40 Internal Medicine Residency Interview Questions & Answers

Below is a list of our Internal Medicine Residency interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 15 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.

Table of Contents

1. Adaptability Questions
2. Behavioral Questions
3. Career Goals Questions
4. Common Questions
5. Communication Questions
6. Competency Questions
7. Conflict Questions
8. Creative Thinking Questions
9. Customer Service Questions
10. Diligence Questions
11. Discovery Questions
12. Education Questions
13. Scenario Based Questions
14. Stress Questions

Adaptability

1. What worries you the most about joining a reputable Internal Medicine Residency?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Your interviewers ask this questions for two reasons. First, they want to ensure that any common myths about becoming a resident are debunked for any prospective residents that have worries that aren't true. Second, they want to hear how you are working on the areas in which you are not confident.

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

How to Answer

Rather than focusing on a potential deficit in your ability to perform as a resident, pick a common weakness. Then, explain how you have taken steps to prepare for this hurdle.

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"The transition from medical student to resident is scary, but I am looking forward to it. I have asked residents during my rotations if I could propose orders to them in the EHR so I could practice and learn the nuances of ordering medications or other forms of care. I am confident in my ability to learn and thrive with any program."

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

2nd Answer Example

"I worry and hope that I am able to apply all the knowledge that I have learned in medical school into taking care of patients on a daily basis. I have prepared for this challenge by doing rotations in Internal Medicine including doing a Subinternship to prepare me to hit the ground running as a new intern."

Written by Dr. Griswold on January 31st, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"The biggest concern I have in mind is the transition from a low-resource style of medicine without medical equipment that relies primarily on good clinical skills and adapts to the way medicine is practiced in the United States. Also, an adaptation from managing mainly tropical illnesses in Africa. So far, my six months of clinical rotation here in the US have been helping me with that transition."

Marcie's Feedback

These are definitely legitimate worries. Can you talk more about 'the way medicine is practiced in the United States' exactly? (What do you mean by that?) Also, what are some of the tropical illnesses you're accustomed to handling, and what are several that you expect to deal with in the states? It's great that your clinical rotation is helping you adjust and prepare. Can you discuss this in more depth? Reassure the interviewer that you're in the process of overcoming these worries so you excel in the program. Nice job!

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Anonymous Answer

"The transition from medical student to resident can be scary. Learning a new EMR and learning efficiency to carry a larger load of patients feels a little intimidating now. As with anything else in medicine, I know that all those things will just come with practice. Further, I am willing to spend extra time learning. I've done this in the past. I got to the hospital earlier than everyone else- also stayed later until my speed picked up.

I am prepared mentally for any challenges. I know how to reach out for support. I have a good core group of physician mentors that I am able to reach out to.

I am fully confident that I have the ability and capability to do well in residency."

Marcie's Feedback

Excellent! While your worry is a legitimate one, you've done a great job of explaining how you will overcome it (spending extra time learning; being mentally prepared; reaching out for support; etc.) Despite your hesitations, you come across as confident, motivated, and well-supported by others. Great response!

Anonymous Answer

"The transition to new life in a new city and residency is defiantly going to be challenging but I am looking forward to it. I have asked my brother and the residents about their experiences. They assured me that you won't be alone on this journey, and it's part of the process. Even though I worked with an EHR system at my hospital, during my observership, I tried to familiarize myself with the EHR system there. I am confident in my ability to adapt and thrive in any program."

Marcie's Feedback

Great! This is an understandable concern, but it sounds like you've done your research by speaking to others and also have a positive attitude about the situation. What else will you do to make the transition easier on yourself? Will you join a few groups to get to know other people in the area? Will you make your living space as homey as possible? The more details you can include that show how you will adapt, the better!

Anonymous Answer

"The transition from one Healthcare system to residency in the US healthcare system is scary, but I am looking forward to it. I have had the experience of working on different EMR systems and the seniors and medical staff have always been helpful which makes me excited for the opportunity and has made me confident in my ability to learn and thrive with any program."

Marcie's Feedback

Great! You come across as confident and excited about the change, which will please the interviewer. What about the transition specifically is scary? Adding more details about this will make your answer more meaningful and memorable to the interviewer. Great job!

Anonymous Answer

"I worry that I may not be able to address all the patient concerns as the Intern year is busy. I am practicing how to effectively tackle the most critical patient healthcare problems in less time."

Marcie's Feedback

This is an understandable worry! Can you go into more detail about exactly how you would prioritize patient problems? Moreover, how will you ensure that you're efficient and managing your time well? To further strengthen your answer, include an example of a time when you effectively prioritized/juggled multiple pressing demands and managed your time well. Use the STAR method to describe the situation, your task/actions, and the end result. Show the interviewer that while this is a legitimate worry, you are prepared and capable of handling it. Good job!

Adaptability

2. What are your thoughts about relocating to and living in this city as an Internal Medicine Resident?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Every year, medical students from all over the world compete to get into the Internal Medicine Residency of their dreams. As you are likely applying to and interviewing with programs all over the country, your interviewers need to know that you are willing to relocate for their program.

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

How to Answer

If you have lived or visited the city or adjacent cities you should mention this fact. If you know anyone there, talk about the good things they have told you. If it is an unfamiliar city/region, pick traits that are unique to the city that would intrigue you and explain why an applicant may be open to living in the area. Ensure that your interviewers understand that you have done your homework on the city and can see yourself thriving there.

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"I have only visited Las Vegas once, but I am excited to live in the entertainment capital and think it will provide me with the unique experience of treating international patients who fly into Las Vegas. I also love to hike and appreciate that mountains are close by."

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

2nd Answer Example

"I was born here and spent most of my childhood in this area before moving away for college and medical school. It has always been my goal to move back here for residency to take care of people in the community to whom I owe so much and feel connected to. Most of my family and friends still live in the area so I am eager to practice in this area following residency."

Written by Dr. Griswold on January 31st, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Relocating to a new area can be a bit hard, but I am looking forward to it.

I experienced a similar situation during my elective, it was my first time visiting Toledo, and I did not have any ties there. I was able to overcome my fears and adapted quickly."

Marcie's Feedback

Great! Mentioning that you've done this before - relocated and adapted - shows the interviewer that you're definitely capable of doing this. Consider talking as well about where you'll be relocating to and why this area appeals to you. Convey your excitement about the move and this new stage of your life. Good job!

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Anonymous Answer

"1. I am excited about moving to Brooklyn.

2. It's the area where I grew up (NJ). I’ve only been away for a few years. IM rotation at JCMC had a similar population.

3. I know the population and the culture very well.

4. Further, I can be reunited with my daughter. My daughter lives with her mom in Montclair.

5. It’s an area that I am planning on living and working in.

6. Also looking forward to watching Nets basketball, botanical gardens, and Broadway shows. Favorite Pizza- Tony’s on Nostrand

Ave."

Marcie's Feedback

Awesome! It sounds like there are several legitimate reasons why you're excited to relocate to this area. The interviewer will appreciate hearing about them and will be glad that you're genuinely good with the idea of living in this city. If you've ever made a similar move in the past and adapted easily, you might mention this as well. Great response!

Anonymous Answer

"Well, I have heard good things about the work environment and academic opportunities of your residency program from your residents. One of my best friends lives close to the city. In addition, I have got family in Long Island which is close by and these are some of the reasons I actually signaled your program and would be happy to relocate to the city."

Marcie's Feedback

Nice! It's great that you have friends and family in the area; that will make the move much easier. Have you ever lived in a city before? If so, discuss this to show the interviewer that you're comfortable living in this type of environment. What else excites you about living in this particular city?

Anonymous Answer

"I am so excited to move back to Chicago. I think I have already experienced what it is like to relocate as I have been away from my home city for the past year. Moving to Minneapolis has allowed me to learn how to adapt to a completely new city and navigate the cultural differences when interacting with other people. I look forward to revisiting some of my favorite spots from my childhood as well as discovering new things in Chicago."

Jaymie's Feedback

Excellent! It sounds like you have experienced a move like this before and understand what it takes to be successful.

Behavioral

3. Tell me about a time you showed initiative by taking the lead on a team project.

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Your interviewers want to see that you are confident enough to take the initiative when the opportunity arises. Most medical training programs don't provide formal leadership training, so your interviewers want to know that you are a natural leader. As you advance to the final year of your residency, you will lead teams of junior residents, and your interviewers will want to hear that you can lead others with success.

Written by Christine Pasqueretta on January 31st, 2023

How to Answer

Describe any project or learning experience where you saw a chance to lead and took advantage of it. Talk about the success of the project and your biggest takeaway from the experience. If you have direct work experience where led others with success, be sure to talk about that experience with your interviewing team.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 31st, 2023

1st Answer Example

"Growing up and into my college years, I was a natural leader to my peers. This is evident in my years participating in team sports and being a captain of my teams. During my two years in lab research before medical school, I was quickly appointed the lead research assistant of our lab and was given the authority to guide others in their work on a day-to-day basis. The lab leadership quickly saw that I was a great communicator with a talent for setting expectations and leading by example on the job. I was very excited to lead our team of assistants in the lab, and they all took to my leadership style quickly."

Written by Christine Pasqueretta on January 31st, 2023

2nd Answer Example

"During medical school while working on a group project. One team member was frustrated that the project wasn't being completed as quickly as they had hoped. I took the initiative and helped to clearly designate team roles and keep us on an appropriate timetable to effectively finish the project."

Written by Dr. Griswold on January 31st, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Growing up through medical school, made me realize my leadership skills. Whenever a task was assigned to my team I was the first to start organizing tasks for each member, follow up on their work and make sure everything is done neatly before we present our work."

