THE RESIDENCY INTERVIEW PREPARATION GUIDE 2026
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Acing your residency interview is a critical part of the residency match process. However, preparing for residency interviews can be daunting. Our comprehensive guide on residency interview preparation makes it easy! We’ve compiled guaranteed strategies from matched residents and attendings that will help you prepare for your residency interview and answer the most commonly asked questions during this stressful process.
Table of Contents
- Importance of residency interviews
- Tips on how to prepare for residency interviews
- Commonly asked residency interview questions
- Tell me about yourself
- Why are you interested in this specialty?
- What are your strengths?
- What are your weaknesses?
- Why do you want to train at this program?
- Career goals
- Behavioral questions
- Questions to ask program directors
- 200+ Residency Interview Questions
- Questions to Ask Residency Program Directors and Residents
Why are residency interviews important? Do interviews matter for residency?
Residency interviews are extremely important in the residency match process. They are a bit like going on a meaningful date in the world of medicine. For the programs, it’s their chance to meet the face behind the application. They’re assessing if you’re someone they’d like to work side-by-side handling high-pressure situations, collaborating with colleagues, and caring for patients.
On the flip side, these interviews are your golden ticket to peek behind the curtain. You get to witness first-hand the culture, the people, and the fit with the program.
How do I prepare for a residency interview?
- Identify Your Unique Strengths: It’s essential to identify and understand your own strengths whether it’s significant research experience, clinical exposure, or standout extracurriculars. Build Your Strengths List by writing down all your notable attributes and experiences. Reflect on what makes you unique and how these strengths align with the role of a resident. Then tailor your answer to the Program by considering which strengths align best with their values and requirements.
- Bullet Points Over Scripts: Instead of drafting full answers, outline the primary points you intend to discuss. Having clear points will guide your responses but avoid memorizing word for-word answers (to avoid sounding robotic). Then use personal stories and experiences next to each bullet point to substantiate your claims.
- Show, Don’t Tell: Avoid making blanket statements about your abilities such as “I am a hard worker”, or “I am a team player”. Provide concrete examples and narrate specific instances that exemplify these traits, letting your experiences speak for your qualities.
- Do your research: Familiarize yourself with the program and the faculty you’re interviewing with. You can find relevant information on the program website, the faculty online profiles, or the program’s social media platforms. 5 This knowledge allows you to align your strengths and answers with what the program values, positioning you as a good FIT for the residency program.
- Capitalize on Every Question: Every question is an opportunity to shed light on your skills, accomplishments, and character. Use real-life experiences from your clinical rotations or research or hobbies to provide an insight into your journey and what you can offer to the program.
- Everything on Your CV is a Fair Game: Be ready to discuss every detail on your CV. If there’s something on your ERAS CV you’re not comfortable discussing, it’s best to leave it out.
- Authenticity Matters: Amidst all preparations, your genuine self should shine through. Programs are looking for individuals they can work with over several years. Allow the interviewer to understand who you are as a person and why would be a good fit for the personality of the program.
- The Interview is a Two-Way Street: While the program evaluates you, it’s also your chance to evaluate the program. Ask informed questions. This helps you assess if the program aligns with your goals and values.
- Practice, Practice, Practice: Especially the commonly asked questions we will highlight below. This helps you refine your responses, show confidence, and convey your strengths and qualities. Record yourself answering residency interview questions and review your performance paying attention to your tone, body language, and your answers.
- Seek Professional Guidance: Your interview is your only shot at a particular program. Do not waste it. You might think your answers are amazing and mind-blowing but in reality, they are not. An expert can provide objective feedback, helping you present your best self. Mentors or peers who’ve been through the process can offer invaluable feedback. You should even consider professional interview coaching, which can provide structured feedback and techniques to handle challenging questions.
If you are looking for comprehensive Residency Interview Preparation Resources📦 for Match 2026/2027, including 200+ residency interview questions, samples to perfect answers for medical residency interview preparation and much more, click here.
What are the commonly asked residency interview questions?
1. Tell me about yourself
2. Why are you interested in the specialty (you are applying to)?
3. Your strengths/ Why should we select you?
4. What are your weaknesses?
5. Why did you apply to our program?
6. What are your career goals?
7. What do you like to do in your free time?
8. Questions about items in your CV
9. Behavioral questions
10. Do you have any questions for me?
Now let’s go into the details of some of the most commonly asked residency interview questions and how to answer them.
Tell me about yourself! How do you introduce yourself in a residency interview?
The “tell me about yourself” question will probably be the most common question you encounter in a residency interview. It is usually asked at the beginning of the interview, serving as your personal elevator pitch. It’s a golden opportunity to present a curated narrative that encapsulates your strengths, aspirations, and fit for the program. While it might seem like a casual icebreaker, this question is your chance to sell yourself, positioning you not just as another candidate, but as a valuable addition who brings unique experiences and perspectives to the table. Approach it with strategy, authenticity, and confidence, ensuring you make a compelling and memorable first impression.
Here are some tailored tips for answering the “Tell me about yourself” question during a residency interview:
1. Start with Your Educational Background:
- Begin by providing a brief overview of your medical education journey. Highlight any particularly pivotal moments or experiences that steered you toward your chosen specialty.
2. Discuss Relevant Clinical Experiences:
- Focus on rotations, clerkships, or any clinical experiences that reinforced your passion for the specialty you’re interviewing for. These should illustrate both your competence and your enthusiasm.
3. Highlight Research or Extracurriculars:
- If you’ve been involved in research, especially if it’s pertinent to the specialty, mention it. Similarly, any extracurricular activities that showcase leadership, teamwork, or other desirable traits can be beneficial to discuss.
4. Personal Attributes and Soft Skills:
- Beyond clinical skills, programs are often interested in interpersonal dynamics. Mention attributes that make you a good team player, communicator, or leader.
5. Why this program:
- You can mention a few characteristics of the program that appealed to you and how aspects of the program align with what you are looking for.
6. Conclude with Personal Touches:
- While the focus should be professional, adding a brief personal touch can make your introduction memorable. This could be a hobby, a personal achievement, or a short anecdote that shaped your professional journey.
7. Structure is Key:
- Organize your answer to have a clear beginning, middle, and end. This will ensure you provide a concise yet comprehensive response without meandering.
8. Practice but Don’t Memorize:
- While it’s essential to prepare, aim to sound natural and conversational rather than rehearsed. Remember, the question is an invitation to share your story, not recite a script.
9. Align with the Program’s Values:
- If you’re familiar with the values or particular aspects of the residency program, subtly align parts of your answer to resonate with them. This shows you’ve done your homework and see a fit between your aspirations and the program’s goals.
Remember, the “Tell me about yourself” question is an opportunity to present a well-rounded picture of yourself, highlighting both your professional journey and the personal qualities that make you a valuable addition to a residency program.
Sample answers for the “tell me about yourself” question?
IMG
Hello! I am originally from Indonesia, where my family has been farming for generations. While I did spend many days in the fields and was intrigued by agriculture, I was always more passionate about academics, especially science and technology. My parents recognized this passion early on and, despite our humble beginnings, they went to great lengths to support my dream, even taking out loans so I could attend medical school at University Hospital. By my third year there, I was certain that Internal Medicine was the path for me.
