If you’re applying for your dream pediatric residency, one of the most important parts of your medical residency interview prep is practicing pediatric residency interview questions. We have compiled a list of common pediatric residency interview questions to help you prepare. These sample questions and answers will give you a good starting point for learning how to answer any residency interview questions. We also provide you with medical residency interview tips on how to answer and what is really being asked.
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Most Common Pediatric Residency Interview Questions
Pediatric Residency Interview Question #1: What Is It About Our Program That Interests You?
This question is asking why you match perfectly with the pediatric residency program you have applied to. This means that you should mention specific details about the program and connect those details back to yourself. If you are applying to one of the best residency programs in Canada or the best residency programs in the US you will need to show you have put lots of thought into why you are a good fit. This could include reasons like a good reputation for a particular subspecialty or a connection with a prestigious medical fellowship.
Want to know the most common residency interview questions and answers? Watch this video:
Pediatric Residency Interview Question #2: Tell Us About Yourself
While all questions in a pediatric residency interview connect to why you will be a perfect fit for the program, any variations on the “tell me about yourself” question are specifically asking you to reveal something about yourself that indicates how you will be the ideal candidate for a pediatrics residency. You can also think of this question as a shorter version of your residency personal statement, although try to add new details in your answer.
This question is the best time to highlight soft skills that might not be present in your residency CV. Make sure you highlight skills that are relevant to pediatrics such as communication, empathy, or patience. Pediatrics is a specialty that uniquely relies on these skills so it is important to highlight them when answering more open-ended questions like this one.
You can also think of anecdotes or activities that involve children to highlight in this answer. You don’t have to always specifically mention pediatrics, but you should have it in the back of your mind when you answer this question. Any experiences that involve working with children, like volunteering with a youth sports team, would be an asset but any activity that showcases skills relevant to pediatrics should be highlighted first in your answer here.
Pediatric Residency Interview Question #3: Why Did You Choose Pediatrics?
At this stage you have probably thought long and hard about which medical specialty is right for you. The interviewer is asking you to articulate your connection to pediatric medicine, and you need to give an answer that goes deep. Your reasons for selecting your specialty should speak to how important it is for you, how long you have had this connection, or how perfect you are for the role.
Don’t assume that you need to start off with the phrase “Ever since I was little, I always wanted to be a pediatrician,” if it is not true. Some people arrive at the conclusion that they are meant to enter a particular field fairly late in life. Just make sure your answer is specific to pediatrics and not just why you want to become a doctor.
It is also fine to honestly include a practical reason such as desire to be in a specialty with a good work-life balance or a highly paid specialty as this shows you’ve done the research into the realities of your future career. However, if you only answer in this way you may come off as insincere.
Pediatric Residency Interview Question #4: Tell Me About a Time You Failed
This is not a deceptive question, but it’s also not a straightforward one similar to the classic “what is your greatest weakness?” question. The interviewer isn’t just asking you to tell them a failure; they are far more interested in what happened next. How did you deal with the failure? What lessons did you learn? How did you correct your course?
If you have an example of a failure that relates to pediatric medicine directly or working with children, you should use it! It is okay to admit to mistakes as long as you have shown that you have learned from them and that the mistakes will make you a better doctor today. Even if you don’t have a good anecdote from your pediatric clinical rotations, you could talk about a situation with a younger family member or a non-medical work experience involving children.
Wondering what are the best residency interview questions that you need to know? Check this infographic:
Pediatric Residency Interview Question #5: If You Couldn’t Be in Pediatrics, Where Would You Go?
This is a fairly straightforward question, but you should not just answer with the name of any other specialty that happens to be in your rank order list. Go into why you would pick a different specialty, not just what that specialty is. Your interviewer is looking to get an oblique viewpoint on your choices. Your answer should therefore also hint at why you ultimately chose pediatrics. For example, you could talk about enjoying internal medicine because it also is a discipline which is broad and requires a multi-faceted approach to medicine.
Other Potential Pediatric Residency Interview Questions
Tips on Answering Pediatric Residency Interview Questions from our Experts
Any interview is a chance to show off yourself. The interviewers already know you submitted an excellent ERAS or CaRMS application; that is why they invited you for an interview!
Because you will be dealing primarily with children, pediatrics requires a level of communication and patience that other disciplines do not. You can show off these skills by relating positive experiences in your interview questions, but it is also important to show off these skills in your answers. This means answering in a collected way, communicating clearly, and showcasing excitement for the program. You can also do this by asking the asking the interviewers questions.
You can hone your interview technique through study, practice, and use of a residency interview prep book; however, the best way to move forward is with a residency mock interview. Mock interviews perfectly prepare you by simulating the exact conditions for your actual interview and practice your responses. This allows you to get professional feedback on a duplicate interview with real questions and answers in real time.
FAQs
1. How long should my answers take?
About 2-3 minutes is perfect for most questions, although some might take more or less time.
2. CAN I MEMORIZE ANSWERS TO THESE PEDIATRIC RESIDENCY INTERVIEW QUESTIONS?
Memorized answers don’t sound natural. Study the content and general sequence of what you want to talk about, but don’t memorize word for word.
3. SHOULD I TALK ABOUT PEDIATRICS IN ALL MY ANSWERS?
You don’t have to specifically mention pediatrics in every answer and you can showcase experiences from anywhere. However, they should always relate back to pediatrics or the more general practice of medicine in some way.
4. Is interview preparation different based on format?
There are some minor differences. For instance, if you are in a virtual interview, you should check your equipment and connection the day before your interview. If it is in person, you should practice driving the route to the interview location prior to your interview. But your study focus is the same.
5. What is proper attire for an interview?
Business-casual will work, keeping you comfortable and making you look professional.
6. IS IT HARD TO GET INTO A PEDIATRICS RESIDENCY?
While pediatrics is not one of the most competitive residencies, it can still be a challenge to get into your dream program so make sure you prepare.
7. WHAT ARE RESIDENCY INTERVIEW RED FLAGS?
Avoid coming across as impersonal, arrogant, aloof, bored, or mean – any negative traits, really. You should never gossip or badmouth other programs or students. You should also show up on time, dress appropriately, and be well prepared.
8. ARE PEDIATRIC RESIDENCY INTERVIEWS IMPORTANT?
All elements of an application count for something, and the interview is your first face-to-face meeting with the people who will determine your future. Yes, it’s important.
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