Marcie's Feedback

That's awesome! To make your answer more impactful, talk about a specific instance when you took the lead on a team project. Right now your response is somewhat vague; adding more details and specificity will make it much more memorable to the interviewer. Use the STAR method to talk the interviewer through the situation, your task/actions, and the end result. Nice job!

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Anonymous Answer

"While growing up I was considered a natural leader by my peers as evidenced by how excellently I led various teams. But what stood out was when I became head of a hospital in my community and I noticed an increase in the incidence of HIV, and many patients came late to the hospital with complications of hypertension and diabetes. I decided to carry out a community outreach activity, I trained community health workers and nurses and divided them into subgroups. We did free screening for HIV, diabetes, and hypertension. We targeted HIV, placed at risk, and gave free talks to them. Those identified with the illness were immediately placed on treatment. We saw a decrease of 4.5% in the incidence of HIV. I was very impressed by how we worked as a team to achieve this."

Marcie's Feedback

Excellent! You have provided a strong example of a time when you took the initiative on a project and successfully led it. What do you mean when you say that you became the 'head of a hospital'? Can you clarify what job title you had? How much had the incidence of HIV increased to spark your concern? How big is your team? Including some additional details will further strengthen your answer. Great job!

Anonymous Answer

"I strongly believe in teamwork and leadership as is evident from my journey, I took the initiative to start a free coaching center for underprivileged students who cannot afford to go to school to get an education. I would lead other members of my team to make a schedule for them, would arrange meetings to ask for their opinion, and with constant feedback, our institute results were improving."

Marcie's Feedback

Awesome! It's fantastic that you took the initiative to help others in this way. To build out your answer more, can you discuss why you decided to start the coaching center? What inspired you? Also, consider providing more details about how you got the center up and running, what its daily operations entailed, how your leadership skills enabled you to succeed, and how this initiative impacted the students. Great job!

Anonymous Answer

"During my second year of medical school, I was part of the leadership of my class. This meant being the spokesperson for my classmates when it came to expressing concerns to our professors or communicating schedule changes to my classmates and communicating important messages from our professors. Like a middle-man."

Jaymie's Feedback

You're off to a good start! This is a great opportunity for you to highlight your communication, problem-solving, collaboration, decision-making motivation, and delegation skills. Can you go into more detail and give examples of how you utilized these skills in that leadership role?

Behavioral

4. Tell us about a time you had to work with new technology. What did you do to ensure proficiency as quickly as possible?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Technology in the medical field has been evolving and will continue to evolve year after year. While you may be academically gifted, your interviewers need to know that you can pick up and master any new technologies in the field during your time with them. During your residency, you will likely work with many pieces of equipment you haven't had the opportunity to in the past.

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2022

How to Answer

Think of a time you had to learn new technology and choose an example that proves your ability to study, learn, and master its use in short order. Then, discuss with your interviewing team the fact that you know you will be learning a new EMR and other medical equipment during your residency program and are willing and ready to be a great learner of any new technologies thrown your way during your time with them.

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"First and foremost, I want you to know that I understand that today's physicians need to embrace technology to provide the best patient care possible. I've always been enamored by great technological advancements in healthcare. More recently during the pandemic, one area that physicians need to embrace is telehealth, and I was fortunate to be exposed to this during my clinical rotations. Learning technologies like Zoom and other video conferencing apps was a new concept to me. Before beginning their use, I watched training videos and practiced having virtual consults with my classmates to ensure that there wouldn't be any technical glitches when I worked with patients. I am fully confident in my ability to use video for telehealth consults with patients."

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2022

2nd Answer Example

"The first time I ever used an electronic medical record was when I started clinical rotations during medical school. I attended a class to learn how to use it and wrote down questions I had and areas I didn't fully understand. Following the class, I did research on my own time to be able to use the EMR as effectively as possible while on rotation."

Written by Dr. Griswold on January 31st, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"1. Learned new technology- robots for sample transfer and ran extraction.

2. Most importantly, I learned it by immersion.

3. Read the manuals beforehand, watched the training videos- practiced on dummy runs.

4. Had onsite support at that time, so I utilized that often initially.

5. More than just clicking buttons, I understood the concepts of what each step involved.

6. Later made me efficient as a trainer and for when my team came to me for help.

7. Learning a new EMR or working a ventilator- I trust we’ll get training- but I’m confident I can manage it the same way."

Marcie's Feedback

Nice! You do a great job here of explaining the many ways you learn new technologies quickly. Including an example (e.g., robots for sample transfers and extractions) further strengthens your answer, but just make sure to walk the interviewer through exactly what happened in this situation. Good answer!

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Anonymous Answer

"When I came to the US to do my internal medicine rotations I had to adapt to the EMR. I had an introductory course on how to use it but naturally, this was not enough. I would navigate EMR at home to familiarize myself with it and find ways to efficiently search for information or display patient data such as vital sign trends and I/Os. During my first weeks, I asked my seniors for a lot of guidance and questions to make sure that I became proficient as soon as I could."

Jaymie's Feedback

It sounds like you took the initiative to take courses on your own and practice using the system to get better, which the interviewer will be pleased to hear! If you're a quick learner, be sure to reiterate that in your answer.

Career Goals

5. Where do you see yourself in five years following your Internal Medicine Residency training?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Throughout your time with them, your interviewers will get a great sense of where you want your career as a physician to go after your Internal Medicine training. This question aims to take a deeper dive into what your ideal practice would look like after you complete all of the training that you want to pursue.

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

How to Answer

Your answer should include an advanced fellowship or working in a setting as a hospitalist or primary care provider and on the path to achieving your long-term goals. As you talk about your ultimate career goals in medicine, go into detail about what your ideal practice will look like to give your interviewers the sense of your ultimate training goals during your time with their Internal Medicine Residency program.

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"In five years, I hope to be in the middle of a great cardiology fellowship in an academic hospital, ideally not too far from here as I would like to settle down. I am pursuing Internal Medicine Residency training with the hope of practicing cardiology with a focus on severe congestive heart failure and heart transplants. I would like to work with a largely underserved population, having seen my parents struggle to get affordable healthcare. I would also like to have medical students and residents in my clinic so I can teach the next generation of doctors about complex cardiac care."

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

2nd Answer Example

"In 5 years I could see myself working as an attending Internal Medicine physician in an academic medical center. An ideal role would be spending part of my time seeing patients and the other part of my time teaching residents and medical students. Ideally, I would like to stay in this area to practice following residency."

Written by Dr. Griswold on January 31st, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"In 5 years, I see myself as a primary care physician working in a largely underserved population, having seen my parents struggle to get affordable healthcare. My goal will be to create a Non-Governmental Organization where I will work with other healthcare workers who have the same community-oriented passion as me. The sole goal will be helping vulnerable communities around the world. I would also like to have medical students and residents in my clinic to teach the next generation of doctors."

Marcie's Feedback

Awesome! It's fantastic that you want to serve vulnerable communities, in addition to mentoring the folks who are coming up behind you. Any interviewer will be impressed with these goals. Are there any communities in particular that you desire to help? If so, mention this. Otherwise, excellent job!

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Anonymous Answer

"As an IMG, hopefully after completing a GI fellowship, I will be completing my waiver. Hopefully, I will be working inpatient and outpatient, doing scholarly work and teaching residents and medical students."

Jaymie's Feedback

These are excellent goals to share with the interviewer! Good job!

Common

6. Do you consider yourself an organized person?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

During your three years of Internal Medicine Residency training, you will be balancing weekend staffing assignments, residency projects, topic discussions, meetings, a busy patient schedule, and a busy personal life. Your interviewers need to be assured that you have the skills and tools to keep yourself organized and on track at all times.

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

How to Answer

Use this opportunity to talk about the ways you prioritize organization. Remember, managing 8 or 10 patients on a hospital floor or a busy day in the clinic requires you to be extremely organized and not make sloppy mistakes.

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"I love organizing things. This came in handy during my first two years of medical school when I was presented with large amounts of information each block and during my rotations in my last two years when I had to keep track of multiple patients. I used several tools, including charts, different colored pens, and notecards to stay organized and ensure I didn't miss deadlines or even small details. I realize that I'll need to take these tools to a whole new level and am ready for that challenge."

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

2nd Answer Example

"I would consider myself very organized. I often make checklists and to do lists for myself so that I make sure I accomplish what I need to get done."

Written by Dr. Griswold on January 31st, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I believe that appropriate organization should be part of any physician giving we face lots of different work activities. Being organized has always been the way I manage my duties. On a daily basis working in the hospital, I start up by drawing a list of tasks I have to do for the day, then I color code according to priority; a red task for urgent situations, amber then follows, the green task for when I have more time available. Also, I organize my work to allow for flexibility so that I create time to answer urgent requests from my hierarchies."

Marcie's Feedback

It's great that you recognize the importance of being organized. The interviewer will also appreciate that you've mentioned a few of the ways you keep yourself organized (i.e., creating to-do lists, color-coding tasks by urgency; building in flexibility). Some other methods you might mention include using a calendar, planner, and/or reminders, setting goals, tracking your progress, incorporating a timer, delegating, and keeping your environment tidy. Good job!

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Anonymous Answer

"I love organizing things, It helped me during my med school and my clinical years. I always add my tasks on a to-do app on my phone or schedule stuff on my calendar app. In addition, I try to add those tasks to my to-do notebook whenever I get the time so it consolidates. check marking those tasks always give me satisfaction."

Marcie's Feedback

Excellent! The interviewer will be pleased to hear that you consider yourself an organized person, and it's great that you've explained how you stay organized. Beyond using to-do and calendar apps and notebooks, what else do you do to stay organized? Do you set goals, track your progress on projects, keep your environment uncluttered, and/or establish daily routines? Be thorough and detailed in your response. Great job!