Life took an interesting turn when my husband was offered a position with Amazon, and we found ourselves relocating to the US. To familiarize myself with the healthcare system here, I began working as a medical scribe and assistant at Jacob’s Hospital in Michigan. Additionally, I’ve had the opportunity to gain clinical experience in various specialties across the country, from cardiology and family medicine to internal medicine and endocrinology in the form of US Clinical Experiences.
Outside of the medical world, I’m quite an avid golfer. And when I’m not on the golf course, you’ll likely find me spending quality time with my husband and our adorable Corgi, Kokomo. It’s been quite the journey so far, and I’m excited for what the future holds!
Average US Graduate
Hi! Growing up, medicine was always a part of the dinner table conversation – both my parents are emergency room nurses. Often times our family catch-ups happened during the brief overlaps of my parents’ shifts, one clocking out from a night shift while the other geared up for the day ahead. They had this incredible tag team going to take care of me and my two brothers.
During my undergrad at Penn State, I dove deep into biology, but it was my volunteer work as an EMS on weekends that truly ignited my passion for emergency medicine. That adrenaline, that immediacy – I just knew I wanted to be an emergency room physician. After four years of hard work as a premed I was fortunate to be accepted into Penn State Medical School and my time there only further cemented my dreams of becoming an ED physician. I was able to complete several acting internships in our large level 1 trauma center and at our surrounding community EDs.
Now, here’s something you might find surprising: on weekends, I swap my stethoscope for turntables, spinning hip-hop and EDM tracks at local clubs in Hershey, PA. It’s my little escape! And when I’m not in the ER or behind the decks, you’ll probably find me on a hiking trail. One of my biggest dreams? To conquer Mount Kilimanjaro. Fingers crossed for that!
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Watch this to ace your medical residency interview and Match® into your dream program!
Elite US Graduate
I hail from rural West Virginia, where my family has deep blue-collar roots in mining. My journey towards medicine began under unfortunate circumstances when, at the age of 7, my father sustained a spinal cord injury in a mining accident. The subsequent years spent in hospitals and rehab centers profoundly impacted me, especially when we lost him to complications later on. It was during these formative years that I felt a strong calling to become a healer.
My undergraduate years were spent at WVU, majoring in neuroscience. The pivotal moment came when I had the opportunity to work under Dr. Brad Smith, who was researching stem cell therapies for spinal cord injuries. This hands-on experience underlined the vital role of translational research for me.
My dedication to this field led me to the Medical Scientist Training Program at Washington University in St. Louis. It was there that I met and worked with Dr. Sandra Black, a distinguished neurosurgeon. Under her guidance, we explored the potential of gene editing in treating spinal cord injuries, a study that earned us a publication in Science.
As I move forward, my aim is to merge my roles as a neurosurgeon and scientist, hoping to bring solace to families and patients alike who’ve suffered like mine did. Outside of the professional realm, I cherish my moments back home, especially during the fall when I can root for the WVU Mountaineers!
Why are you interested in this specialty?
The “Why this specialty?” question is a critical juncture in a residency interview, offering candidates the chance to showcase their depth of understanding and commitment to their chosen field. It’s more than just expressing interest; it’s about demonstrating that you’ve thoroughly contemplated the journey ahead, acknowledging both the challenges and rewards. Answering this question convincingly communicates that you’re not just chasing a fleeting interest, but are genuinely prepared and passionate about embarking on the unique path the specialty offers, having grasped its intricacies and demands.
Here are some tips to craft a compelling response:
1. Personal Connection:
- Reflect on any personal experiences or pivotal moments that drew you to the specialty. Perhaps a particular patient encounter or a medical event in your life inspired you. Sharing a personal story can make your answer more relatable and memorable. However, avoid mentioning a single patient interaction as the sole reason you want to go into a specialty. Although patient interactions can spark your interest in a specialty, it is unlikely that they are the only reason you want to pursue a certain field.
2. Highlight Clinical Experiences:
- Mention specific rotations, cases, or interactions during your medical training that solidified your interest in the specialty. These examples can demonstrate both your experience and your commitment.
3. Avoid Generic Reasons:
- Talk about why you are excited about the specialty based on your experiences working in that field.
- For instance, if the program director asks, Why are you interested in internal medicine, avoid statements like: “Internal medicine is the best specialty because you can use both clinical knowledge and evidence-based medicine to treat patients”.
This answer isn’t wrong, but it’s too generic. It would be best if you give an answer that is specific to you and based on YOUR experience. Here is an example:
- “Working on the internal medicine floor as a third-year medical student, I was fascinated by the complexity and diversity of pathologies I saw, as well as the interplay between clinical knowledge and evidence-based medicine. Everyone’s input was valued and listened to, which made me feel like a true member of the team”.
- You can see the difference between these two statements; the first talks about generic aspects of the specialty, while the second one specifies experiences the applicant went through during their third-year rotation.
- While income, lifestyle, and job opportunities might influence decisions, try to focus on deeper, more intrinsic motivations that go beyond surface-level perks.
4. Connect with Program Values:
- If you’re familiar with the program’s clinical strengths, subtly weave in how your interest in the specialty aligns with the program’s mission or values. If your primary motivation to pursue general surgery is your passion for liver transplants, emphasizing this during an interview with a program that doesn’t do any liver transplants might not position you as an ideal candidate for them.
5. Align Skills and Interests:
- Discuss how your innate skills and interests align with the demands and nuances of the specialty.
Remember, your goal is to convey genuine enthusiasm for the specialty, backed by experiences and insights that demonstrate both your commitment and your understanding of what the specialty truly entails.
If you are applying to the Match and need a detailed guide on how to ace your ERAS application, check out our free ERAS Application Guide here.
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Sample answers for the “Why this specialty” question?
Internal Medicine
When I began my clinical rotations, I was exploring, trying to find that specialty that resonated with me. By the time I reached my third-year rotation in Internal Medicine, it was like a light bulb moment. The intellectual depth of the field immediately stood out. Diagnosing complex cases, piecing together clinical puzzles – that cerebral challenge was exactly what I was looking for.
But it wasn’t just the intellectual aspect. In Internal Medicine, the opportunity to foster long-term patient relationships was evident. I appreciated the central role an internist plays, collaborating with specialists, integrating their insights, and ensuring holistic patient care.
Also, the prospect of post-residency fellowships in Internal Medicine added another layer of appeal for me. The field’s adaptability, allowing for specialization based on evolving interests, seemed like a promising pathway for continuous growth.
General Surgery
When I think about my journey towards surgery, I trace it back to my second year of medical school. I had the privilege of being part of an early exposure elective, and I was assigned to shadow Dr. Lisa Gerlach on the acute care surgery service. One experience from that time is etched into my memory: I recall evaluating a patient in the emergency department who was in agonizing pain. Their discomfort was distinctly out of proportion to the physical exam, and we soon discovered it was mesenteric ischemia. The immediacy of the situation, the rapid decision to go to the OR, and the meticulous procedure of a small bowel resection was, to put it simply, captivating.
