Internal Medicine Residency Interview Questions | BeMo®

So, you’re preparing for your internal medicine residency interview questions, and you don’t even know where to start. Your medical residency interview preparation is key to securing your dream residency. Looking for good, reliable medical residency interview tips can be tough, but with solid answers and some consistent practice, you’ll be ready to deliver your best interview yet.

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Top Internal Medicine Residency Interview Questions and How To Answer Them

Internal Medicine Residency Interview Question #1: Why Internal Medicine?

The why internal medicine residency interview question is one of the most commonly asked questions of any residency applicant, and it is almost certain to come up during your interview. You can think back to your “Why Do You Want to Become a Doctor?” question during your medical school interview preparation.

What your interviewer wants to know here is simply how close a fit you will be to the residency. You should have a connection that is well thought through, speaks to elements of your personality or character, and which shows why you are the perfect match to your specialty of choice.

Remember, this question is about you working in internal medicine, so be specific. You can use information that you have in your internal medicine personal statement to answer this question. Since internal medicine is one of the broadest specialties, it could be helpful to express interest in one of the subspecialities to show you’ve down your research. You could also bring up an anecdote from your internal medicine rotation that inspired you to want to pursue this specialty. However, you answer this question just make sure it’s specific to internal medicine!

Deciding which area of medicine to enter is one of the hardest decisions I have faced, since I love so many different areas of medicine. Ultimately, my decision to focus on internal medicine has to do with who I am and who I think I can become.

My favorite hobby is chess, and a big reason I love chess is because it is a game of dense complexity and problem solving. My favorite variant of chess is speed chess where complex decisions happen quickly. Internal medicine is a discipline of complexity, and I feel at home in that world. Being an internist requires an understanding of the many aspects of adult medicine. I feel rewarded when I can apply my problem-solving mind to help people, and this particular discipline allows me to do that like no other.

An internist must understand not just individual organs and systems, but how those systems interact, and be able to diagnose patients, come up with treatment plans, and effectively implement those plans based on a broad understanding of body mechanics. I feel valued when I work out such problems, whether as a chess player or medical student. During my internal medicine rotation, I was able to assist with diagnoses of several patients, including several difficult diagnoses which were noted by my instructing physician.

That is who I am, but I am also interested in who I can become. By entering a residency as an internist, I will challenge myself, keep my mind sharp, and learn medicine in a broad capacity. I believe that studying internal medicine will keep me focused, expand my knowledge of medicine, and allow me to both develop and practice my existing talents and abilities. I believe I will be the best physician I can be by entering into this discipline.

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Internal Medicine Residency Interview Question #2: Tell Me About Yourself

A deceptively complicated question, “tell me about yourself,” is another question which is almost guaranteed to come up at some point in your internal medicine interview questions. It is a complex question because you only have the space of 2-3 minutes in which to give a good picture of your life and who you are.

Although you don’t necessarily need to talk about medicine or internal medicine, you should still have at least a peripheral connection to internal medicine here, even if only to highlight desirable character traits like communication and empathy.

With that said, you also want to give a picture of somebody who has an interesting history and is more well-rounded than just repeating your residency CV. You might do this by speaking of your childhood, your hobbies, or anything else which will show who you are to your interviewers.

I grew up in a condo in the heart of the city, and I used to dream of being in a wide-open space, filled with green or stars. When we would visit relatives or friends out of town, I was always at my most excited. That might be part of the reason why I have always loved the natural sciences –because I grew up fascinated by this world that seemed to be outside of my reality.

With that said, I did love growing up in the city, and I got to experience a lot of cultural programs that I might not have otherwise experienced, which is why I think I’m such a fan of music. When I am not studying, I love listening to music, and when I am studying, I will often play music as a way to think through problems and engage my mind to keep it focused. My favorite instrument to play is the violin, and I get lost in the strings as I got lost staring up at the stars as a boy.

My experiences growing up led me to appreciate what all places could offer me. The country held tranquility and a gateway to curiosity and the natural world, while city life was filled with excitement and a connection to other people – most embodied in my love of music.

This understanding has led me to one of my highest values in life, which is to appreciate what I have, rather than simply look to what I do not have. As well, my upbringing and appreciation for all aspects of life have led me to recognize the importance of how parts fit together to form a larger whole, and how something like music can affect my understanding of academic problems.