Anonymous Answer

"Yes, I believe I am organized. I think that being organized is key to being a successful physician. I developed tools to organize tasks and adapt to the different workflows of different services such as keeping checklists of everything that needs to be done and color coding tasks to help me visually prioritize. I also learned to triage tasks in order of priority so we could advance patient care most efficiently."

Jaymie's Feedback

Though it might seem minor, be sure to affirm with "absolutely" or "yes, very organized." This will reinforce your confidence in your skills. Then, you can go into more detail as you have about the tools and techniques you use to stay organized and effectively manage your time.

Common

7. Are you considering or interviewing with any other Internal Medicine Residency programs?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

It is no secret that fourth-year medical students are encouraged to apply to many residency programs to better their odds of matching. This number of applications can often exceed 10. It always puts a little bit of fire under the interviewers if they are aware that you are actively pursuing many opportunities, especially if you are a top candidate of theirs.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 31st, 2023

How to Answer

Talk openly about the applications you submitted, but emphasize your interest in this particular Internal Medicine Residency. Give the specific reasons you want to complete your training with this program and explain how the program will benefit you in the pursuit of your dream career as a physician.

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"I am keeping an eye out and applying to several reputable Internal Medicine Residency programs across the country because I want to give myself the best chance of matching into a program with a reputable academic and research center. No matter the number of interviews I complete, I hold your program in the highest regard because of the academic and research success that your past trainees are now having in practice."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 31st, 2023

2nd Answer Example

"Yes, I am interviewing with other programs. I am interested in making sure the program I decide on is an excellent fit for both parties. Your program has especially interested me."

Written by Dr. Griswold on January 31st, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I am applying to many internal medicine programs, and as an international medical graduate, I have to apply even more to have a chance to match in a good program. Despite applying to many programs, I hold your program in the highest regard because its objectives of helping underserved population ties in with what I have been doing as a physician and the fact that it trains excellent physicians."

Marcie's Feedback

Excellent! It's great that you haven't placed all your eggs in one basket. Having said that, the interviewer will be pleased that you are most interested in their program. Can you talk more about why it's the top program on your list? Beyond its goal to help underserved populations and excellent training, have you talked to any alumni who have told you other positives about the program? Have you read about other perks as you've researched online? Are you interested in living where the school is located? Really let your passion for this program shine through so the interviewer can sense your genuine enthusiasm and desire to get accepted here. Great job!

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Anonymous Answer

"I am looking for and applying to other internal residency programs to give myself the best chance of matching. It is no secret that as an IMG it can be very challenging to match. I hold HCMC in the highest regard. I know the institution and the leadership well, and I am convinced that training here will give me the tools to become an excellent internal medicine physician."

Jaymie's Feedback

It's good to be honest that you're applying to other programs, as you have been in your response. What's important is that you reiterate your interest in the program and provide a strong explanation as to why. Great job!

Common

8. What does the perfect day look like for you?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Physician Stress and burnout have become a much more prevalent issue among doctors in every specialty. The same also applies to Internal Medicine Residents that undergo a strenuous training program for three years. This question assesses to ensure you have interests that will protect you from being burned out during your time training with this program.

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

How to Answer

You should not talk about studying, doing work, or anything objectionable, such as expressing political views. It is best to keep your answer brief and to the point. Don't be afraid to have fun with this question to give your interviewers some great insight into your heart and soul.

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"I love to run with my dog in the morning, and doing so gives me a lot of energy throughout the day. After that, I like to drink coffee by the beach and listen to classic rock music. I love going to restaurants with my friends by the beach or catch a live comedy show."

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

2nd Answer Example

"A perfect day would be one where I am able to make a difference in the lives of one of my patients. When work was finished, I would get to go home and enjoy the evening with a nice meal with my family followed by some time to read."

Written by Dr. Griswold on January 31st, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"There are many other things I do aside from work on a daily basis. My typical day starts with running in the morning with my dog so I can have my mind relaxed and have energy throughout the day. Then I take some coffee beside the lake in my neighborhood while listening to some classic rock music and Afrobeats. In the evening if I have time, I play basketball with my friends and share some good stories."

Marcie's Feedback

Awesome! You come across as a well-rounded, relaxed, and active individual, which is great. Consider mentioning that you'd spend a portion of your perfect day doing something related to the medical field just to reiterate to the interviewer that this is your passion. Great job!

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Anonymous Answer

"I would wake up and start my day by listening to a podcast while I do my skincare. Then, eat my breakfast and head to the gym. My favorite workout is Zumba dancing. After that, I would like to spend the rest of my day at the beach with a friend or my husband and watch the sunset."

Jaymie's Feedback

That sounds like a fantastic day! Good job. This sheds some light on who you are as a person and some of your interests outside of your professional life.

Common

9. What are some key things that you are looking for in an Internal Medicine Residency program?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

The matching algorithm for Internal Medicine Residency programs takes an applicant-centered approach, meaning it looks to rank medical students with their top choice as long as the program holds the candidate as a top choice. Knowing this, your interviewers want to ensure that their program fits your needs.

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

How to Answer

Your interviewers are ultimately asking why you want to enter their program. Explain how the program meets your needs and goals for training as an Internal Medicine Resident. Research the program before your interview and identify a few unique features of the program that are important to you when selecting a residency program.

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"I'm looking for a program that has a very well-rounded curriculum and wide-open options for elective rotations. Having world-class faculty and staff in many of the IM subspecialties is important because I am still keeping my options open. Rheumatology and primary care Internal Medicine are my top two career goals, and I know that your staff in both areas are world-renowned, and I would be honored to train under them."

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

2nd Answer Example

"I want to come out of training well prepared to be an attending so a training program that emphasizes teaching is very important to me. Ideally with good didactics built into the curriculum. Also, a program that has a great team-oriented environment is important given how much time is spent together during training."

Written by Dr. Griswold on January 31st, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I am interested in a program that will allow me to become a well-rounded internal medicine physician who is prepared to manage patients of any complexity. Additionally, I want a program that actively supports research by providing resources such as mentorship, and access to libraries and databases."

Jaymie's Feedback

Nice work! Your answer highlights your goals and how the program would align with them.

Common

10. What aspects of our Internal Medicine Residency program interest you?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

This is a question asked by most Internal Medicine Residency programs to understand what interests you about their program. The candidates that show passion and interest often get ranked near the top of the list.

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

How to Answer

Think about two or three features of this particular program that interest you and how the program can help you achieve your personal goals. Before your interview, thoroughly research the program. More often than not, you can find a lot of great information on the program's website. This can include the mission/values of the program and institution, the curriculum, and where alumni go after their time with the program.

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"I like that your program has six months of ICU rotations while most other programs have three to four months, as I am considering a career in pulmonary/critical care medicine. I also noticed that your residents often get into competitive places in California like UCLA and UCSF. This is important to me because I hope to go back after residency to live close to my family in California."

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

2nd Answer Example

"Your program really stands out that you have a track designed for residents interested in pursuing cardiology as their specialty. Also, I am very interested and have discussed with Dr. Smith about doing a research project together during my training."

Written by Dr. Griswold on January 31st, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"The comprehensive curriculum of this program is one of the things that drew me to it. I like the multifaceted approach to learning and development because I believe it provides a well-rounded experience that will sharpen not only my technical skills but also my clinical ability, bedside manner, and other qualities necessary to be a successful physician.

This facility also cherishes its relationship with the community. It makes a concerted effort to ensure that low-income households may access necessary treatment without being burdened by costs they cannot pay through its free clinic and a variety of supportive services. I have the utmost regard for that method of practicing medicine and would jump at the chance to join a group that shares that position. Also, this program is located in Corinth, which of my current area of habitat, and I am very versed in the population, culture, and lifestyle."

Marcie's Feedback

Awesome! Your response is strong because you do a great job of clearly explaining why this program interests you. The interviewer will appreciate that you are drawn to the school's comprehensive curriculum, multifaceted approach to learning, location, and community offerings. Excellent job!

Common

11. Do you have any questions for us?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

You need to realize that your interviewers are considering a great pool of medical students for their program. If you end up being one of their top candidates, they want to ensure that you walk away from your interview with all of your questions answered to ensure that you will be ranking their program at the top of your list.

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

How to Answer

You should have questions ready for the end of your interview. Don't ask questions that make it seem like you have concerns outside of becoming the best doctor you can be (e.g. asking what the meal allowance is) or are much better to ask a resident (e.g. asking about the social lives of their residents outside of the practice). Come to your interview with questions that show you want to learn more about their program.

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"I have several questions. Can you tell me about research opportunities for hematology/oncology, as that is a field I am interested in pursuing after residency and one that emphasizes research? Does the hematology/oncology fellowship program at this hospital favor residents from this internal medicine residency, as I would like to stay here long term?"

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

2nd Answer Example

"How would you describe the culture of your program? What specialties have your current residents matched into? What do you do to prepare your residents for the Internal Medicine board exam?"

Written by Dr. Griswold on January 31st, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"1. I have two questions

2. How are mistakes by residents handled in the program?

3. Does the medicine fellowship program at this hospital favor residents from this internal medicine residency, as I would like to

stay here long term?"

Marcie's Feedback

Great questions! Having at least two or three thoughtful questions lined up and ready for the interviewer is perfect. This way they know that you've already done your research but are also curious and intelligent. Don't forget to thank them at the beginning of your response for the opportunity to ask some questions. (Good manners never hurt!) Excellent job.