But it wasn’t just the procedure. It was the blend of in-depth anatomical knowledge and the technical skill required that truly drew me in. And then, seeing that very patient, stable and recovering in the ICU the next morning? The gratification was almost instantaneous.
For me, general surgery offers a unique blend of intellectual challenge, technical precision, and tangible results. It’s where I see my skills, passion, and drive converging.
What are your strengths?
What are your strengths? Why should we choose you? What makes you a unique residency candidate or what makes you stand out? These are all different formats of the same question, offering candidates a platform to set themselves apart and express why they should be chosen for this job. Answering this question effectively not only sells your qualifications but underscores your suitability for the specific role. By highlighting strengths aligned with the demands of the residency, you illustrate your readiness and adaptability. This question is more than a self assessment; it’s a strategic opportunity to position yourself as the ideal candidate for the program, emphasizing how your unique strengths align with the program’s needs and objectives.
1. Support with Examples:
- Don’t just list attributes; substantiate them with real-life scenarios from your medical training. For example, if teamwork is a strength, you might describe a successful group project or a time you collaborated in a high-pressure clinical situation.
2. Tailor to Specialty and Program:
- Choose strengths that are directly relevant to the specialty and the program you are applying to. For example, if you’re applying to Emergency Medicine, highlighting your ability to work in a high stress environment could be a pertinent strength. If you’re applying for a program that has significant focus on research, highlighting your research skills will make you stand out.
3. Highlight Soft Skills:
- While clinical knowledge and technical skills are crucial, don’t forget the importance of interpersonal skills. Communication, empathy, and resilience often play pivotal roles in a medical setting.
4. Avoid Arrogance:
- While it’s essential to convey your strengths assertively, avoid coming across as arrogant. Acknowledge that there’s always room for growth and that you’re eager to further hone your strengths during residency.
5. Avoid Overused Terms:
- Phrases like “hard-working” or “dedicated” are commonly cited. While they’re valuable traits, try to delve deeper or provide a unique spin to set yourself apart.
In essence, when articulating your strengths, aim to present a genuine, well-rounded portrait of your capabilities, supported by tangible experiences, that resonates with the demands and ethos of the residency program. After you answer this question, the interviewer should believe you would be a good fit for the job, for the residency spot.
Sample answers for the “What are your strengths” question?
When someone asks me, “What’s one of your strengths?” my mind immediately jumps to multitasking. Now, I know we often hear about the debate on whether multitasking is actually productive or not, but I think this skill set will make me a strong emergency medicine resident.
During medical school, I found myself juggling not one, but two demanding research projects. One was focused on innovative cardiology treatments, and the other delved into the effects of certain drugs on the nervous system. Balancing both required a lot of dedication and, yes, multitasking. I had to coordinate with different teams, keep track of two distinct sets of data, and ensure everything stayed on schedule.
I was also elected as the class treasurer. That meant handling funds, coordinating events, and being an active member of the student council. As you can imagine, budgeting for a large group of med students isn’t a walk in the park!
I also took up a part-time gig as a spin instructor at our local gym. Those early morning and late evening classes not only kept me active but also became my escape from the rigorous demands of med school. And yes, creating those playlists took some time too!
I had my week planned down to the minute, always ensuring that I allotted specific chunks of time to each project and responsibility. I genuinely believe that this knack for multitasking will serve me well in my residency journey. Medicine, as we all know, is a field where things are constantly moving. Patients, procedures, research, paperwork – the list goes on. Being able to efficiently shift focus without dropping the ball? That’s going to be invaluable.
How do you answer what is your weakness in residency interviews?
Addressing the “What is your weakness?” question in interviews is more than just a formality. It’s an opportunity to showcase your self awareness, honesty, and commitment to continuous learning and self improvement. You might also be asked about academic weaknesswa such as “Why did you fail STEP 2 CK?” or “Why do you have a gap between graduating from medical school and applying to residency?”
By thoughtfully addressing these questions, candidates convey their readiness to evolve, adapt, and grow throughout their medical journey.
Here are some tips on how to address “your weakness” question during a residency interview:
1. Avoid Clichés:
- Opt for a genuine weakness over clichés like “I’m too perfectionistic.” Authenticity is key. Find an actual weakness you are working on to become a better person.
2. Choose Relevant Yet Non-Critical Weaknesses:
- Select a weakness that is relevant to the medical field but not one that would question your capability to function as a resident. For example, never say that you often lose your temper and shout at patients, because program directors would immediately question your ability to take care of patients.
3. Addressing Academic Weakness:
- Sometimes, you are asked about a specific weakness on your CV such as a failure on STEP 2 CK or score or a big gap between medical school and applying to residency.
- Instead of merely focusing on the setback, emphasize the proactive steps taken post-challenge: perhaps it was additional training, targeted study approaches, or seeking mentorship. Highlight any subsequent achievements or improvements, like a higher score on a subsequent exam, as tangible evidence of your determination and capacity to bounce back. By doing so, you transform potential red flags into demonstrations of grit, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence.
4. Reframe Positively:
- Some recommend presenting the weakness in a way that also highlights a positive aspect. For example, “I can sometimes be overly detail-oriented, which at times slows me down, but ensures thoroughness in patient care.”
5. Highlight Growth and Adaptation:
- Frame your weakness with what you’re doing to overcome or manage it. For example, if your weakness is time management, mention strategies or tools you’ve started using to improve.
6. Be Brief and Direct:
- While it’s important to provide context, avoid dwelling too long on the weakness. State it, discuss how you’re addressing it, and be ready to move on.
7. End on a Forward-looking Note:
- Conclude by emphasizing your commitment to continuous learning and personal development, underscoring your proactive approach to bettering yourself.
Remember, the intent behind this question is often to gauge self awareness, humility, and a commitment to professional growth, rather than to pinpoint actual deficiencies.
Sample answers for the “Weaknesses” question?
By nature, I’ve always been on the shyer side. In group discussions or meetings, I’d often find myself holding back, reluctant to voice my opinions or concerns. This fear of potential conflict or disagreement made me avoid situations where I’d have to be assertive. While it did save me from immediate confrontations, I realized over time that it also meant my thoughts and perspectives weren’t being heard. In the medical field, where collaboration and communication are essential, I knew this was a hurdle I had to overcome.
To address this head-on, I decided to step outside of my comfort zone and take on roles that required me to be more vocal and assertive. I volunteered for leadership positions, becoming the president of the Internal Medicine Interest Group at my school. This position meant I had to lead discussions, organize events, and address concerns from other members. It was challenging, yes, but it was also incredibly rewarding to see the difference I could make when I stepped up.
I also took on a role as the lead medical student at our local free clinic. This was another leap of faith, as it required me to coordinate with physicians, nurses, and other medical students, ensuring the clinic ran smoothly and our patients received the care they needed. Again, it pushed me to communicate openly and assertively.