Internal Medicine Residency Interview Question #3: What Do You Do for Fun?

Similar to “tell us about yourself,” but with a slight spin, this residency interview question is also probing to find out what kind of a person you are. Your hobbies and how you spend your free time will reveal a lot about you to the interviewer(s). Pick one or two of your favorite things to do.

You don’t need to directly connect them to internal medicine but again they should loosely tie to skills relevant to the specialty. Remember that internal medicine is a specialty that requires a flexible physician as there are so many things you may encounter. For example, you could list social or group hobbies and connect that your love for working in a team-based environment.

You can talk about activities or hobbies that are interesting and reflect on your abilities and faculties. You might highlight anything like sports, reading, playing instruments, studying languages, or any number of other activities. Because there are many applicants to internal medicine, if you have any particularly unique hobbies that might make you stand out to an interviewer you should include these!

You can link back to your personal statement, but remember this is about showcasing yourself as a well-rounded human, so don’t just repeat written text.

While medicine and studies take up a large amount of my time these days, no matter how busy I am, I always find time to challenge myself with woodworking. This is a hobby which I have enjoyed since I was little, and while I always knew that it would never be a vocation for me, I still love carving.

I got a pocketknife for my birthday one year, and I immediately did what a lot of little boys do: I started whittling, sharpening sticks into spears and swords for my imaginary games. As time went on, I started challenging myself with actual projects.

You never realize how hard it is to carve a smooth, round ball out of wood until you try. It’s trickier than it sounds. Once I had that down, I started trying to carve small animals and little wooden people. Each new figurine took patience and care, but each one was rewarding as it took shape.

Along the way, my hobby has given me many other gifts. For instance, I take pride in precision, which includes keeping my blades sharp and cared for, and being precise about safety protocols. Woodworking has taught me how to care for myself and my tools and to always be thinking about how I am working as well as what I am working on. I have also come to have a deep appreciation for wood in all its forms, including a sense of responsibility to care for the natural world.

Finally, over the years, I have given away most of my projects, usually to nieces and nephews who love these unique toys. Woodworking taught me lessons about caring for tools, safety, and precision, but it also allowed me to share my gifts with others.

Wondering what are the best residency interview questions that you need to know? Check this infographic:

Internal Medicine Residency Interview Question #4: What Made You Choose Our Program?

Did you put any thought into which residency you were applying to? There are lots of places where you can apply to work, and each one has unique advantages which you should consider before applying. This question is making sure that you did your homework, thought about where you would like to go, and applied to an internal medicine residency that makes sense for you.

This means that you didn’t just look up a list of “best places to do an internal medicine residency,” or top-rated facilities, but that you actually thought about the value that you could bring or that you would take away from your top-choice program. For example, is there a unique subspeciality that your chosen program is well-known for? This could also relate to non-academic want. For example, if you are applying to a program in your hometown and have always wanted to practice medicine there, you can bring that up!

Internal medicine is a complex field, and I knew that if I was going to be an internist, I needed a program which made sense for me and for that discipline. Your program fits my criteria, as I believe it will prepare me for internal medicine, and I think I am ideally suited to this environment.

Your program focuses on working as a health care team. I believe strongly in working together with other health care professionals to achieve optimal results for patients. I thrive in an environment of teamwork. Throughout medical school, my institution emphasized small group work, and so I have had a tremendous experience working as part of a close-knit team.

You have highlighted a commitment to diversity, and I respect this as a general principle. One of my career goals is to help create a more inclusive environment in medicine through research that will benefit underserved populations. Given that your program has a diversity commitment, I know that I will be able to get a good head-start on my career goals.

Finally, you have several excellent teaching doctors who are internists themselves, and I believe that I can learn an immense amount working under their supervision. Dr. Patel, for example, has conducted extensive research in internal medicine, and his focus on holistic care has influenced my decision to become an internist myself.

On a personal, professional, and practical level, I know that your program, above other programs, will help me become a better physician and provide an environment I believe I can greatly contribute to as a resident.

Internal Medicine Residency Interview Question #5: Do You Have Any Questions for Me?

This question wants to know if you are a careful thinker who is really interested in an internal medicine residency at this particular program.

You questions shoulddisplay your eagerness by asking about the program and about how you can excel, if matched.