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Anonymous Answer

"I have several questions. Can you tell me about research opportunities for gastroenterology and hematology/oncology, as those are the fields I am interested in pursuing after residency? Are there regular educational conferences, grand rounds, or journal clubs? How would you describe the culture of the residency program? What is the degree of resident autonomy and resident supervision? What are the qualities that the program values the most in the residents?"

Jaymie's Feedback

These are excellent questions to ask! They definitely reflect your engagement and interest.

Anonymous Answer

"Are there any research electives? How does the program help their fellow residents with publications and conferences? If one resident is absent, are the other residents required to cover their shift? Could the hospital function without residents?"

Jaymie's Feedback

These are all excellent questions to ask! They are very thoughtful and not questions you can easily find the answers to yourself. Good job!

Communication

12. As an Internal Medicine Resident, how will you explain a complex diagnosis, procedure, or other medical term to a patient using verbal instructions?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Your team of interviewers wants Internal Medicine Residents who can be world-class educators. In your later years of residency, you will be responsible for educating patients and junior residents. A question like this allows your interviewers to see how you would handle educating a patient on a complex diagnosis or procedure using only verbal dialogue.

Written by Dianne Barnard on January 31st, 2023

How to Answer

Healthcare is increasingly complex, so it makes sense that the instructions can be as well. This question provides a chance to showcase your talent to take a complicated idea and explain it without losing the integrity and dumbing it down. Explain to your interviewers your step-by-step approach to ensure that the complicated subject is understood by your audience.

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"I read once that most newspapers are written at a 5th-grade level so most people can understand the message. I think that today we are inundated with verbal and written messages, so what we choose to say should be prime real estate. Because of that, I strive to speak in a way that the patient or family can understand without filler or fluff words. I fully understand that I will be relied upon to educate patients and fellow residents down the road, and I'm very excited to do this. If I had to explain something medically complicated, I would take a simplistic and step-by-step approach with the person. I would stop along the way and ask them to repeat what I'm teaching them and use language and terms that best suit their educational level."

Written by Dianne Barnard on January 31st, 2023

2nd Answer Example

"One of the reasons I chose to become a doctor was that I wanted to be able to communicate difficult medical concepts in a manner that is easy for most people to understand. Communication is only effective if it is delivered in a way that is understood by the listener. I have experience volunteering as a health coach teaching people about the importance of diet and exercise during medical school. I believe this experience will serve me well during my residency."

Written by Dr. Griswold on January 31st, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I am aware that I will eventually be expected to lecture patients and other residents, and I am eager to do so. If I had to explain a difficult medical issue to someone, I would do so in a straightforward, clear, plain, and in step-by-step manner. I would pause along the way and ask them to repeat what I'm teaching them in terms and language that are appropriate for their level of education. Then clarify and ask the patient questions."

Marcie's Feedback

Great! It sounds like you have a good idea of how you would clearly explain a complex procedure or diagnosis to a patient so they understood it. Do you have any experience in educating someone else about a complicated concept? If so, discuss this to show the interviewer how capable you are in this area. Good job!

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Anonymous Answer

"I will give an example of how I explained COPD to a family member of a patient…a normal lung is like a balloon- it has elasticity…air stretches out the balloon and once it is released the air is pushed out by the stretchy nature of the balloon. A lung with COPD is more like a plastic bag. It's floppy. The air gets trapped in the bag and it doesn’t get pushed out once the lung relaxes. Old stale air gets trapped in this bag."

Marcie's Feedback

Great! This is definitely an effective way to describe COPD, and the interviewer will be impressed by your ability to convey a complex concept in simple layman's terms. In addition to your COPD example, consider also answering this question in a more generic manner as well; in other words, walk the interviewer through some of the methods you'd use to explain complicated concepts (for example, using metaphors, analogies, easy-to-understand wording, stories, and imagery). Nice job!

Anonymous Answer

"I think this is one of the things that I have been working on the most since English is my second language. I would use simple language and take a step-by-step approach. I would stop along the way and ask them to repeat what I'm teaching them and use language and terms that best suit their educational level. I know this question is in regards to verbal instructions but I would like to add that I always try to have written down instructions or a picture/figure to help explain myself better."

Jaymie's Feedback

These are great techniques to use and demonstrate your strong understanding of effective communication with patients. Good job!

Competency

13. What will you bring to our Internal Medicine Residency?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

This question asks why you should be chosen for this Internal Medicine Residency program. Your interviewers are giving you the opportunity to give your ultimate sales pitch and explain what makes you the best candidate for their program.

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

How to Answer

Think about the qualities that would be desired by Internal Medicine Residency programs, such as good communication, diversity, or unique education (e.g., an MPH or MBA). Don't give a canned answer that other candidates may give. Instead, ensure that your answer stands out and highlights the type of resident you will be during your time with this program.

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"I am fluent in medical Spanish, so I am excited to interact with the largely Spanish-speaking patient population at your hospital and clinics. I believe I can identify and address concerns that are frequently lost in the use of medical translators. I am also excited to learn more about health problems and concerns specific to the Hispanic community."

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

2nd Answer Example

"I will bring my strong work ethic, my lifelong love of learning, and my desire to work as a member of the team to take care of patients."

Written by Dr. Griswold on January 31st, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"My experiences working for five years in a heavily underserved population helping vulnerable people out of illnesses with little or no medical equipment, and having to rely on excellent clinical skill has given me the understanding and burning desire to always want to help people out and I believe this ties with your program objectives of helping the underserved population. My leadership and teamwork abilities as evidenced by one of my community outreach activities that I champion with other community health workers, where we succeeded in cutting down the incidence of HIV in the community is something I will bring to the program. I understand the program serves a diverse patient population and being fluent in another like French where I am very proficient and beginning to learn Spanish will help build good patient communication as speaking in one's domestic language helps create a good bond."

Marcie's Feedback

This is an opportunity to really sell yourself and convey all the skills, qualities, education, and experience you bring to the table. You come across as a passionate and experienced leader, which is great. Don't forget to talk about your education (i.e., degrees) too, and consider ending your response with a sentence that reiterates how confident you are that this program is the perfect fit for you. Great job!

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Anonymous Answer

"1. A program director once told me a good resident is one with heart (that can’t be taught) and a knowledgeable resident.

I have both!

My unique experiences- having overcome adversity- victory over substance use- have given me a unique insight into and empathy for patients as a large number of patients that come into a hospital- especially in an urban setting have co-morbidities of substance and mental health. These issues are pervasive and affect their medical conditions- exacerbating or affecting compliance with treatments and medications. I can more than just imagine what it's like for a patient. I know. I have real empathy and a heart for my patience.

2. I believe we as IM doctors (primary care) are on the frontlines and are the first line of defense. We can recognize, diagnose and refer them appropriately to proper psych care. And then manage their medications and treatment on an outpatient basis. We ensure the holistic treatment of a patient- to ensure an excellent quality of life.

3. Finally, I have taken and passed Step 3. I think this objectively confirms my knowledge. I also tutor and mentor medical students at my current job; thus keeping me current with my medical knowledge."

Marcie's Feedback

Awesome! Your passion for the field shines through in your answer. You come across as motivated, knowledgeable, empathetic, and strong. Speaking about your personal experiences makes your answer more memorable to the interviewer so you stay in their mind (always a good thing!) Don't forget to discuss all the qualities, skills, experience, and education that you bring to the table. Now is your opportunity to really sell yourself! Excellent.

Anonymous Answer

"I think a good Internal Medicine resident is not only knowledgeable and skilled but also compassionate, empathetic, and adaptable. I believe I have all of these qualities. Since the beginning of my medical training, I have been working with underserved populations, this has not only allowed me to understand better the challenges they face but has also given me the chance to deliver culturally appropriate care. Additionally, as a Latina, I am excited to interact with the Spanish-speaking patient population at your hospital and clinics. I believe I can identify and address concerns that are frequently lost in the use of medical translators."

Jaymie's Feedback

Excellent! These are all highly desirable skills and traits to bring to the program.

Conflict

14. Tell us about a time you had a conflict or witnessed a physician in conflict with a patient. How was it resolved in a healthy manner?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Physicians need to be able to handle patients who are stressed, in pain, or angry respectfully and healthily. As you interviewer for Internal Medicine Residency programs, your interviewers need to know that you can handle patient conflicts with ease.

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

How to Answer

Describe a simple scenario briefly, focusing on your response to the challenge rather than describing the details of the conflict. When you discuss how you handled it fairly, emphasize that clear communication was instrumental. As a new resident, your example could include how you witnessed a precepting physician during your medical school rotations. Describe what you took from that situation that you will put into practice as an Internal Medicine Resident.

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"During my Emergency Med rotation as a fourth-year med student, I was very fortunate to work with a physician who handled conflicts with ease. We were in a large urban hospital that saw all kinds of patient situations. One morning, we had an older gentleman present with what appeared to be a minor stab wound. While the nursing staff was bandaging him, the physician asked a lot of probing questions about how the cut had happened, and the patient became upset and was almost combative. I was very taken aback, but I got to witness how my preceptor remained calm, reflectively listened, and continued to ask further probing questions until the patient finally admitted that his son had stabbed him."

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

2nd Answer Example

"Once I witnessed a conflict between an attending physician and a patient. The patient was very frustrated that they felt they were not being heard. The physician slowed down, stopped talking, and started listening to what the patient was actually complaining about. Once the patient felt that the physician was adequately listening to their concerns, they calmed down and communicated that they had been frustrated with their pain and that no one had been addressing it."

