Most residency programs have streamlined their interviewing
process to a finely tuned mix of information gathering and
dispensing. Since the majority of programs receive many more
applications than they have interview slots, receiving an
invitation to interview means that you have survived the first
round of eliminations. Congratulations! And welcome to the next
set of challenges.
Do Your Homework
Learn as much as you can about the program so that you arrive
prepared to ask thoughtful and specific questions about what they
have to offer. This helps you demonstrate interest in THEIR
program. It also helps you evaluate one program against another
once you've completed all your interviews. The program will have
sent you a packet of information about their residency training
process, but you should also look at the information in the
electronic residency database (FRIEDA) and any websites for the
program or its affiliated hospitals. More and more, the latest
and most detailed site-specific information can be found on the
web, including faculty research activities and clinical programs
unique to that program/hospital. Take the time to do this
research.
What Interviewers Look
For
The interview process is the program's chance to get to know you
firsthand rather than through written materials. They are
interested in your motivation for medicine and for their
specialty, in your communication skills and personality, in your
self-confidence and ability to handle the interview process
itself. They hope to glean insights about your level of
determination, reliability, integrity, and how you might respond
to criticisms and the stresses of training. They also try to
weigh how you might fit in with their current residents and
staff. For IMG candidates, they are especially interested in your
English language skills and your understanding of the residency
training process.