Avoid asking common questions where the answers could be found easily online. It’s easy to find a program’s curriculum or general information about living in the city where it is based. However, having questions about a particular aspect of a program will show you have done your research.

While you might have had all your questions answered, it is a good idea to have a few questions for your residency interviewer in your back pocket so that you can ask them if given the opportunity.

Sample questions you might ask:

I noticed there was an emphasis on research in your curriculum, do many residents go on to research-based positions?
What are the hallmarks of success for a resident, particularly pertaining to your program?
What is a typical week like at your institution?

The Best Tips on Answering Internal Medicine Residency Interview Questions

Don’t be fooled into thinking that you don’t need to prepare for your interview because internal medicine is one of the easier specialties to match into. You will still need to excel in your interview to get into your dream position, especially if you are applying to a very desirable program or location.

Every question in a residency interview is intended to make sure that you are right for the program and that the program is right for you. A match is achieved when you fit like a puzzle piece, perfectly in place with the program you have applied to.

Internal medicine is a broad field, and there are many different ways to highlight your appropriateness for this specialty. You will want to focus on your ability to solve problems, think under pressure, make connections, deal with complexity, and understand big-picture thinking. Because internal medicine is such a broad field, we have compiled some general tips below.

#1: Do Your Research on Your Desired Program

What is something unique about the program you are applying to? This can be anything from a specialized fellowship connected to the program or even a program that is known to have good work-life balance.

The key here is to do your research so you can tailor your answers to the program you are applying to. The interviewers want to hear that you have done the research to determine you will be a good fit in their program.

#2: Be Up to Date on the Latest News and Research

You may be asked questions about new research or advances in the field of internal medicine. Because internal medicine is a broad field like family medicine or emergency medicine you will probably not be asked highly specialized questions.

However, it is a good idea to be up to date on general advances in the field. You might be asked about an interesting ethical dilemma or about current events. Having some case studies or research papers in the back of your mind, ready to discuss, will showcase your interest in the field.

#3: Practice Makes Perfect

It is a good idea to practice your potential interview questions. You shouldn’t memorize your answers and come off like a robot, but you should be confident in your answers!

Looking at practice residency interview questions and coming up with your own answers is great way to build confidence on your interview day.

Remember, you may get an interview invitation with short notice. It is a good idea to start practicing as soon as you have submitted your ERAS or CaRMS application.

#4: Include Personal Reflection

Remember, you likely already have a stellar academic track record. You successfully applied to and have almost completed medical school. The interview is time to reflect on yourself and why you will be a great doctor. Specifically, why you will excel in internal medicine.

FAQs

1. How long should my answers to residency interview questions be?

Long enough to answer the question, short enough to prevent yourself rambling or repeating yourself. Practice answering questions in about 2-3 minutes.

2. Should I memorize my answers for a residency interview?

No. Memorized answers often sound robotic or disengaged, or you might get asked a variant question and have no answer at all. Memorize what you want to talk about and the structure, not verbatim wording.

3. Does every answer need to be about internal medicine?

No, but every answer should present you as the ideal candidate for your residency. For example, you can talk about your passion for running which could be link to general ideas about mental and physical well-being.

4. How do I prepare for different internal medicine residency interview formats?

Mock interviews are the best, but most of the time the format won’t change your general strategy. Arrive on time, dress in business-casual attire, be prepared and focused, and you should be fine whether you are in a panel, one-on-one, in-person, or virtual interview.

5. Do I have to know everything about internal medicine?

Internal medicine is a broad field. While you should be confident in your general abilities as a doctor and any specialties of your program, you will not need to know everything.

6. What if I make a mistake or misspeak?

Simply saying, “Sorry, I meant to say,” and then correcting the mistake works. After that, take a breath, get back into your answer, and don’t dwell on it. Misspeaking is easy to do, so don’t worry about it.

7. What should I avoid talking about in an internal medicine residency interview?

Negativity is the biggest red flag to avoid. Speaking poorly of others, including other programs, putting anybody down – including yourself – any kind of cynicism or pessimism never plays well in an interview.

8. How important is the internal medicine residency interview?

Interviews are one of the most important aspects of the residency application because it is your biggest chance to show yourself off for who you are. Although you can show your personal side in essays, the interview is a much bigger step, as it is a live interaction.

To your success,

Your friends at BeMo

BeMo Academic Consulting

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Internal Medicine Residency Interview Questions & Expert Answers