Written by Dr. Griswold on January 31st, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I remember during my first year of graduation while working at an emergency room, I was called upon to resolve a patient who came in with a fever, but when I arrived at the emergency an urgent case of laceration on the arm from a fight and the patient was bleeding. I decided to urgently attend to the bleeding case and the other patient got angry that he came first and started shouting at the nurses present. I decided to try to tackle it quickly and professionally. I spoke to the patient in a calm and non-confrontational manner. I first made him understand that his case is of much importance to us, but that we are faced with a more urgent case of bleeding that if not attended to the patient might bleed to death and that immediately after I suture the other patient I will come to attend to him. The patient was taken aback by how softly and calmly I spoke with him and decided to comply with what I told him."

Marcie's Feedback

This is a good example that shows you're capable of calming down a patient who is disgruntled and agitated. The interviewer will be pleased that you remained calm and took the time to explain the situation to him in a logical and straightforward manner. You might also mention that you used empathy to understand his perspective, kept tabs on your body language (like keeping your face expressionless as you listened to his complaints), didn't take the anger personally, offered an apology, and focused on being both respectful and reassuring. Nice job!

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Anonymous Answer

"1. I had an incident with my fellow lead at the lab. There was a minor mistake that was made, and I thought it was best to let the process run to completion to save 95 samples. She disagreed with me and wanted to bring disciplinary action against the employee. I explained why I thought that was not the correct action to take. She got a bit hostile with me. I quietly listened, and brought up the issue calmly later- I mentioned that I didn't think the behavior was appropriate- it was my judgmental call. The person I was training was my business. She got upset and made some aggressive comments. I didn’t fight back. I simply went to my supervisor. No action was taken at the time. She went directly to the manager to complain about me making false accusations. Since I had taken clear steps to address the poor behavior, I was covered. My manager asked me to write an email summarizing what happened. My supervisor was already privy to what was going on. We were brought into mediation a few days later and the issue was resolved. We had a good working respectful relationship thereafter till the day she changed shifts."

Marcie's Feedback

Great job using the STAR method to answer this question. It's good that you stayed calm during the confrontation and brought it to the attention of your supervisor when you couldn't resolve it yourself. The interviewer will also be pleased that the issue was later resolved and that you maintained a good working relationship with this colleague until she changed shifts. Can you give some more details about the minor mistake that was made and how leaving it alone would save samples? This might interest the interviewer (so they fully understand your reasoning). Otherwise, good job!

Anonymous Answer

"During my plastic surgery rotation in Costa Rica, I was assigned a patient who had an infected wound in his face that required daily wound care and IV antibiotics. I was given a warning that he was difficult to deal with and that he was refusing to have his wound checked. I came into the patient's room and introduced myself and started talking to him. In the beginning, he was very frustrated and angry. He told me that he did not understand why daily wound care was required and he also told me that he was worried about missing work. Just by acknowledging his concerns and giving clear explanations as to why he needed to be hospitalized, I could see how the patient began to calm down. At the end of the conversation, he was grateful I had explained everything that was going on with his care and agreed to have his wound checked and cleaned."

Jaymie's Feedback

This is a perfect example to use! You approached the situation with an open mind and took the time to communicate and understand the patient's concerns. By doing so, you were able to address each concern and help him understand the need for the recommended treatment, which resulted in his change of attitude and total cooperation. Nice job!

Anonymous Answer

"During my time as a lead coordinator at _____, one of my responsibilities was teaching medical students how to use EPIC EMR software and accurately formulate assessments and plans. One day, while teaching one of the medical students how to use EPIC EMR, I noticed that he was taking a bit longer to understand things. At the same time, another student expressed concern that he wasn't getting enough opportunities to learn EMR. The way he conveyed this message in front of everyone was inflammatory and caused conflict. To address this situation, I initiated a private conversation with the upset student to understand his perspective and share mine. We listened to each other actively and considered a collaborative approach that benefited all the students. This approach helped us move past the conflict and strengthen our working relationships."

Marcie's Feedback

Excellent! This is a strong example that shows the interviewer that you understand how to successfully navigate conflict. To further strengthen your answer, consider adding more detail about what the collaborative approach entailed. How exactly did you agree to resolve the issue?

Conflict

15. How would you deal with a disagreement among resident colleagues or senior residents as an Internal Medicine Resident?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Disagreements requiring outside help are inevitable during your time in Internal Medicine Residency Training. Your team of interviewers wants to know that you would join their program with the ability to be respectful and diplomatic when you face a disagreement with your resident colleagues.

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

How to Answer

For a colleague disagreement, you should go to your senior on the team. For disagreement with your senior, you should go to the chief resident. If there is a significant and imminent risk of harm to the patient, you should go to the attending physician. Walk your interviewers through how you would first try to handle the disagreement among yourselves and then take it up the chain of command as necessary.

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"It would depend on the disagreement. If the disagreement was with my senior, I would defer to their opinion as they have more experience than I do. However, if I was concerned that they were making the wrong decision regarding patient care or providing subpar patient care, I wouldn't hesitate to discuss it with them respectfully. If necessary, I would go to the chief resident. For more serious issues, such as ignoring patient care responsibilities, I would go directly to the attending because these actions, or inactions, would be done under the umbrella of the attending's medical license."

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

2nd Answer Example

"Most conflicts often center around breakdowns in communication. Oftentimes a conflict can be resolved by better listening to the person's concerns and hearing them out."

Written by Dr. Griswold on January 31st, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I would try to resolve the conflict with my coworker without involving our attendings as responsible and mature adults. I would assess my own actions to see if I was saying or doing anything that was causing the conflict to occur. I would then sit down with my co-worker in private to find out how they felt about the conflict and to try and establish its cause. Finally, I would work hard with my co-worker to find an amicable way forward that stopped the conflict and that was in the best interests of the team."

Marcie's Feedback

Great! It sounds like you have a good process in place for dealing with and resolving conflict. The interviewer will agree with your idea to meet privately with your coworker to discuss the issue and develop an action plan. To further strengthen your answer, can you talk about a time when you successfully resolved a conflict with someone else? This will prove to the interviewer that you're capable in this area. Good job!

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Anonymous Answer

"1. I would calmly speak to my fellow resident to try to understand their point of view. I would express my side of things and where I felt I may perhaps have been treated poorly (if that is the case). I would bring it to a senior supervisor, a coordinator, or my APD, PD (whatever the chain of command of protocol is for the institution) if there is no resolution. If the disagreement affects the well-being of a patient, I would bring it to an attending or PD for resolution."

Marcie's Feedback

Staying calm, trying to understand the other person's perspective, expressing your opinion, and talking to a supervisor are all great ways to handle a disagreement with another resident. You might also mention being an active listener who asks questions and repeats back key points to confirm them. Also, developing an action plan to resolve the issue and following through on this plan is important, as is meeting with the other resident in a private location to talk. Build out your answer with additional ways you'd handle this, as well as an example of a time when you successfully resolved a conflict if possible. Good job!

Conflict

16. What personality type or characteristic do you find most difficult to work with?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

As you enter Internal Medicine Residency training, you will work side by side with a very diverse group of residents and faculty, each with their unique personality and work style. Your interviewers ask this question to understand your ability to work with even the most difficult personality styles.

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

How to Answer

Pick a quality that doesn't reflect poorly on you. Talking about demanding personalities may make you seem lazy or unable to work with demanding faculty at the program. Instead, choose a quality that impairs the ability of even the most competent and hard-working doctors from delivering high-quality care or working as part of a high functioning team.

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"I am most often challenged by staff who are poor communicators. As an Internal Medicine Resident, communication lines should always be open between residents, faculty, and the care team. If someone on my team wasn't communicating properly, I would respectfully approach them to explain what I need from them concerning communication. If the problem persisted, I would take it up the proper chain of command."

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

2nd Answer Example

"It can be difficult to work with individuals who aren't interested in being a team player. I think that being a team player is very important in medicine in order to be able to provide the best care to patients."

Written by Dr. Griswold on January 31st, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I'm very tolerant and have always gotten along with most of my peers. I’m usually able to ignore and work with any annoying traits. I think every person has strengths that add value to a team. Any annoying or difficult qualities can be smoothed over or tolerated if I can maximize their good qualities. If for instance, a person that I work with has a bit of an ego, but they’re also very knowledgeable and confident in their ability. That person has knowledge and skills that I can learn from and rely upon. If however, there is some trait they have that repeatedly creates risk for a patient, then I would address it with them first and if not remedied, bring it up the chain of command."

Marcie's Feedback

Your answer is good, but consider replacing the word 'annoying' with 'undesirable' or 'difficult.' (Just sounds less judgy!) It's great that you can overlook challenging traits by focusing on the good ones. If there's a specific example you can cite, that will make your answer even stronger. And don't forget to directly answer the question by indicating what personality trait bothers you the most and why (laziness? arrogance?) Nice job!

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Anonymous Answer

"I think that having good communication is essential to delivering appropriate patient care. I think that it is difficult to work with people with poor communication. Many mistakes can occur as a result of having poor communication with other members of a team or with other teams. I think that If someone on my team wasn't communicating properly, I would respectfully approach them to explain what I need from them regarding communication."

Jaymie's Feedback

Good job! You avoided speaking negatively about a specific person and focused more on the characteristic and how it impacts patients.

Conflict

17. Tell me about a time you received criticism from an attending physician or resident during your time in medical school. How did you handle that situation?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

It should be abundantly clear as you enter Internal Medicine Residency that your work will be scrutinized to the nth degree by the senior resident and the faculty of the Internal Medicine Residency you join. Your interviewers want to know that you can take any constructive criticism you receive and turn it into a positive learning opportunity.

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

How to Answer

Choose an example that does not highlight a significant or persistent deficit in your ability to provide care. How you handled this criticism should show your devotion to providing optimal care and willingness to use the criticism to shape how you approach patient care.

