoing discussion is wasted if the applicant fails to make a favorable impression upon the selection committee of the desired residency program. In order to achieve a successful interview, it is first important to identify the goals of the interviewer. Almost universally now, the intense grill session is a thing of the past. Selection committees now tend to rely on medical school grades, Dean's letters and letters of recommendation to base their evaluation of each applicant's medical competence. The purpose of the interview is for the selection committee to identify the personal characteristics of each applicant which may determine how he will function as a house officer. These attributes are not easy to specify, but include interpersonal skills and abilities to interact with superiors, peers, and subordinates. The interviewer will need to evaluate how he thinks the applicant will fit in with the existing housestaff. Some of the more skilled interviewers will make an attempt to judge how the applicant handles pressure and responds to adversity, as this is certainly a valid concern of the selection committee. Thus it is important not only to identify what the interviewer is asking, but why he is asking it. Selection committees are seeking integrity and dependability in their house officers; questions should be answered honestly and sincerely.
There are certain questions which an applicant can anticipate and should be prepared to answer. These include why you have chosen this particular specialty, what your future plans are, what you consider important in a training program and why you have applied to this one in particular, how you have done in medical school, what you consider your personal strong and weak points, and what qualifications you have that set you apart from your fellow applicants. On the other hand, an applicant should also have some questions which he has prepared to ask of the interviewer. Although physicians by profession should be excellent interviewers, an applicant will inevitably run across someone who does not know how to conduct a proper interview and will instead leave it up to the applicant to carry the interaction. In this case, it is the applicant's responsibility to ask intelligent, appropriate questions to occupy the duration of the interview. If the staff physician believes he has carried out a good interview, he is very likely to make a favorable report to the selection committee.
The only vestige of the grill session which remains popular among some interviewers is that of having the applicant present an interesting case. Although even this is uncommon today, each applicant should probably be prepared to make a brief two to three minute presentation and to intelligently discuss the pathophysiology and differential diagnosis of the case presented.
Just as the applicant finds many intangible factors influencing his evaluation of each residency program, so the interviewer will base his evaluation of each applicant on perceptions not easily identified. A firm handshake, confident manner, and good eye contact can go a long way in this respect. It is certainly important that the applicant be himself, but he must do so in a way that puts his best foot forward. Thus, the interviewer will not only be judging what an applicant says, but how he says it as well.
The interview process today in general takes the form of a relaxed, low-pressure conversation, and can be quite enjoyable to the applicant and interviewer alike. The prepared applicant who well understands the purpose of the interview process will find that he can quite favorab.ly affect his chances of being selected for the residency program of his choice.
The latest addition to the interview process which has become popular recently is that of the follow-up letter. Although this practice is viewed differently by the various people involved in the selection of housestaff, it is probably appropriate upon your return home to send a letter to each institution thanking them for their hospitality. Of less certain propriety is the practice by which applicants inform their most favored residency programs of their ranking intentions, as this is viewed with distrust by many selection committees. The effect of such a letter on one's chances of being selected are questionable, and in any case such letters would be appropriate only for the institutions at the top of one's ranking order.
If one thing should be added to the foregoing discussion, it is that the entire interview process should be initiated as early as possible. Requests for prepared information from each program can be sent as early as June, and requests for letters of recommendation should be made in August. If one plans on interviewing during the month of November, applications should be received by the residency program in late August or early September, so that the interview date of choice can be arranged. The applicant who makes his plans well in advance is viewed by the selection committee as a responsible, prepared individual who is certain of his goals and how to achieve them.
Good luck and good hunting.
Residency Interviewing Tips
Lloyd Rucker, MD
That important date has arrived. You've bought a new suit, prepared your background materials and researched the program. In a couple of hours, you'll be sitting across from a prospective interviewer and you'll be on your own. But you don't have to be nervous. Remembering some simple common sense rules will go a long way in making the interview a success.
To begin, don't be late for an interview. Take a practice run if you don't know how long it takes to get to the interviewer's office. No excuse can make up for being tardy. And an interviewer might think this is a habit of yours.
When you get to the office, check in with the secretary. Always give your full name and that of the person with whom you have an appointment. Don't spent extra time chatting with the secretary, it may give the impression of a potential gossip.
During the interview, eye contact, a smile and a | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