Lastly, for a bit of fun and an unconventional approach, I enrolled in improv classes with a group of friends. Now, if you’ve never tried improv, it’s all about thinking on your feet, reacting spontaneously, and often, speaking without overthinking. It became a fun way to break out of my shell, and I found that the confidence I gained on stage began to spill over into my professional life.
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Why do you want to train at this program?
A thoughtful, well-articulated answer to the “why do you want to train here” question not only showcases a candidate’s genuine interest but emphasizes the synergy between their goals and what the program offers. In essence, it acts as a testament to the candidate’s potential fit and commitment, highlighting their suitability not just as a resident, but as a future alum and ambassador of the program.
Here are some tips to consider:
1. Do Your Research:
- Before the interview, thoroughly research the program. You must prepare an answer specific to the strengths and goals of each program; you can’t have a vague, one-fits-all statement. Highlight unique aspects such as their clinical strengths, curriculum, faculty, research opportunities, or community involvement that genuinely appeal to you.
2. Training Opportunities:
- Emphasize specific training opportunities the program offers that align with your career aspirations. Residency is a clinical job, and each program will include a range of clinical experiences. Take time to learn what they are and relate the program’s clinical strengths to your sub-specialty or areas of interest.
- If you have a strong interest in research, mention it and make sure to cite the program’s focus on providing research-based opportunities to residents as a specific draw for you.
3. Location and Environment:
- While it shouldn’t be the primary focus, mentioning the appeal of the program’s location, facilities, or supportive environment can be valuable. This could range from proximity to family to opportunities for outdoor activities or cultural experiences.
4. Success Stories and Outcomes:
- If the program has notable alumni, a high match rate into a fellowship you are interested in, or other success metrics, and these appeal to you, bring them up as part of your rationale.
5. Personal Connection:
- If you’ve had previous rotations or interactions with the program and had a positive experience, mention it. Personal experiences can lend authenticity to your response.
6. Future Vision:
- Discuss how you see the program fitting into your long-term goals. Perhaps the program is strong in an area you’re passionate about, or it offers unique opportunities that can shape your future career.
7. Core Values Alignment:
- Identify and mention how the program’s core values align with your personal and professional values. This demonstrates that you’re not just looking for any residency but specifically value what this program offers.
Ultimately, your goal should be to convey a deep understanding of what the program offers and how it aligns with your personal and professional goals, ensuring that the interviewers see you as a natural fit for their community.
Career goals
We recommend that you answer questions about your career goals genuinely and honestly. A few tips for answering these questions are:
- Keep an open mind. Your answer should convey that you are interested in exploring and learning about the specialty as a whole, even if you have a specific interest in a subspecialty. Remember that you will get training in all aspects of the specialty during residency, not only the subspecialty you are interested in.
- Are you interested in academia? If so, express your interest and explain why you would like to continue in education or research.
- If you’re enthusiastic about research, tell them that you plan to get more involved in research in the future and what type of research you are interested in.
- If you plan on returning to your home country after residency/fellowship, you can mention that too. You could also explain what impact you hope to bring back to your home country when your training is finished.
- Be honest! Some of these answers could be taken positively or negatively by a program. For example, if you are interested in academia and a certain program does not focus on academic medicine, then mentioning your strong interest in research or academia might hurt your chances there. At the end of the day, though, you want to match into a program that will nurture your interests and prepare you to achieve your career goals.
Sample answers for the “Career goals” question?
Well, I’ve given this a lot of thought. Right off the bat, my immediate goal is to match into a solid internal medicine residency program. I’m particularly looking for a place that truly values resident education and has a genuine focus on wellness. It’s important for me to be in an environment where learning and well-being are at the forefront.
While I’m still navigating my specific path, I’m leaning towards cardiology or maybe Pulm/CCM for a fellowship. And if I’m looking a decade down the line? I picture myself in a busy academic teaching hospital. I’m passionate about both clinical work and research, so I see myself balancing dynamic clinical practice while also being actively involved in research projects.
On top of that, I’ve always been drawn to teaching and mentoring. I can definitely see myself in a role like a residency program director or maybe even an associate program director, where I can have a direct impact on guiding the next generation of doctors. That’s the dream for me.
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What are the commonly asked behavioral questions during a residency interview?
Behavioral questions during a residency interview can be divided into themes: interactions with a team member, challenging situations, personal attributes (team player, leader, etc), and patient interactions. You might still get scenarios outside these 4 categories, but these are generally asked because they reflect your everyday life as a resident. Here are some examples of commonly asked behavioral questions:
- Tell me about a situation where you had a conflict with a resident/attending/medical student/nurse/physician assistant and how you handled that
- How do you deal with someone who disagrees with you?
- Tell me about a stressful situation you went through and how you overcame it
- Burnout is common in medicine. What do you do to avoid burnout?
- Tell me about a challenge you overcame during medical school
- Tell me about a mistake you made in medical school and what you learned from it
- Tell me about a situation during medical school which demonstrates your team player skills
- Tell me about a situation that demonstrates you’re a hard worker
- Tell me about a situation where you learned something from a patient
- Tell me about the most difficult clinical scenario you had to deal with
How to answer behavioral questions in residency interviews?
You might ask yourself, why do I get asked behavioral questions on a residency interview? Well, the interviewer wants examples of how you reacted to certain situations in the past, so that they can have a better idea of how you would react to similar situations in the future, during actual residency. So, when responding, remember to showcase attributes that highlight your capability and suitability for a resident role. You wouldn’t want to convey any traits or actions that might cast doubts about your ability to excel both in the clinical aspects and interpersonal dynamics of a resident’s responsibilities.
The CARL method (Context, Action, Result, Learning) is a four-part strategy to build your story for behavioral residency questions.
Context: Provides the background. Where were you, and what was your role? This gives the interviewer an understanding of the circumstances and environment. Give enough detail so the listener understands the context but be concise. This part should not be more than 25=35% of your answer.
Action: What did you do? Highlight your part in solving the problem. Explain how you used empathy, problem-solving skills, and/or logic as well as other tactics to solve the issue at hand. This part demonstrates your decision-making process and problem-solving ski
Result: What happened as a result of your actions? Showcase your ability to bring problems to a close in a positive manner. This part can demonstrate the success, the effectiveness of the approach, or even instances where the desired result wasn’t achieved but provided a learning experience.
Learning: What did you learn, and how would you apply that in the future? Reflect on your ability to introspect, learn from experiences, and implement those learnings in future situations. This step is crucial as it displays a commitment to personal and professional growth.
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The best way to learn something is to do it. That’s why we divide our interview preparation sessions into two parts.
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Tips for answering behavioral residency interview questions:
- Prepare yourself for as many residency behavioral questions as possible. Reflect on your life and brainstorm interesting stories about times you faced a challenge, led a team, etc. Remembering relevant stories on the interview day is much harder!
- Highlight Positives, Tactfully Address Negatives: Unless explicitly asked about a mistake or a failure, focus on positive outcomes and learnings. Even if discussing a challenge, highlight what you learned or how you grew from the experience.
- Choose Your Stories Wisely: Every question is an opportunity. Be strategic in selecting stories that spotlight your strengths, values, and compatibility with the residency.