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"During my anesthesia rotation as a medical student, I was told that I spent too much time with patients in the preoperative rooms. As a result, I was causing delays in the surgical cases. I was not aware of hospital benchmarks to improve case turnover until an attending told me. I asked the attending if it was okay to call patients the night before to ask my questions about their medical histories and remind them to not eat or drink after midnight, and he said that would be okay. For the remainder of the rotation, I always called my patients the night before instead of trying to get a history before a surgical case started."

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

2nd Answer Example

"During medical school, I was told by an attending physician that I really internalize the struggles of my patients. That physician discussed with me the importance of self-care and other good habits to start early in my career in order to prevent burnout. I really appreciated this advice and have been trying to incorporate it into my life."

Written by Dr. Griswold on January 31st, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I was critiqued on my presentation during rounds on the first week of my first hospital rotation. My presentation did not sufficiently address pertinent negatives. I went to the attending who gave me some advice, I also asked for help from the second-year residents. I came to understand in the end, that the reason I was struggling with negatives was that my differentials were not broad enough. I was too focused on the working diagnosis. I quickly improved on that. I spent extra time reading and studying and my presentations were much improved. By the time I came to do IM, I was thinking broadly enough that I was able to diagnose an aortic dissection that was handed off as a GI issue. I had progressed from being a reporter to a manager."

Marcie's Feedback

Excellent. Your answer is strong and the example you give at the end makes it very impactful. It sounds like you took the criticism you received positively and implemented the feedback to improve yourself, which is what the interviewer will want to hear. Perfect!

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Anonymous Answer

"During my gastroenterology rotation at _______, I had feedback regarding the presentation of patients. I had to work on my organization when presenting a patient. I would present patients to my residents to practice and I would present patients by myself at home. This helped me learn the structure and most importantly, gain confidence when presenting."

Jaymie's Feedback

This is a good example to share with the interviewer. It was a minor critique that won't cause concern about your skills and abilities. Your response demonstrates your willingness to accept constructive criticism and make improvements. You did a nice job describing the steps you took to improve based on the feedback you received. Great job!

Creative Thinking

18. What animal best describes you?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

This question is asked more often by senior residents of an Internal Medicine Residency to narrow down the top candidates for the program. While the question may seem a bit off the wall, it allows your interviewers to see how you would describe your personality, your work ethic, and your interpersonal skills.

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

How to Answer

Answer this question directly and concisely. Pick an animal with a quality or characteristic that is present in great doctors and one you want to show the interviewer that you possess. You may also include a brief example to emphasize your point.

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"I think I am most like a bee. Bees are very focused on a single mission, producing honey, and work hard to achieve this goal. When I set my sights on a goal that is important to me, I tend to be focused and not get distracted easily. Finishing my bachelor's degree in three and a half years is a great example of my focused effort towards a goal."

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

2nd Answer Example

"I would say a dolphin. Dolphins are very cerebral yet at the same time very friendly creatures."

Written by Dr. Griswold on January 31st, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Ants are very goal-oriented and work well in groups. A tiny but mighty insect as your spirit animal. They are also persistent. I think I exemplify this characteristic in that even after 5 years away from medicine, having faced adversity, I continued in my efforts, overcame all my struggles, and even completed Step 3."

Marcie's Feedback

This is an interesting and thoughtful answer! Can you talk more about why you were away from medicine for five years and what kind of adversity you've overcome? These details will make your answer more meaningful and memorable to the interviewer. Great job!

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Anonymous Answer

"I think I am most like a bee. Bees are very focused on a single mission, producing honey, and work hard to achieve this goal. When I set my eyes on a goal that is important to me, I tend to be focused and not get distracted easily. When I left high school, my goal was to become a medical doctor. I worked hard for it, took the entrance exam to the lone medical school, and passed. After graduation, I built the necessary experiences to achieve my next goal to become an internal medicine physician. My target now is to enter a residency program that trains physicians with a focus on giving to the community and I see your program as the best fit to achieve this and also help in my personal and professional growth."

Marcie's Feedback

Awesome! This type of interview question tests your creativity and ability to think quickly. Your bee response is original and interesting. Plus, you support your assertion by explaining how you're like a bee. Showing the interviewer that you're focused, determined, and hardworking is an excellent strategy. Great answer!

Creative Thinking

19. What are some challenges that the field of Internal Medicine is currently facing?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

This question assesses your familiarity with the field of Internal Medicine and your ability to notice subtle problems that are currently occurring in the field. Your interviewers hope the candidates they interview are prepared to talk about the issues the field faces.

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

How to Answer

Before your Internal Medicine Residency interviews, research this question so you can come to your interview prepared to talk about a couple of the issues. Remember that the unstated question is how to fix the issues. You are more than welcome to give your own educated opinion on this as you answer.

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"One of the challenges I have seen during internal medicine rotations is having patients who fail to predict an exacerbation of their heart failure and do not take an extra Lasix or contact a provider when they gain weight and become progressively short of breath. As a result, these patients frequently come to the emergency room and are admitted to the wards for diuresis. We need a healthcare system that follows these patients and actively calls them or seeks them out to ask for their daily weight and symptoms. Then, we should recommend an additional Lasix dose or a visit to a physician's office to avoid being hospitalized if appropriate."

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

2nd Answer Example

"One challenge Internal Medicine is currently facing is providing excellent medical care to all. In the age of electronic health records and large hospital systems, it is very easy for patients to feel like they are a number when they are receiving care. Some patients are not able to access care at all. My goal is to provide personalized care and to help patients who are underserved."

Written by Dr. Griswold on January 31st, 2023

Creative Thinking

20. How would you like to see the delivery of healthcare evolve?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Your interviewers want to better understand how you feel healthcare can evolve for the better. Demonstrating a forward-thinking and innovative vision will set you apart from the other candidates competing for this Internal Medicine Residency.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 31st, 2023

How to Answer

Put some thought into questions like this before your Internal Medicine Residency interviews so you are prepared to talk in an educated manner about how the delivery of healthcare can improve over time. Perhaps you feel that healthcare can best evolve through more patient-centric attitudes. Maybe you think that care coordination and synergy within the administration is the fastest way to improve healthcare. Maintain a positive attitude and describe how you feel healthcare is currently evolving.

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"One of the biggest evolutions I would like to see happen is at-home care whenever possible. Some institutions have already started to expand into home hospital patients and other services in the home, and I think there is so much room for growth in this area. Patients in just about any situation would rather be in their own homes. As long as the monitoring tools and staff are available to make this a reality, the sky is the limit. As an aspiring Medical Oncologist, I foresee many positive developments for patients to be able to receive treatments in the comfort of their own home, and I would be a big advocate for trials in this realm."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 31st, 2023

2nd Answer Example

"I am interested in seeing healthcare delivery evolve into being more patient-centered. I am interested in improving the patient experience. I am interested in conducting quality improvement projects during residency to accomplish this goal."

Written by Dr. Griswold on January 31st, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I think more preventative care, and outpatient emphasis (I remember going on home visits)

would really drive down healthcare costs and improve compliance and overall patient quality of life. An emphasis on aspects of medicine that aren’t strictly IM but primary care related such as anxiety, depression, and substance should also be better addressed and emphasized."

Marcie's Feedback

Nice! Your answer is thought-provoking and shows your knowledge about healthcare. Do you also want to mention telemedicine since that's all the rage lately? Up to you, but just a thought. Also, how exactly will more preventative care and outpatient emphasis drive down costs and improve compliance, etc.? It might seem obvious to you, but it still can't hurt to show the interviewer you're aware of all these ramifications. Otherwise, good answer!

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Anonymous Answer

Jaymie's Feedback

Your response expresses a genuine interest in improving the patient experience and focusing on patient-centered care, which is a valuable perspective. It's a bit vague, so try to go into more detail or elaborate further on your viewpoint. In what ways do you feel the patient experience could be improved (reduced wait times, effective communication, more accessibility, etc.)? What types of projects do you hope to complete? Perhaps they relate to streamlining processes, implementing innovative technology, or developing more patient-centric care models.
These enhancements communicate your interest in patient-centered care and provide a broader view of how healthcare can evolve, including specific areas and strategies for improvement. It demonstrates your proactive and goal-oriented approach to contributing to the healthcare field during your residency.

Creative Thinking

21. What are your thoughts on the relationship between physicians and the pharmaceutical industry?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Medical students are generally dismissive of the interactions between physicians and pharmaceutical companies, but as an Internal Medicine Resident, you will prescribe medications and work with reps from various companies. Your interviewers will want to hear that you can see the positives in your relationships with the pharma industry.

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

How to Answer

Due to the tendencies of these companies to financially reward physicians for using or prescribing their products, it is important to realize that sales representatives of pharmaceutical companies are an important ally for physicians and provide essential information. Assure your interviewers that you aree open to listening to the reps and learning about new medicines for your patients.

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"While I recognize that financial incentives provided by pharmaceutical companies are not acceptable and should be restricted, I see value in pharmaceutical sales representatives as useful sources for information about a new drug, including data from clinical trials, samples for my future patients, and information about the manufacturer's program. This can make their drugs more affordable for patients who struggle financially, particularly those who don't have health insurance."

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

2nd Answer Example

"Physicians should utilize their knowledge and training to provide their patients the best treatments possible. Oftentimes this requires physicians to interface with the pharmaceutical industry to provide the best care for their patients. Ultimately, a physician needs to be guided by what is in the best interest of their patients and not what is in the best interest of a pharmaceutical company."

