Expect to be asked these residency interview questions during your interviews! These common questions residency applicants get asked will help you practice and prepare for your residency interview. Plus, I'll share the 5 interview questions that caught me off guard and walk you through some of the residency interview questions you can expect, how I answered them, and tips on how to answer.
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Common Residency Interview Questions
1) Why did you choose this specialty?
2) If you weren’t a doctor, what career would you choose?
3) Tell me about yourself.
4) What role does research play in a physician’s career?
5) Tell me about a time when you mediated a conflict between two people. This can be family members, co-workers, teammates, etc.
6) Medicine is transitioning away from a “doctor-centered” style of treatment and more towards a “team-based approach” when managing a patient. What does the term “team-based approach” mean to you?
7) What excites you the most about this specialty?
8) What do you like to do for fun?
9) Why this program?
10) What questions do you have about the program?
11) Tell me about a time you had to think quickly on your feet.
12) Tell me about a time you were outside of your comfort bubble.
13) Tell me about leadership roles you have held.
14) Tell me about a time you made a mistake.
15) Tell me about a time you had to think of a creative solution.
16) What goals would you like to achieve by the end of residency?
17) In what kind of setting would you like to practice?
18) What are some challenges faced by this specialty right now?
19) If you had $10 million in grant funding, how would you spend it to advance this field?
20) Tell me about a research project you participated in.
21) Define empathy OR Define patient-centred care.
22) What challenges do you foresee facing this specialty in the next 5-10 years?
23) What did you learn from a different specialty that will be helpful to you in this one?
24) What do you think will be the next breakthrough in this field?
25) What do you think of the US healthcare system, compared to other countries’ healthcare systems?
26) What do you do when you make a mistake?
27) What do you hope to gain from this residency program?
28) Have you ever failed at anything? How did you deal with it?
29) What would you do if you’re not accepted to this program (or specialty)?
30) Do you envision yourself working rurally or in an urban setting?
31) Do you envision research playing a large role in your practice?
32) What is the most demanding aspect of this specialty?
33) How have you prepared for the rigors of residency?
34) How do you think you will contribute to our residency program?
35) Teach me about something non-medical in 30 seconds.
36) Tell me about a patient who was particularly significant to you.
37) Tell me about your most interesting case.
38) What is the worst part about this specialty?
39) What would you do if you won a million dollars?
40) Tell me about a patient care mistake you make.
41) What courses and clerkships did you like the best and least?
42) What clinical experiences have you had in this specialty?
43) How do you deal with criticism?
44) How much did lifestyle considerations fit into your choice of specialty?
45) Do predict any problems managing a professional and a personal life?
46) Why did you become a doctor?
47) Tell me about a time your performance was criticized.
48) Tell me about a patient you had trouble dealing with.
49) Tell me about a difficult decision you've made in the past year.
50) What do you see as the positive aspects of this specialty?
51) What is the greatest sacrifice you have already made to get to where you are?
52) Do you plan on pursuing a fellowship?
53) Tell me about this problem in your academic record.
54) What accomplishments are you most proud of?
55) Do you want to do research?
56) Tell me about a time you dealt with a crisis.
57) Tell me about a stressful situation you experienced in medical school.
58) Tell me about a time you were disappointed with your performance.
59) Tell me about a time you had to form a relationship with someone you didn’t like.
60) What was your favorite rotation in medical school?
61) If you had to do medical school over again, what would you change?
62) What is your favorite color?
63) What does it take to get under your skin?
64) What training opportunities have you taken advantage of?
65) You're a senior resident and a junior resident shows up late. What do you do?
66) What are your goals?
67) What do you think you can contribute to this residency?
68) How would your friends describe you?
69) Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
70) If you had to describe yourself in 3 words, what would you pick?
71) What is your most memorable patient encounter?
72) Are you interested in academic or clinical medicine?
73) What is one thing you want me to see in your application?
74) What is something that most people do not know about you?
75) What are your hobbies?
76) What are you looking for in a program?
77) Tell me what you know about our program.
78) Tell me about a rewarding patient experience.
79) Tell me about a time you advocated on behalf of a patient.
80) What 3 qualities make a good leader?