- Do not memorize: Prepare bullet points to guide the flow of your stories, but do not write out all the details. Otherwise, you risk sounding too rehearsed.
- Relevance is key: Relate your stories to strengths you want to highlight or experiences within the specialty you are applying to. For example, if you are applying to general surgery, share your encounter with a patient on the surgery floor or in the operating room. This will remind the interviewer that you have already had some meaningful surgical experiences. If asked about a situation that demonstrates your teamwork skills and you want to highlight your research experience, you can talk about a time when you collaborated with another lab and how you effectively worked together.
- Depth Over Surface: When answering questions like, “Tell me about a time you helped someone,” delve deeper than superficial acts. Instead of mentioning a one-off charitable act, discuss instances where you formed meaningful connections or made lasting impacts. For instance, reaching out to a struggling peer not only displays empathy but also highlights your ability to notice and act on the subtler cues around you.
Sample answers for behavioral questions?
Tell me about a failure
One experience that immediately comes to mind was during my first year of medical school, specifically my anatomy course. I came into med school with a strong background in math and engineering. My approach to learning had always been about understanding overarching principles and then applying them. So, when I faced the large-volume content of anatomy, I genuinely thought I could handle it with my previous strategies.
However, reality hit hard when I found out that I had failed my first test. It was shocking and disheartening, especially given that I’d always been a strong student. I realized that the sheer volume of medical school material was entirely different from what I was used to. Before I thrived on understanding broad concepts, but anatomy required memorization and hours upon hours of study.
I decided to reevaluate and change my study techniques. I met with academic advisors, set up a rigorous study schedule, and started diversifying my study methods. By the time of the next exam, not only did I pass, but I also scored “honors”, lifting my overall grade to a “high pass.”
This experience taught me the importance of adaptability. While failing that first test was tough, it was crucial in shaping my approach to challenges and solidifying my commitment to medicine.
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Can you describe a situation where you faced a conflict and explain how you handled it
During my research year, I set up a collaboration with another lab to help us with histology and immunohistochemical staining for my project. As the research progressed, it became apparent that the work required from the collaborating lab was a bit more than initially anticipated, but we assumed this was a good thing as the project was turning out nicely. The graduate student I was working with from that lab put in a significant amount of time and effort and was my key point of contact.
Originally, we had an informal agreement that she’d be a middle author when we published our findings. But as the project took shape, she did so much more than I initially realized. She reached out to me later, suggesting she might be considered as a first author because of all the work she put in.
At first, I was like, “Wait a minute, I’ve been leading this.” But we sat down, had a coffee, and really talked it through. She showed me all she’d done, and it hit me – she totally deserved that recognition.
So, we settled on both of us being co-first authors. It felt right, and it was a great lesson for me in valuing everyone’s input. We’re actually collaborating on more projects now, and I’m very glad we resolved this.
Tell me about a stressful situation you went through and how you overcame it
I can think of a moment in my first year of med school. I had been managing my Crohn’s disease pretty well for years, and then out of nowhere, right in the middle of my first year, I had a major flare-up. It was so bad that I ended up being hospitalized and had to undergo a partial colectomy. It really felt like the worst possible timing.
It meant missing two major blocks – genetics and biochemistry. And trust me, the thought of being so behind when we had just started medical school was overwhelming. I was grappling with the physical pain and the mental strain of falling behind.
But here’s where I learned the importance of a strong support system. My advisory deans, my instructors, they were all so understanding. They told me to focus on my health first and foremost and allowed me to make up for the missed coursework during the summer at my own pace. That experience really taught me that it’s okay to ask for help and lean on others when you need it. I also realized that, even in those moments when you feel utterly alone, there’s always someone willing to lend a hand or offer support.
Tell me about a time that you had to deal with a challenging patient
I remember one time when I was on the wards. We had this patient come in from the clinic, right? She had a surgical site infection and some cellulitis. From the moment she got to the floor, you could tell she was upset. She was quite vocal about her frustrations, getting a bit combative with the nursing staff, and even talked about wanting to leave because she felt she wasn’t getting the care she needed.
So, I rushed up there, wanting to understand and address her concerns. As soon as I entered her room, she started venting her frustrations, and even asked me to leave at one point. It was tough, but I kept my calm and managed to persuade her to stay for the night.
The next morning, I made sure to visit her first thing and dropped by a few more times during the day just to check-in. By the end of the day, her whole demeanor had changed. She thanked me for the frequent visits and shared how it made her feel like we genuinely cared about her well being. It was a challenging situation, but it reinforced how important good communication can be in patient care.
Should you ask questions at the end of your residency interview?
Yes, you should definitely ask questions at the end of your residency interview. Asking thoughtful questions can demonstrate your genuine interest in the program, show that you’ve done your homework, and help you assess if the residency is the right fit for your professional and personal growth. Additionally, it provides an opportunity to express your strengths and engage with the interviewers on a deeper level.
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How can I use my question to express certain strengths?
For example, bringing up your previous research at the end of your residency interview (if not discussed already) can be a strategic move. You can ask something like: I have an interest in assessing the surgical outcomes of breast reconstruction and have published multiple papers about that. Are there opportunities in this program to help me nurture this interest?
This question not only highlights your academic and research achievements but also expresses a proactive interest in continuing such endeavors at the prospective institution. If the interviewer is also involved in research, this can spark a deeper, more meaningful conversation, making you memorable and allowing you to forge a connection based on mutual interests. It showcases your commitment to contributing knowledge to the field, which can be a valuable asset for any residency program.
Tips for questions to ask program directors
Do your research: One of the biggest mistakes you can make is asking questions with answers that are readily available on the program’s website. It may give an impression of lack of preparation. Browse through the program’s website, alumni testimonials, recent publications from the department, and any other relevant resources. Familiarize yourself with the basics and the nuances.
Know the program: Demonstrate your knowledge of the program by asking questions that build upon what you already know (from information available online and during the introduction session). This indicates genuine interest and a proactive approach.
Aim for understanding: While the interview is an opportunity for the program to get to know you, it’s equally an opportunity for you to get to know them. Gather as much information as you can to make an informed decision when ranking programs.
Understand the program’s vision: Understand not just the current state but also where the program aims to be in the future. Questions about upcoming changes, expansions, or any novel initiatives can offer deeper insights.
Residents vs. Faculty: The questions you ask residents are generally different than those you ask faculty. While questions for residents tend to be more focused on the lived experience of the program, questions for faculty should aim to uncover the broader academic, clinical, and philosophical underpinnings of the residency.
How long should your residency interview answer be?
Generally, between 1-2 minutes. It has to be long enough to provide a thorough answer but short enough to keep the interviewer engaged. However, there are exceptions to every rule. One thing that can help you determine whether to stop or keep going is to watch the interviewer’s cues and body language. If they appear engaged and interested, you’re likely on the right track. If they seem distracted or impatient, it might be a cue to wrap up your answer.
What makes a good residency interview?
A good residency interview should leave both the program and the applicant with a clear understanding of each other, enabling both to make informed decisions about their fit and potential future together.