Written by Dr. Griswold on January 31st, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I think there are definite benefits and access to new treatments that would be helpful to patients for whom established treatments may not work. The drug reps are very knowledgeable about the drugs, indications, side effects, etc. Now that companies are limited in the incentives (no kickbacks) they can offer to a physician to prescribe their own products, the relationship is much more beneficial to the patient. Free samples are also very helpful to patients who can’t afford meds."

Marcie's Feedback

Nice! You've done a good job of explaining several of the ways patients might benefit when physicians establish working relationships with pharmaceutical sales reps. It's positive that you also mention that kickbacks and incentives are detrimental to the process since the interviewer will want assurance that you understand both sides of this topic. Good job!

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Anonymous Answer

"Physicians should utilize their knowledge and training to provide their patients with the best treatments possible. Oftentimes this requires physicians to interface with the pharmaceutical industry to provide the best care for their patients. Ultimately, a physician needs to be guided by what is in the best interest of their patients and not what is in the best interest of a pharmaceutical company."

Jaymie's Feedback

This is a valid perspective to share on the relationship between physicians and the pharmaceutical industry. To enhance your answer, include a mention of the delicate balance between utilizing pharmaceutical resources and prioritizing patient well-being and the ethical aspects of the relationship. Emphasize the importance of transparency and patient trust.

Creative Thinking

22. How do you feel about the 80-hour work week limit for residents?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

The term 'resident' stems from a time when physicians in postgraduate training lived at the hospital, often working around the clock for days on end with small breaks for sleep and food. In the early 2000s, the ACGME created rules that limited work hours for all medical residents, including the 80-hour workweek. Your interviewers mainly want to hear that you are aware of the work hour limits that are in place and to know if you have any concerns or opinions on this.

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

How to Answer

A lot of people are opinionated about this topic, and this could include one or more of your interviewers. For this reason, it is important to focus on the pros and cons but not take a strong stance on this topic. State that you are aware of the rules, why they are in place, and the impact they can have on every Internal Medicine Resident in training.

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"I understand this system is in place to prevent poor resident performance due to exhaustion. I have also read a study that showed patient care declines more from changes in shifts than physician exhaustion from long hours. As I have not yet lived the resident lifestyle, I can appreciate the merits of both arguments but do not have a strong opinion for or against this time limit at this point in my training."

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

2nd Answer Example

"The 80 hour work was put in place to protect residents and patient safety. I believe it is important to respect this rule for patient safety."

Written by Dr. Griswold on January 31st, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I don’t particularly have a strong opinion on this. Patients don’t come to the hospital on a schedule. In order to learn, I have to be present to learn a patient's case from intake to discharge. The more time I am at the hospital, the more exposure I will have, and the better my understanding of nuances of patient care and management. I learned the most when I was on call. Continuity prevents hand-off errors.

However, I understand the value of the protection hours to prevent mistakes from exhaustion."

Marcie's Feedback

Perfect! Your response shows your interest in learning as much as possible even if this means long hours. Any interviewer will appreciate this willingness on your part. However, it's also important that you acknowledge (as you do) that there are reasons for the limit being in place (work-life balance to avoid burnout, fewer mistakes due to exhaustion, etc.) so it's great that you mention these as well. Excellent job.

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Anonymous Answer

"I think that this policy helps protect the resident's well-being, and patient safety and is an effort to improve the quality of education and care. Long and uninterrupted working hours can negatively impact residents' physical and mental health which will lead to burnout and therefore it can lead to issues in performance such as mistakes when putting orders in or poor communication which will ultimately negatively impact patient care."

Jaymie's Feedback

Excellent job! You clearly understand the importance of the work week limit for residents and were able to articulate the reasons why in your response.

Creative Thinking

23. Do you believe telehealth is an effective form of healthcare delivery?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

While telehealth principles have been applied to patient care for years, it has come to the forefront in recent years. Your interviewers want their future Internal Medicine Residents to have a positive outlook on telehealth and a vision for where it will go in their future down the road as physicians.

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

How to Answer

Although telehealth has limitations, including the inability to do a physical exam and obtain vitals, it is a useful way to reach out to patients who otherwise would not be able to get care. For this reason, we must embrace telehealth platforms while recognizing that they are not ideal. Your answer should provide the pros and cons of telehealth, along with any direct examples of its use you are familiar with.

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"I believe it is. Although we are unable to do a physical exam or obtain a patient's vitals, we can sometimes reach patients who would otherwise not be able to access care. In my psychiatry rotation, for example, I had the opportunity to assist in a counseling session and provide a medication refill over a telehealth platform for a young patient who did not want to travel outside due to COVID-19. It was important to discuss with her the risks of using telemedicine, including providing her a prescription refill without an adequate physical exam or assessment of her vitals. Many breakthroughs in at-home monitoring continue to change the game for patients avoiding hospital stays, and I'm sure this trend will continue throughout my career."

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

2nd Answer Example

"While telehealth is definitely an important tool and will be here to stay, in-person healthcare delivery is still the most effective means in caring for patients as many things can get overlooked or lost when you can only evaluate a patient through a video screen. Telehealth has been great for increasing access for many previously underserved patients, especially ones that live very far from major medical centers."

Written by Dr. Griswold on January 31st, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I think that although a proper physical exam isn’t possible over a Telehealth visit, patient compliance and follow-up are definitely fostered through telehealth. It is a lot easier for a patient to attend a telehealth session than an in-person visit. Further, new technology for home monitoring with devices and smartphones can also augment telehealth- making it a very good option when a visit isn’t strictly required. The risks and limitations of telehealth should be discussed with the patient however- I cannot diagnose something I can't feel or examine."

Marcie's Feedback

Good! You provide a clear explanation of why telehealth can be an effective form of healthcare delivery. Can you delve a bit more into some of the risks and limitations of this type of healthcare, however? This will further strengthen your answer. Nice job!

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Anonymous Answer

"I believe that the most efficient form of healthcare is still in the form of in-person. However, I think that telehealth can be a useful tool. Although we are unable to do a physical exam or obtain a patient's vitals, we can sometimes reach patients who would otherwise not be able to access care. It can be really useful for connecting with patients after a physical visit to discuss test results, discuss changes in plans, or even have follow-ups to evaluate a response to certain treatments, persistence of symptoms, etc."

Jaymie's Feedback

You're off to a good start. Consider restructuring your response to demonstrate your overall prospect and knowledge of the topic. For example, start with your overall perspective, then discuss the advantages of telehealth and its limitations. Give examples where you feel telehealth has been proven less effective or ineffective in patient care. Elaborate on the impact of telehealth on patient care. For example, you mentioned reaching patients who might not otherwise access care. Expanding on that point can demonstrate a deeper understanding of your perspective. Lastly, consider discussing potential improvements that could be made to make telehealth more effective in your opinion.

Customer Service

24. A recent patient survey comes back, and you find out that you did not meet a patient's expectations as their physician. What are the next steps you would take to improve as an Internal Medicine Resident in training?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Patient satisfaction surveys are commonplace in any healthcare institution and are put in place to ensure that the best possible care is provided to every patient of the institution. During your time in Internal Medicine Residency, your patients will fill out satisfaction surveys about your performance, and your team of interviewers poses this question to understand how you will take constructive feedback from a patient's survey and learn from it.

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2022

How to Answer

If you were to ask any physician if they have ever received critical feedback on a patient survey, the answer would be a resounding yes. The goal in answering this question is to demonstrate to your interviewers that you can take the feedback, analyze it, and use it as motivation to improve the care you provide moving forward. Keep in mind that most patient feedback is anonymous, and you may not be able to pinpoint the exact interaction that resulted in the feedback from the patient.

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"When faced with this situation as an Internal Medicine Resident, I wouldn't let it get me down. I would see it as an opportunity to improve. I would do my best to analyze the feedback and remember which patient encounter it came from. I would take time to reflect on why the patient may have said this about me and take all necessary measures to improve. I also wouldn't hesitate to get feedback from a senior resident or faculty member."

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2022

2nd Answer Example

"I realize that being a physician means being a lifelong learner. I would take the feedback graciously and figure out how I can improve going forward."

Written by Dr. Griswold on January 31st, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I see feedback and critique as an opportunity to improve. I would take what the patient mentioned and see how I can incorporate that into my future interactions with not only that patient but others as well. I would consider discussing the feedback and my proposed steps to improve with my seniors or PD."

Marcie's Feedback

Great! The interviewer will be happy to hear that you view feedback in a positive light. To strengthen your answer, consider adding an example of a time when you were given negative feedback and talk about how you used it to improve yourself. Good job!

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Anonymous Answer

"Receiving feedback from a patient survey that indicates dissatisfaction is a valuable opportunity for growth and improvement. I think that understanding patient perceptions, feelings, and expectations is essential to growing as a physician. I think that first is embracing feedback with a positive attitude and a commitment to continuous improvement. I would discuss this feedback with a senior resident or a mentor/supervisor since I believe that learning from experienced colleagues is invaluable and they may have different perspectives or may have had a similar experience where their advice could be incredibly helpful."

Jaymie's Feedback

You have a great outlook and approach when considering patient feedback! Your response is well-written and demonstrates your professional maturity and ability to use feedback to improve the patient experience.

Diligence

25. Talk about a difficult patient experience you had during medical school. How did you deal with it?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

As you enter Internal Medicine Residency training, you will be in charge of patients for the first time. This question allows your interviewers to assess the patience, communication, conflict resolution, and stress management skills that you would bring to their team as a new resident with their program.

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

How to Answer

Talk about a simple scenario you experienced during your medical school training so you don't spend too much time describing details of the patient's story. Instead, spend your time describing your thoughts and actions. Your answer should demonstrate your ability to remain calm, patient, empathetic, and logical.