81) What are your strengths and weaknesses?
82) Who inspires you?
83) Tell me about a time you tried to accomplish something and failed.
84) Tell me about a time you disagreed with an attending.
85) What is something you regret?
86) Describe a time you faced adversity in medical school or in life.
87) What motivates you?
88) What was the hardest decision you ever made?
89) Describe the best attending you ever worked with.
90) What gets you out of bed in the morning?
91) What was your hardest day of medical school?
92) Tell me about a time you did something the right way instead of the easy way.
93) Do you consider yourself to be a leader?
94) How do you cope in a competitive environment where you may feel behind.
95) Tell me about a time you solved a problem no one else could.
96) How would you describe yourself?
97) What are you most proud of?
98) What is the last book you read?
99) What are you most nervous about for residency?
100) What questions do you have for us?
5 Residency Interview Questions that Surprised Me
#1: What Do You Do for Fun?
During my own residency interview, I was really surprised to be asked about my hobbies and interests outside of medicine at almost every interview. Although program committees had read my residency personal statement, everyone wanted to know something more personal about me and get more insight into my personal life.
This could be considered a weird question for a formal residency interview; in my experience, many candidates are caught off guard by this question because they expect more clinical or technical inquiries. It's designed to test your problem-solving skills and how well you think on your feet; it’s also designed to have a ‘real life’ conversation’ and assess how you make the most of your free time. Show that you're adaptable and can maintain composure under pressure.
Stress, anxiety, and burn-out are huge problems in residency and big factors in career duration and satisfaction. How you choose to balance and prioritize your personal and professional life will go a long way to helping you make the most of residency and beyond. As well, many of my fellow residents have said that they have met their interviewers later in their training, and they remember them as “the baker,” “the record collector,” or “the girl who hates working out but does it anyway.” This question is also a chance to let a unique part of your personality shine through.
In my free time I enjoy kayaking. It’s something I’ve enjoyed for many years, being able to take a weekend away and camp and kayak and enjoy nature. Being out on the water gives me a great deal of peace and recharges my batteries. During medical school, when I had some free time, I would take my kayak out for a quick trip. The break from studying helped reduce stress and improve my mental health. In addition, it keeps me physically fit, which improves my endurance and focus. Kayaking can be either leisurely or challenging, depending on the waters you're in, so it does require intense focus, quick decision making, and the ability to read the water and adapt. It is a hobby that can be both mentally relaxing and mentally challenging, as well as physically demanding. I have found it to be an exciting and stimulating activity that keeps me on my toes.
#2: Why Should We Choose You?
The “why should we choose you?” residency interview question is one of the most common — and shouldn’t be a surprise. I was, however, surprised at how bluntly it was asked. I felt like I was being asked to lay my cards directly on the table, which is a bit awkward if you aren’t prepared.
One good approach to these types of questions is to structure your response in a way that demonstrates your strengths as a resident and as a colleague. Note that this question is a pretty universal one. You can expect it regardless of if you’re answering emergency medicine residency interview questions, pathology residency interview questions, pediatric residency interview questions, etc.
Someone once told me that most programs are looking for teachable residents and residents that they want to have around for the duration of the program. You’ll be spending a lot of time together, particularly in high-stress situations in which you must rely on one another and having people you like around you would be ideal. This doesn’t mean that likability trumps talent. It means that you must bring an aptitude for and good attitude to the program; therefore, your response to this residency interview question should emphasize your professional skills, suitability for the medical specialty, and technical abilities equally with the qualities that make you a good collaborator and communicator.
I am the ideal candidate because I have had a passion for family medicine since applying to medical school, and I am eager to learn how to be a great family physician. I have been looking forward to my residency so that I can both use what I have learned in medical school and push myself to learn more. Family medicine is a discipline which requires compassion, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and diagnostic ability. As my referees can attest, I am highly coachable, skilled, and have an undefeatable positive attitude, no matter how difficult the situation.