Is it OK to take notes during residency interviews?
While it’s acceptable to take notes during a residency interview, it’s essential to do so judiciously, ensuring it doesn’t hinder the quality of the interaction. Always prioritize active engagement and active listening during the interview process. It is better to take notes immediately after the interview rather than during the interview.
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What are the red flags for residency interviews?
1. Lack of Preparedness: Arriving late, not knowing specifics about the program, or appearing disorganized can immediately cast doubt on your seriousness and professionalism and exclude you from the rank list.
2. Negative Talk: Speaking poorly about previous institutions, mentors, or other applicants can reflect negatively on your professionalism and maturity.
3. Overemphasis on Finances or Lifestyle: While compensation and work-life balance are valid concerns, focusing too heavily on these aspects may make you seem less committed to the specialty or the art of medicine.
4. Non-verbal Cues: Poor eye contact, frequently checking one’s phone, or appearing disinterested can be major deterrents.
5. Lack of Questions: When given the chance to ask questions, having none can indicate a lack of genuine interest in the program.
6. Overconfidence or Arrogance: Confidence is good, but arrogance can be off-putting. The medical field requires teamwork, and humility is a cherished trait.
7. Avoiding Answering Questions Directly: Dodging questions or being overly vague can come off as evasive or dishonest.
8. Not Engaging with Current Residents: Most residency programs have a component where applicants interact with current residents. Disinterest or disengagement during these interactions can be noted.
9. Unprofessional behavior: Treating fellow applicants or coordinators poorly during an interview signals a lack of professionalism and teamwork and can exclude the applicant from the rank list.
For applicants, while these are red flags you should avoid, it’s also essential to observe the program for any warning signs, such as residents appearing overly fatigued, a lack of transparency about the program’s specifics, or sensing an unsupportive environment.
Remember, both sides are evaluating fit. The goal is to find a harmonious match that facilitates growth, learning, and the provision of excellent patient care.
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200+ Residency Interview Questions
General Questions
Tell me about yourself
1. Tell me about yourself. How would your friends describe you?
3. How would you describe yourself?
4. What three words would you use to describe yourself to somebody new?
5. Tell me about your journey.
6. What did you do from the time you graduated high school until now?
7. Tell me about something interesting about you that wasn’t included in your CV
Medicine and the specialty
8. What got you interested in medicine?
9. Why made you want to practice medicine?
10. Why are you interested in the specialty (you are applying to)?
11. What do you like about the specialty (you are applying to)?
12. Which aspects of the specialty (you are applying to) do not appeal to you?
13. If you had to change one thing about the specialty you are applying to, what would that be?
14. What excites you the most about the specialty (you are applying to)?
15. What aspects of the specialty (you are applying to) do you love the most?
16. Why did you want to become an internal medicine doctor (if you are applying to IM)?
17. What do you think is most unique about the specialty (you are applying to) when comparing it to others?
18. If you had to describe the specialty (you are applying to) to a friend in three words, how would you describe it?
19. What do you think is the biggest challenge to our specialty?
Your strengths
20. What makes you stand out from other applicants?
21. What makes you a unique applicant?
22. List three of your greatest strengths
23. What skills would you be bringing to our program?
24. Why should we choose you instead of other applicants?
25. If I asked a friend who knows you very well about your best characteristics, how would they describe you?
26. Is there anything unique about yourself that I would not find in any other applicants I’m interviewing this year?
27. Tell me about your volunteer activities
28. Tell me about your research
29. Tell me about your medical school experience
Your weaknesses
30. What are your weaknesses?
31. Why did you get a low score on STEP1 (if any)?
32. Why did you have a failure on STEP 2CK (if any)?
33. Why do you have a gap between graduating from medical school and applying to residency (if any)?
34. As an older graduate (if you are), do you think your age would be an obstacle for you to excel in residency and why?
35. As someone who finished prior training (for those who finished another residency prior to applying), do you think it would be difficult to go back to being an intern?
36. What things would you like to change about yourself?
37. What are your negative attributes?
38. If I ask a friend who knows you very well what they don’t like about you, what would they say?
39. Which of your professional deficiencies would you like to improve during residency?
40. Which of your personal deficiencies would you like to improve during residency?
41. What aspect of your personality do you not like?
42. If you could go back in time, is there anything you would like to change on your journey?
43. (For IMGs) As an IMG, what difficulties do you think you will encounter during residency compared to US students?
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Why the program?
44. Why did you apply to our program?
45. What is unique about our program compared to other programs?
46. What do you hope to learn from our program specifically
47. Is there anything that our program offers that others do not?
48. What are you looking for in a program?
49. What does your dream program look like?
50. What do you like the most about the city (of the program you’re applying to)?
51. How did you find the residents from the social hour yesterday?
52. Do you think you would be a good fit for our program and why?
53. Our program has intense clinical hours. Why do you think you would be able to handle the stress and long hours of our program?
54. I see you have an impressive research portfolio. However, our program does not have many resources for research. How do you think that will affect you?
55. Our program has an extensive focus on research output and scholarly activity. I see you don’t have much research experience. How do you think you’ll be able to contribute to our program despite your lack of experience?