During my family medicine rotations, I was able to see an entire spectrum of different patients and really get to know each one of them. It solidified for me the conviction that this is my place in medicine. While I was working with Dr. X during my family medicine rotations, I encountered a patient who was difficult to get along with. This patient was known for being belligerent and questioning the hospital staff at every turn. When it was my turn to speak with this patient during a routine call, I went in with my usual attitude and quickly realized that while the patient did have many questions for me and Dr. X, they came from a place of caution and concern, rather than straight distrust.
After the patient finished asking their questions, I decided to ask if there was anything else we could speak with them about to resolve any concerns or if we could clarify anything we had explained. The patient's reaction was surprise, initially, as they were used to staff getting through answering their questions as quickly as possible. It seemed no one had taken the time to exercise patience and diagnose the real reason the patient was so insistent and apparently argumentative. Afterward, Dr. X commended me on my composure and response to the patient, who left much happier than when they had first come in.
#3: How Many Emails Are in Your Inbox?
This is a more lighthearted edition of a residency interview behavioral question. I expected to have a strange and quirky question come out of the blue, so I had spent some time thinking of the weird animal or kitchen appliance that best epitomized me. I’m still thinking of answers to those questions and still wondering exactly what this question is attempting to assess.
I often wonder, “are they judging applicants who say they have over 1,000 unread emails? Or, are they more interested in seeing how level-headed you can be? When it comes to figuring out the answer to what do residency program directors look for?, the key is keeping calm and answering honestly.
There isn’t anything too revealing or informative in responses to quirky questions, so it’s wise to answer the best you can, not stress too much about it, and move on to focusing on your other residency interview questions.
I typically keep my inbox organized with only a few unread emails, focusing on urgent messages first – I currently have about a dozen unread emails. If faced with a large influx, I would categorize them by urgency, using filters to prioritize emails marked 'important' or from key contacts like colleagues or supervisors. I’d then systematically address each one, starting with the highest priority. This approach allows me to stay on top of communication efficiently, even in a high-pressure situation.
#4: When Was the Last Time You Got Mad?
This question really threw me for a loop. Quite honestly, I felt like I could easily be trapped into a response that would make me look like an undesirable applicant. I talked about this question afterward with a few of the staff physicians with whom I was working, and it was reassuring to hear that they wouldn’t know how to provide a good response either.
Interestingly, this question is sort of a disguise for the strengths and weaknesses residency interview question, which means your strategy for these types of questions can be guided by a similar approach.
Still, I really appreciated one interpretation of the question. First, the types of scenarios that we’re being asked about are generally universally experienced; that is to say, almost everyone will have experienced conflict, acted as a leader, worked in a group, and gotten mad at some point in medical school. It would be extremely unusual to not be able to provide an answer to this type of question, simply because it’s designed to be able to be answered by anyone. This means you shouldn’t shy away from the question or avoid providing an answer.
Second, there are some situations that one should get angry about. Sometimes, not getting angry means tolerating the unacceptable, and that is not a desirable trait. Third, anger is a perfectly natural and human response and usually occurs among a mix of emotions.
The answer I provided was that I got angry with a classmate. It was a mistake to get angry, and I hope that my response showed that I am willing to admit being wrong and to make amends, and I’m able to recognize when being angry isn’t appropriate and when I should act differently.
I had a disagreement with one of my classmates during a residency interview study session about the correct answer to an ambiguous, ethical-type question. Both of us felt that we were correct, and I began to get angry at my classmate’s refusal to acknowledge other points of view or compromise, as they felt there was only one right answer. I asked my classmate to explain more fully why they believed their answer was correct and why other potential responses were wrong. Once my classmate more fully explained their point of view, I realized that in their perspective the question was not ambiguous at all. I apologized to my classmate for getting angry, and we agreed to disagree on the right answer.
This disagreement taught me that getting angry over every difference of opinion or perspective is not helpful and that moving forward requires some form of compromise. After this argument, I investigated ways to practice better conflict resolution, especially when a perfect solution is not available. This was a teaching moment for me about remaining open-minded and flexible, but it also highlighted the importance of having effective communication strategies, as this type of disagreement could potentially impact patient care if doctors are unwilling to consider alternate viewpoints.
Check out our tips for how to ace your residency interview!
#5: Do You Have Any Questions for Me?
This might throw some of you for a loop! Asking your interviewer questions shows that you’re interested and invested in the program and is also an opportunity to demonstrate that you’ve taken the initiative to explore your options.
Just as importantly, it’s an opportunity to find out information that helped me create my residency rank order list. I can honestly say that the responses I got to my questions impacted my rank order list in ways I did not expect. Keep in mind that most applicants ask one or two questions and not asking any could make you stand out for the wrong reasons.
Prepare a list in advance. Spend time researching the program. If the program does not have a great website, look up the demographics of the region or local events. I knew an applicant that wowed a program because she had done such in-depth research of the local population and asked questions specific to that area based on census results and demographics. Now you may not have to be that detailed for each interview, but aim to ask questions that will display your interest. Failing to ask questions looks lazy and shows disinterest. Common questions you could ask are:
- What are the strengths or weaknesses of this program?
- How many residents stay on as faculty after they complete the program?
- What do residents do for fun?
- What is your vision for the future of the program?
- What is your favorite thing about working here?
5 Frequently Asked Residency Interview Questions: How to Answer
#6: Tell Us About Yourself.
The question "Tell me about yourself" can be asked in various forms, including: what brought you here? What can you tell us about your journey to medicine? Essentially, this is an ice-breaker type of question.
To start, I would advise taking a general approach comprised of where you grew up, the size of your family, what your relationship with your family and siblings was/is like, followed by a brief overview of your academic trajectory. Remember, they have all your academic information so don’t go into depth about academics. Next, you can pick one or two specific experiences in your life that shaped who you are as a person today – goals, morals and values; your life compass so to speak.
These experiences are generally high impact and very personal in nature. Because this question also tends to make candidates the most nervous, residency mock interviews will be your best preparation tool for all questions, but this one especially.
I’m the middle child of two sisters; our parents owned a café and sandwich shop in Williamsburg, Brooklyn – a poor Italian neighborhood with strong family values and a penchant for southern-style Italian restaurants. Ours was parked right down the middle, facing the Williamsburg bridge. Our building had a black and white mural of a little girl with her fists pressed into her sullen cheeks, a perfect expression for the embodied pessimism of our poverty and struggle to make ends meet. When I was twenty-two, my grandfather passed away. He died from complications from diabetes, a condition he suffered from since he was a boy. The day we took him to the hospital, my life changed forever. Inside the hospital, the doctors did everything they could – they threw the kitchen sink at it. The loop diuretics didn’t work, nor the valve surgery, medication, or the bypass. There was a calm urgency in the swift chatter and movement of the doctors – it mesmerized me or for a moment, cauterized my grief.
His passing didn’t help with our finances, either. The shop wasn’t making profit, and our grandfather was he backbone of that establishment. I took a gap year in university so I could focus all my efforts on getting the restaurant back on its feet. I changed the menus; my sister, the head chef, found some old recipes in the book my grandfather left us. The response from our customers was brilliant. They loved the food and service. Our ratings increased and slowly, we became known as one of the best restaurants in Williamsburg, and even in all of Brooklyn. When I went back to medical school the next year, while I still worked part-time at the restaurant, I kept that determination and applied it to my studies. I’ve always dreamt of a better life for my family and for myself, and my interest in medicine and my craving for more stability are what motivated me throughout my journey.
Here are some tips on preparing for a residency interview:
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#7: Why Would You Like to Pursue this Specialty?
This question measures your understanding of the specialty on many levels, such as the type of practice and aspects of medicine it encompasses (acute vs. chronic care, procedural vs. non-procedural specialty). For me, every sub-specialty of medicine has something to get excited about, but at the end of the day, you have to love the everyday tasks of the specialty you are picking, or you will be unhappy.
This question can also be used to easily segue into the interesting case residency interview question, so make sure you review sample answers for that question in tandem.
This is your opportunity to showcase your insight when it comes to your specialty of choice and relay an understanding of what you like and dislike about it. You might also consider discussing some of your ambitions, such as pursuing a medical fellowship.
Finally, it is imperative to have an understanding of the challenges associated with the specialty, what changes might be on the horizon, and how they will impact future practice. Whether you are applying to the most competitive or least competitive residencies, prepare to talk about the nuances of your specialty.