56. Which is more important to you, clinical experience or research?
57. What are the three most important things you look for in a residency program?
Future goals
58. What are your career goals?
59. Where do you see yourself in 5/10 years?
60. What do you want to do after you finish residency?
61. Do you want to do a fellowship after you finish residency? What type?
62. Would you want to practice inside or outside of the US?
63. Where do you want to practice after you finish residency?
64. Do you want to practice in academia or private practice? And why?
65. What is your ideal future job?
66. What are the three most important things you look for in a future job?
67. Who is your idol in the specialty you’re applying to?
68. Do you want to be involved in teaching during residency? And why?
69. Do you want to be involved in teaching during your future career? And why?
70. Do you want to be involved in research during residency? And why?
71. Do you want to be involved in research after residency? And why?
72. How do you think you will be contributing to our program?
73. How do you think you will be contributing to the specialty (you’re applying to)?
74. What impact would you like to have on our specialty?
75. Do you think you will have any impact on our specialty? And how?
76. Who is your idol in life?
77. Do you want to become a leader in your field?
78. What is your backup plan if you do not match this year?
Hobbies and interests/ icebreakers
79. What do you like to do for fun?
80. What are your hobbies?
81. Do you play any sports?
82. Do you play a musical instrument? Which one and for how long have you been playing?
83. Do you listen to music? What type is your favorite?
84. What is your favorite song?
85. What is your favorite book?
86. What is the best book you have read? Tell me a little bit about it
87. What’s your favorite movie? Tell me a little bit about it
88. What is the last book you read? What did you learn from it?
89. What’s your favorite meal? What do you like most about it?
90. If we let you choose the songs/music in the operating room, what type of music would we be listening to?
91. Do you like to study at home or in the library? And why?
92. Do you like to hike? What’s your favorite place?
93. If you had free plane tickets to go anywhere, where would you want to go?
94. If you could travel freely without any Covid restrictions, where would your ideal vacation place be?
95. What is your favorite social media platform and why?
96. What do you think of social media influencers?
97. Tell me a joke
98. Tell me a fun fact about you
99. Tell me about a funny incident that happened to you during medical school
100. What’s your favorite football team? Who’s your favorite player?
Behavioral Questions
Interactions
101. Tell me about a negative interaction with a resident/attending/medical student/nurse/physician assistant
102. Tell me about a positive interaction with a resident/attending/medical student/nurse/physician assistant
103. Tell me about a misunderstanding/miscommunication that happened during your clinical rotations
104. Tell me about a misunderstanding/miscommunication that happened outside your medical school
105. Tell me about a situation where you felt you were not treated fairly
106. Tell me about a situation where you came to class unprepared and how you handled that
107. Tell me about a situation where you had a conflict with a resident/attending/medical student/nurse/physician assistant and how you handled that
108. Tell about a clinical situation in which your ethics were challenged
109. How do you deal with someone who disagrees with you?
110. Tell me about a situation where you disagreed with someone and how you handled it
Challenges
111. Tell me about a stressful situation you went through and how you overcame it
112. Tell me about a situation where you worked under pressure and how you handled it
113. Burnout is common in medicine. What do you do to avoid burnout?
114. What do you do when you feel disappointed?
115. What do you do when you feel overwhelmed?
116. What challenges do you expect to encounter during the first year of residency?
117. Tell me about a challenge you overcame during medical school
118. Tell me about a challenge you overcame during your journey to residency
119. Tell me about a situation that shows you can overcome challenges
120. Tell me about the biggest challenge you’ve faced on your journey to residency
121. Tell me about a failure of yours and how you reacted to it
122. Tell me about a time you felt disappointed and how you dealt with it
123. Tell me about a situation where you disappointed your mentor(s)
124. Tell me about a mistake you made in medical school and what you learned from it?
125. Tell me about a mistake you made outside medical school and what you learned from it?
126. What would make you give up?
127. Tell me about the most impactful lesson you learned from your mentor(s) during medical school?
128. Tell me about your biggest success and what it meant to you
129. What would you do if a co-worker or senior resident was abusing you?
Personal attributes
130. Are you a hard-working person? And why?
131. Are you a team player? And why?
132. Tell me about a situation during medical school which demonstrates your team player skills
133. Tell me about a situation during medical school in which you did not feel like you were a part of the team
134. Tell me about a situation outside medical school which demonstrates your team player skills
135. Tell me about a situation outside medical school which demonstrates your leadership skills
136. Tell me about a situation that demonstrates you’re a hard worker
137. Tell me about a situation during medical school in which you went above and beyond
138. Tell me about a situation outside medical school in which you went above and beyond
139. Tell me about a situation in which you went the extra mile
140. Would people say you are smart? And why?
141. If you had to rank these characteristics in order of importance for a resident, how would you rank them? Clinical knowledge, intellectual intelligence, social intelligence, hard work
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Patient interactions
142. Tell me about a positive patient interaction
143. Tell me about a negative patient interaction
144. Tell me about a situation where you had to deal with an angry patient
145. Tell me about a situation where you learned something from a patient
146. Tell me about an impactful patient interaction
147. Tell me about the most difficult clinical scenario you had to deal with
148. Tell me about a patient interaction you handled well
149. Tell me about a patient interaction you did not handle well
150. Tell me about a mistake you made clinically and how you explained it to the patient
General
151. If you had to pick a superpower, what would it be?
152. If you had the chance to be an animal, which animal would you pick?
153. What’s your spirit animal?
154. What’s your favorite tree?
155. Which body cell type do you identify with? Which organ do you identify with?
156. Which element of the periodic table do you like the most?
157. Are you a hunter or a gatherer?
158. What do you think about diversity and inclusion? And how can you contribute to that?
159. What do you think about the US healthcare system? How is it different from where you trained?
160. Why do you want to do residency in the US (for international medical graduates)?
161. If you had the power to go back in time, which part of the history would you like to go back to?
162. If you could invite any three living people to dinner and have a conversation with them, who would you pick?
163. If you could invite any three people who are deceased to dinner and have a conversation with them, who would you pick?
164. From living people you know, who is your idol?
165. From deceased people you knew, who is your idol?
166. What advice do you have for future applicants?
167. What advice would you give to yourself now, if you were 18 years old?
168. What is a piece of advice that changed your career?
169. What advice did you receive that impacted you the most?
170. If you had one more day to live, how would you spend it?
171. What do you think is more important, success or love?
172. What do you think is more important, money without success or success without money?
173. Do you think money is important for happiness?
174. What do you think money cannot buy?
175. If I write a biography about you, how would you like me to title it?
176. How would you convince people to buy ice cream in Minnesota in winter?
177. How would you explain an airplane to someone from the Middle Ages?
178. What do you think is the most important event in human history?
179. What do you think is the most important medical invention/discovery?
180. Do you think humans are good or bad by nature? And why?
181. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
182. What characteristics can you not deal with in your coworkers?
183. If you had to be on an island for one month, what three things would you bring and why?
184. What would you do if you won $1 million?
185. Would you like to have the ability to read minds?
186. How would you describe light to someone who is blind?
187. How many leaves fall from the trees each autumn around the world?
188. How would you tell a patient that they have cancer?
189. What do you like the most about life?
190. What do you think the next big breakthrough in medicine will be?
191. What do you think the next big breakthrough in your specialty will be?
192. If you could attribute one medical breakthrough to yourself,
which would it be?
193. Do you think Einstein would have been a good intern and why?
194. What do you think are the two most important characteristics of a leader?
195. If you’re the President of the United States, how can you achieve peace around the world?
196. If you’re the President of the United States, what can you do to solve the issue of world pollution?
197. Do you think there is a solution for poverty around the world?
198. What was your favorite birthday gift when you were young?
199. What would you like your family and friends to say about you when you die?
200. If you repeat your exams again, do you think you would get the same score?
201. Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
202. When you go out with friends, are you usually the person listening or talking? 203. If you had to pick another specialty, which one would that be and why?
204. If you had to pick a career other than medicine, which one would that be and why?
205. What do you think is more important during residency, teamwork or clinical knowledge? And why?
206. What was your favorite subject in high school?
207. Which subject did you like the most in medical school?
208. Which subject did you hate the most in medical school?
209. Who was your favorite teacher in medical school and why?
210. Which clinical rotation did you like the most in medical school? Why?
211. Which clinical rotation did you hate the most in medical school? Why?
212. Do you feel jealous when somebody knows more than you?
213. How do you deal with criticism?
214. What keeps you going?
215. What makes you a good teacher?
216. Teach me something I did not know
217. Rank in order of importance; family, research, clinical skills?
Questions to Ask Residency Program Directors and Faculty
General
1. What are the strengths of this program
2. What would you like to change about the program in the coming years?
3. Have there been any changes in the program recently based on the residents’ feedback?
4. What do you like the most about this program?
5. If you had to change three things about this program, what would they be?
6. How would you describe the relationship between the residents and faculty?
7. If you were in my shoes, would you choose to train at this program? And why?
8. What are the changes that are expected to happen in this program in the next five years?
9. What has the program done in the last five years to improve diversity and inclusion among the residents and faculty?
Clinical
10. How would you describe the clinical experience at this program?
11. I’m interested in head and neck reconstruction. How is the exposure to these types of surgeries?
12. I saw that there are six months of elective time during the third year. What options are available to residents during this time?