I decided to pursue anesthesiology because it demands a unique blend of technical skill and medical knowledge. Anesthesiologists need to be highly capable in a physical sense, but in a mental sense as well, as they must be able to endure high-pressure situations with a calm demeanor. They must recognize and respond to a problem very quickly, absorb the necessary information, make decisions, and follow through.
During X medical school rotation, I was actively involved in a complex spinal surgery's anesthetic management. Under supervision, I helped tailor an anesthesia plan, ensuring the patient's safety, comfort, and optimal surgical conditions. This hands-on experience crystallized the blend of pharmacology, physiology, and critical care that anesthesiology offers. Our collaboration underscored anesthesiology's role as perioperative physicians. This immersion taught me that anesthesiology is where I can directly impact patient outcomes, merging the intricacies of science with the profound responsibility of patient care during vulnerable moments.
This type of fast-paced, demanding work is appealing to me, as it presents new challenges with every case, but at the same time, it allows me to exercise my strengths. Anesthesiology is humbling, too, in that I know I still have so much to learn about this specialty and can always improve my performance and my treatment of patients. It is a specialty that is often on the cutting edge of medical research, which is a great interest of mine, too, so it has been my first choice since my X medical school rotation.
#8: Why Would You Like to Join Our Program?
At the end of the day, remember that you are seeking a good match; decision makers are assessing whether you will be a good fit for their program, but you are also evaluating whether the program will be a good fit for you. This question is also very similar to “what are you looking for most in a residency program” and “what do you hope to gain from our residency program?”
This question has a two-part answer: a) aspects of the program that you like and b) aspects of the location that you like.
First, make sure that you have thoroughly researched the program and have prepared an answer that includes what you like about it. For example, you could comment on aspects such as resident peer and mentor support, global health, research support, the resident affairs office, protected research and academic time, program size (small or big), diversity of clinical experience, or licensing preparation support.
Second, when discussing location, you could comment on the presence of friends or family who will be a good support system for you during residency, any personal connection you have to the place, and aspects of the location you believe will enrich your life.
When I first started researching residency programs, this one made it to the top of my list due to the opportunity to learn from the best of the best in internal medicine. I like that this is a smaller program but offers diverse clinical experiences and thorough coaching from its attending physicians. This program’s board pass rate is also high, which tells me the program has excellent teaching methods for its residents. My goal is to become a top cardiologist, and I know the best way to begin is by learning from those who are already at the top of the field in internal medicine. I know through exposure to excellent coaches and unique clinical environments that I will be fully immersed in everything this specialty has to offer. I am especially attracted to the mentor support in this program and the fact that the program has protected time for mentors and residents to have one-on-one discussion and feedback on a fairly regular basis. I think receiving feedback and being able to ask questions of my mentor are critically important, and it's a good sign that your program recognizes the need for this. The diversity of clinical experiences is also a plus for me; as your program is located near a large urban center, I expect there will be no shortage of new and interesting cases. Although I plan to pursue a career in cardiology, internal medicine is a diverse and challenging field, and being exposed to a large spectrum of patients and cases will only help me develop as a doctor. Additionally, choosing this program aligns deeply with my personal goals. I'm originally from this area, and this location is not just convenient but signifies home. Beyond the program's outstanding reputation, my familial and geographical ties here are strong. It's my intention to remain (city/state) for practice, committing to the community I deeply connect with. This program serves as the ideal foundation for my long-term goals.
#9: What Differentiates You From Other Candidates?
While this question might not be asked directly, a lot of questions explore this angle. It is important to understand that most candidates who have made it to the interview stage will make great physicians. This leaves other key aspects of a good trainee besides strong academics to be desired or sought after.
Remember, this is a unique form of job interview. Programs are looking for candidates who will perform clinical duties but are also good learners. With that in mind, what do you think makes a good resident? From the work perspective, a diligent, hard-working candidate with attention to detail is important. From a learner perspective, it is important to be self-aware, understand your limitations, and know when to call for help if required.
Additionally, candidates who are open to feedback and coachable are always a plus. It’s very hard to teach someone who is not humble and appreciative about new ways to do things. Finally, residencies can range from 2 to 6 years and being personable goes a very long way. If I will be working with you for such a long period, I would want someone who is adaptable and easy to get along with.
Unlike many candidates I know, I have been working since I was 15, long before many of my classmates started looking for part-time jobs. I first began working in an animal shelter, thinking I would apply to vet school after graduating college. However, when I finished high school, I got a job as a small office receptionist in a rural health clinic and found I enjoyed working with human patients far more. During my undergraduate degree I transitioned to working as a medical scribe and committed to shadowing a physician at our rural mobile health clinic.
Because I entered the workforce early, I discovered the value of working hard, committing to the tasks I am assigned, and approaching everything with a positive attitude and willingness to learn. I think my extensive work history and the aptitudes I have gained from years of employment, both in and out of the medical field, have prepared me mentally and physically for the hard work of residency. Even throughout medical school, which placed great demands on my time and energy, I continued to work a part-time job at the university hospital to support myself and gain clinical experience. I was committed to using every bit of time I had to become a better physician. Residency will require even more of my time, energy, and commitment, but I am ready to dedicate everything I have to this next chapter.
Here are some of the residency interview questions you need to know!
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#10: Please Explain the Following From Your CV...
Not every candidate has something on their residency CV or application that warrants discussing or clarification during the interview. However, you would be surprised what programs are interested in clarifying when it comes to your application. Residency selection committees and program directors want to give you an opportunity to explain any discrepancies or red flags on your application.
These things could be obvious, such as taking a year off, failure of an exam or the identification of lots of elective time spent in a different specialty. The less obvious questions can revolve around lots of research experience in a school that focuses more on clinical practice, or rural vs. urban experiences in schools which serve the opposite demographic.
For questions related to academic performance or red flags, programs want to know a little bit more about the circumstances surrounding the event. Were you going through a rough time? If so, tell us about it and how you handled that time of your life? What did you learn from the experience and how are you a stronger candidate today? Residency training programs are tough, with ample demand on both your time and cognitive load. Programs want to ensure that candidates will be able to endure the academic rigors of their program.
Remember, this is your opportunity to explain to the selection committee how you are a good candidate for their program. With that being said, this is a two-way street. If you find that a program is focused more on academic activities or experiences which don’t suit your goals of what type of clinician you want to be, then most likely, this training program is not for you.
While my USMLE scores may not be at the pinnacle, they don't define my full potential as a pediatrician. During a memorable rotation at Children's Health Center, I managed a challenging case of a toddler with an atypical presentation of Kawasaki disease. My proactive approach, combined with collaborative consultations, led to a timely diagnosis and intervention, preventing potential cardiac complications. Such experiences, alongside others, have honed my clinical skills in pediatrics. The pediatricians I've worked under have recognized this, and their endorsements in my MSPE and letters of recommendation attest to my competence, commitment, and hands-on capabilities.
Residency Interview Questions and Sample Answers
Want to see some residency interview questions for different specialties?
- Anesthesiology residency interview questions
- Dermatology residency interview questions
- Emergency medicine residency interview questions
- Family medicine residency interview questions
- Internal medicine residency interview questions
- Neurosurgery residency interview questions
- ObGyn residency interview questions
- Ophthalmology residency interview questions
- Orthopedic surgery residency interview questions
- Otolaryngology residency interview questions
- Pathology residency interview questions
- Pediatric residency interview questions
- Psychiatry residency interview questions
- Radiology residency interview questions
- Surgery residency interview questions
BeMo Residency Interview Prep Reviews
Want our help with your residency interview prep? Read some BeMo reviews from our successful applicants:
"I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Arrash Allahyar today in preparation of my MMI residency interview. I would give him an excellent 10/10 rating because he gave me the confidence I need to perform well on interview day. He was professional, highlighted my strengths and areas where I can improve and discussed any questions I had thoroughly. I would highly recommend this doctor." - Nina, BeMo student.
"The session before my interview was incredibly helpful. It was tailored to simulate a conversational panel interview, which made me feel much more comfortable on the day. The BeMo practice session really helped me manage my nerves, allowing the real interview to go smoothly." - BeMo student.