13. Regarding clinical experience, which areas are the best in this program and which areas are the weakest?
14. Can you tell me about the resident autonomy in the operating room?
15. If you had to change one thing about the program clinically, what would that be?
16. When do residents start doing laparoscopic appendicectomies?
17. Do you see a diverse type of patient population in the city?
18. There are four residency programs in the city. Does that affect the volume and clinical exposure of the residents in this program?
Research
19. Can you tell me about the research opportunities at this program?
20. On average, how many projects do residents get involved in during their training?
21. I have an interest in assessing the surgical outcomes of breast reconstruction. Are there opportunities in this program to help me nurture this interest?
22. Do you have a dedicated research lab?
23. Do you have a dedicated statistician?
24. Do you have dedicated research personnel to help with research?
25. Are there any mandatory years to do research?
26. I’m interested in identifying ways to improve healthcare disparities. What resources does your program offer to help me achieve that?
27. What support is there to conduct clinical research projects in this program?
28. I read on the website that you have multiple labs assessing the outcome of chemotherapy on breast cancer recurrence. Are there any opportunities for residents to be involved in these projects?
29. I’m interested in pursuing a fellowship in critical care and I saw that there are two mandatory years of research during this residency. Am I allowed to take one of the two years to do this fellowship?
30. I saw that you do research in hepatocellular carcinoma, and this is one of my interests. Are there opportunities for residents to help with your research?
Residents
31. How would you describe a resident that would fit in well among the resident group?
32. What type of applicants is this program looking for?
33. How is the mentorship model in this program?
34. Do residents get to choose their mentor or are they assigned one?
35. What is the mentorship model in this program?
Education
36. I’m interested in education, and I helped tutor many medical students in my school. Are there opportunities for me to be involved in medical student education in this program?
37. What resources do you have to help residents with board exams?
38. How is the board passing rate at this program?
39. Do you have a dedicated simulation lab?
Future career
40. What percentage of your residents go into fellowship versus straight to practice?
41. What percentage of your residents go to academics versus private practice?
42. I’m interested in a critical care fellowship. What percentage of the residents go into this fellowship?
43. I’m interested in a cardiology fellowship. Is it possible for me to pursue that fellowship after training at this program?
44. What percentage of the residents match at their top fellowship choice?
45. What do residents who graduate from this program typically do after residency?
46. I’m interested in academic medicine. Is it possible for me to pursue academia after training at this program?
47. I’m interested in academic medicine. What resources and support does the program offer to help me achieve that goal?
48. Is there any fellowship that is hard to get into after training at this program?
49. Do graduates of this program find jobs easily after training here?
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Questions to Ask Residents
General
1. What are the strengths of this program?
2. What would you like to change about the program in the coming years?
3. Have there been any changes in the program recently based on the residents’ feedback?
4. What do you like the most about this program?
5. If you had to change three things about this program, what would they be?
6. How would you describe the relationship between the residents?
7. How would you describe the relationship between the residents and faculty?
8. What do you like to do when all the residents get together?
9. Are you allowed to moonlight during residency?
Clinical
10. How would you describe the clinical experience at this program?
11. I’m interested in head and neck reconstruction. How is the exposure to these types of surgeries?
12. I saw that there are six months of elective time during the third year. What options are available to residents during this time?
13. Regarding clinical experience, which areas are the best in this program and which areas are the weakest?
14. Can you tell me about the resident autonomy in the operating room?
15. If you had to change one thing about the program clinically, what would that be?
16. Do you have PAs and nurses to help with clinical duties?
17. By the time residents are in their chief year, about how many cases have they scrubbed in for?
18. When do residents start doing laparoscopic appendicectomies?
19. Do you see a diverse type of patient population in the city?
20. Can you please tell me about the clinical responsibilities on the medical ICU?
21. Which hospital(s) do you spend the most time in?
22. How many hospitals do you rotate at?
Research
23. Can you tell me about the research opportunities at this program?
24. On average, how many projects do residents get involved in during their training?
25. I have an interest in assessing the surgical outcomes of breast reconstruction. Are there opportunities in this program to help me nurture this interest?
26. Do you have a dedicated research lab?
27. Do you have a dedicated statistician?
28. Do you have dedicated research personnel to help with research?
29. Do you have dedicated time to do research during residency?
30. Do you get funding and time off for meeting presentations?
31. Are there any mandatory years to do research?
32. I’m interested in identifying ways to improve healthcare disparities. What resources does your program offer to help me achieve that?
33. What support is there to conduct clinical research projects in this program?
34. I read on the website that you have multiple labs assessing the outcome of chemotherapy on breast cancer recurrence. Are there any opportunities for residents to be involved in these projects?
35. I’m interested in pursuing a fellowship in critical care and I saw that there are two mandatory years of research during this residency. Am I allowed to take one of the two years to do this fellowship
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Fun/Wellness
36. Which areas of the city do most of the residents live in?
37. What is the percentage of residents in this program that own vs. rent?
38. How is the call schedule in this program?
39. What has the program done to improve resident wellness?
40. What are some fun things to do in the city?
41. How is the food scene in the city?
42. How is the art scene in the city?
43. Are there good places to hike around the city?
44. How is the weather here throughout the year?
45. Do I need a car while training at this program or can I use the transportation system or a bike?
46. I love classical music. Are there any concerts in the city?
47. I’m interested in watching some football games. If I was fortunate enough to match at your program, do you usually get free tickets to attend these games?
48. What percentage of the residents are married?
49. What percentage of the residents have children?
50. What percentage of the female residents have children?
51. Do you have maternity leave in this program?
52. I saw that three residents left the program. What was the reason for that?
53. Is it easy to find parking at this program?
54. How many weeks of vacation do you have a year?
55. What is the average cost of living in the city?
Education
56. What resources do you have to help residents with board exams?
57. Do residents get to choose their mentor or are they assigned one?
58. What is the mentorship model in this program?
59. How is the board passing rate at this program?
60. Do you have a dedicated simulation lab?
Future career
61. What percentage of your residents go into fellowship versus straight to practice?
62. What percentage of your residents go to academics versus private practice?
63. I’m interested in a critical care fellowship. What percentage of the residents go into this fellowship?
64. I’m interested in a cardiology fellowship. Is it possible for me to pursue that fellowship after training at this program?
65. What percentage of the residents match at their top fellowship choice?
66. What do residents who graduate from this program typically do after residency?
67. I’m interested in academic medicine. Is it possible for me to pursue academia after training at this program?
68. I’m interested in academic medicine. What resources and support does the program offer to help me achieve that goal?
69. Is there any fellowship that is hard to get into after training at this program?
70. Do graduates of this program find jobs easily after training here?
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