"Dr. Shannon was the best coach/tutor I had through BeMo. His feedback was so helpful for not just learning what I did wrong but what I did right. I really appreciated this positive attitude and willingness to help. He was very friendly and made me feel so much more confident for my interview!" - BeMo student.
"I had a mock interview sessions with Haitham Shoman which was extremely helpful. He gave me some great ideas on how to work on my weaker question types, such as helping me with transitions between my ideas, and he also was effective at helping me optimize the questions I already had stronger responses in." - David, BeMo student.
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1. What additional questions should I ask my residency interviewers?
When preparing for your residency interview you’ll want to prepare questions that help you learn about a program's opportunities, residents, and faculty, in addition to questions relating to the location, patient population, extracurriculars, etc. Anything that is important to you and will help you put together your ROL is a good question to ask. The questions you ask will not only show your interest and enthusiasm towards a program, but it will also show the level of research you've done prior to arriving. Check out some examples of the best questions to ask residency programs.
2. What is the most common residency interview format?
Most residency interviews are traditional one-on-one interviews or panel interviews – where two or more interviewers are asking questions. With this said, MMI interviews are becoming increasingly popular and are commonly used for larger programs with more residency spots such as internal medicine and family medicine.
3. What should I bring to my residency interview?
It's a good idea to bring a few extra copies of your CV in a folder as well as a notepad and a pen for taking notes afterward. Avoid bringing your luggage. If you're catching your flight the same day as your interview, put your luggage in storage or ask your hotel to store it for you until after the interview.
Note that programs know a lot of travel is involved during interview season and they may have indicated a secure place where your luggage can be stored during your interview.
4. What if I need to cancel my residency interview?
If you have to cancel your interview due to unforeseeable circumstances, ensure that you cancel as soon as possible so that program directors can offer your spot to another applicant. Obviously, canceling last minute does not reflect well on you and at no point should you fail to show up on interview day, unless an emergency situation has come up. If you have to cancel on the day of your interview, ensure that you call the program to let them know.
5. Do I need to introduce myself during my residency interview?
Yes! It is so important to make an excellent first and last impression because this is what interviewers will remember the most. For example, as an introduction, you could say “Hello, my name is X, thank you for interviewing me today. May I have your name?”. Then, you could conclude by saying “Thank you, Dr. B, for taking the time to interview me today. It was a pleasure speaking with you.”
6. Am I expected to shake hands with my interviewers?
Some programs prefer to let their applicant take the lead, which is especially true of MMIs. So, you can certainly instigate if you prefer shaking hands. Of course, if the interviewer sticks out their hand, it is unprofessional to not shake it. So, go ahead and do so if they offer.
7. What are some common question types I can expect during my residency interview?
Personal, program-based, scenario, and policy questions are the most common types of residency interview questions. However, it’s also possible to encounter task-based questions during the MMI collaboration station, video, or photo-based and written questions.
8. I got asked something out of left field and I’m caught off guard. Help!
If you are asked a quirky MMI question, such as what kind of superhero would you be, or to perform a task you weren't expecting, the first step is to stay calm. Don't be afraid to ask for a moment to give yourself a chance to come up with an approach. When answering a quirky question, be sure to display an aspect of your personality.
9. Can I just read about residency interview questions online or do I really have to practice?
You should practice out loud, ideally using a mock interview – so it should be timed, should replicate actual interview conditions and you should dress appropriately. It's also smart to receive feedback from an objective, knowledgeable professional so you know what you did well and what to improve, otherwise, you risk cementing bad habits.
10. How long should my residency interview answers be?
Always remember to prioritize quality over quantity. It’s much better to give a concise answer instead of rambling as a skilled physician must be able to communicate effectively with patients, colleagues, and other health care professionals.
For MMIs, which have set times, it’s important to note that you do NOT have to use the whole time if you have given a well-rounded and comprehensive answer. For traditional or panel interviews, anywhere from 2-4 minutes is appropriate.
11. What follow-up should I do after my residency interview?
It’s a good idea to send your very first choice program a residency letter of intent to inform them of your intention to rank them number one. For all other programs, it’s a nice touch to send a note thanking them for taking the time to interview you.
To your success,
Your friends at BeMo