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"During my surgery rotation, I cared for a patient during his post-operative recovery from knee surgery. He had a long history of opioid misuse and, as a result, had pain that was difficult to manage. While our team voiced concerns about using higher opioid levels, he remained dissatisfied with his care. I took the time to talk with him two to three times per day and provided an empathic ear to validate his concerns about his pain. Although we did not increase his opioid use, his satisfaction with his care improved remarkably over time, and he became a more cooperative patient invested in the next steps of his recovery."

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

2nd Answer Example

"A difficult patient experience I had during medical school was when one of the cancer patients that I was helping to take care of died. This was a difficult experience but I felt very honored to be able to help take care of this person and relieve some of their suffering near the end of their life."

Written by Dr. Griswold on January 31st, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I had a friend of mine who came to me with a problem. Bad reaction from an insect bite. Said he’d tried things like Benadryl and creams to make it better. He sent me a photo. I saw the ring of red. This was a person who was resistant to doctors because he felt doctors gave him the wrong meds when he was younger. He also was part of a subculture that believes in things like crystals and energy healing. I explained to him what I thought was going on. I explained how cellulitis works and also explained that this was a situation that could get ugly quickly. I explained that cellulitis spreads quickly and needs antibiotics. He was hesitant, but I said why not try it. He did end up taking antibiotics and the ring of red receded very quickly. He thanked me for my advice. He didn’t necessarily trust doctors, but I had rapport with him and my solution worked for him. So now he has a little more faith in medicine and doctors."

Marcie's Feedback

It's fantastic that you were able to help your friend in this way. While your example proves that you were able to assist someone who was wary of doctors, was your friend truly difficult to deal with? You might want to discuss a time when you calmed someone down who was being belligerent, verbally abusive, and/or very argumentative. If your friend acted in these ways, perhaps talk about this a bit more? (Right now, you mention that he was resistant to doctors but your example begins with him voluntarily sending you a photo of his ailment which sounds cooperative.) If not, you might want to consider switching to an example that includes someone who was more outwardly disagreeable to make a bigger impact with the interviewer. Just a thought!

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Anonymous Answer

"During my internal medicine rotation, I encountered a 50-year-old male patient with a significant family history of colon cancer who was reluctant to undergo a screening colonoscopy. To address his hesitancy, I initiated a conversation aimed at understanding his concerns. He expressed fear of the procedure, discomfort, and a general apprehension about medical interventions. I provided him with information about the elevated risk associated with his family history, emphasizing the potential of early detection in saving lives. I explained the advances in colonoscopy techniques to alleviate concerns about discomfort and the procedure itself. To further address his fears, I described the process of a colonoscopy in detail, highlighting the sedation and expertise involved, along with the minimal risk of complications. Sharing real patient stories who had benefited from colonoscopies helped emphasize the importance of the procedure. Recognizing the role of family history, I encouraged him to involve his family members in the decision-making process. As a result of this patient-centered approach, he agreed to schedule the colonoscopy, recognizing the critical nature of early detection in the presence of a family history of colon cancer. This experience reinforced the significance of tailored patient education, addressing individual fears, and involving family in healthcare decisions, especially when managing high-risk cases. It also solidified my commitment to advocating for preventive screenings to enhance patient health outcomes."

Marcie's Feedback

Wow! It sounds like you were careful to be patient, understanding, and thorough with this man. And ultimately this paid off when you helped him understand why it was important that he undergo the procedure. This example helps prove that you'll make an excellent physician/healthcare provider one day (with an effective bedside manner). Great job!

Diligence

26. What is the biggest challenge you faced in medical school?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

There are many challenges when coming into a program as a new Internal Medicine Resident, from learning new faces to taking on patients for the first time. Your interviewers need confirmation that you can face challenges head-on, embrace them, and learn from them throughout your time with their program.

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

How to Answer

Pick a challenge that is commonly faced by medical students rather than focusing on a potential deficit in your ability to perform as a resident. You can also pick something unique to you that is not the result of your actions (e.g., a family member passing away). Then, explain how you took steps to manage this challenge and prepare for similar challenges in the future.

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"The biggest challenge I faced was the hospitalization of my sister following a traumatic event. I was, fortunately, able to get some time off from medical school to visit her in the hospital. During this time, my parents and brother were a great support system. We were also fortunate to have nurses and doctors who provided us with regular updates on her status and expressed empathy for her situation. From this event, I realized how important my family is to me and why I want to live close to home for my residency."

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

2nd Answer Example

"One challenge I faced was being away from family. I made a point of calling and emailing them often to stay in touch."

Written by Dr. Griswold on January 31st, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I developed an addiction to stimulants (prescribed to manage ADHD during my third year of medical school). I postponed graduation and residency during this time while unsuccessfully attempting to gain sobriety. I returned to school and continued rotations and graduated in 2018, two years after my originally-anticipated graduation date. I entered the workforce after graduation to support myself and my family. I got proper medical treatment shortly thereafter. After finding and maintaining a sense of stability (I went through a divorce and custody battle at this time). I was able to successfully pass Step 2 CK, and Step 3, and I am fully equipped to complete my residency and finish my journey to becoming a physician."

Marcie's Feedback

Wow! Your story is a powerful one. Don't feel obligated to include details about your divorce and custody battle unless you want to (this really isn't any of the interviewer's business). However, discussing how you managed to overcome an addiction is impactful because it's so hard to do and you did it! Remind the interviewer of your persistence, resilience, and intense desire to become a physician (so much so that you never let these obstacles derail your dream). The more details, the better! Excellent job!

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Anonymous Answer

"In my third year of medical school, I faced a stressful situation. I was having my semester exams at the same time, and my sister experienced a postpartum hemorrhage after delivering her second baby, requiring urgent hospitalization. This added family responsibilities to my academic workload. As the eldest sibling, I had added responsibilities as well. The challenge I faced was finding a way to balance my academic commitments, which included upcoming exams, and still provide much-needed support to my sister and be present for my family during this critical time. So, I had to figure out a way to manage my studies while also being there for my loved ones during this challenging period.
To manage both, I created a study plan that accommodated family duties. I received assistance from my cousins and other family members, who helped take care of my sister, providing great relief. I sought extensions for assignments and exams from professors and remained resilient. This experience highlighted the significance of balancing personal and professional responsibilities, reinforcing my commitment to a medical career."

Marcie's Feedback

Excellent! This was clearly a challenging situation, but you developed an action plan that enabled you to successfully navigate it. How did you ultimately do on your exams? Did your sister recover? (In other words, don't forget to talk about the end result of your actions.) Nice job!

Discovery

27. Who would you say is your hero?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Your journey into Internal Medicine Residency training will require a great amount of drive and determination to be successful. Your interviewers want to hear you talk about your greatest motivation in life (or who you consider to be your hero) to understand what will drive motivate you to succeed as a resident in their program.

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

How to Answer

Describe a single person and explain why they are your hero. Only focus on one or two of their characteristics. Do not provide a laundry list of characteristics. These qualities should be attributes you find valuable that are critical to working as a physician (e.g., communication, teamwork, leadership, empathy, organization).

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"One of my heroes is my older cousin. Growing up, he was like my big brother, and he taught me how to be compassionate and caring in all I do. He is a phlebotomist and does a great job comforting his patients, particularly kids, during blood draws. I was lucky enough to shadow him in high school, and that drove me to a career in medicine. I hope to treat my patients with that same degree of compassion and validation as an Internal Medicine Resident with your program."

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

2nd Answer Example

"I would say Elizabeth Blackwell, I recently read her biography. She was the first woman to receive a medical degree. It must have taken a lot of courage at a time when it was not accepted for women to be doctors."

Written by Dr. Griswold on January 31st, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"My biggest hero is my mom. My mom is a retired nurse, but I developed my interest and love of medicine from her- she was a nursing instructor early on.

She taught me how to be compassionate and caring in all I do. She did this with her patients.

In fact, she was hired for a new job as a prison nurse for her qualities of advocating and defending her patients- at her previous job.

Her patients were fond of her, she had a really good rapport with them. Further her work ethic and integrity are something that inspires me. I hope to treat my patients with that same degree of compassion and validation as an Internal Medicine Resident in your program."

Marcie's Feedback

Awesome! Your mom sounds amazing, and it's wonderful that she passed along her compassion and love of medicine to you. Great response!

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Anonymous Answer

"I would say my father is one of my heroes. He is a pediatric neurosurgeon in Costa Rica and he was the one who inspired me to begin this journey of training abroad. Watching my father do braiding on girls to preserve their hair as much as possible and do an undulating incision in the scalp to hide the scars has instilled in me a profound desire to strive to be a compassionate and caring physician. I hope to treat my patients with that same degree of compassion and validation as an Internal Medicine Resident in your program."

Jaymie's Feedback

Great job! Your response is genuine and heartfelt and paints a picture of your father as a true source of inspiration. The personal connection adds authenticity and depth to your answer and explains the influence and how his motivation helped you find the path you're on.

Discovery

28. If I asked your friends, what would they say are your strengths and weaknesses?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

You will likely talk about your strengths and weaknesses throughout your interview. This question is unique because they request that you answer from the perspective of your friends, rather than your student colleagues or the preceptors you've worked with in the past.

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

How to Answer

Give a strength that is unique to you and applies to the field of medicine. It is a common strategy to offer a weakness that is actually a strength (e.g., "My weakness is that I work too hard"). The interviewers will recognize this as a transparent tactic. For this reason, you must provide an example of a legitimate weakness that you have worked to improve. You should not offer more weaknesses than strengths in your answer.

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"My strength is that I communicate my priorities clearly. During my rotations in medical school, I worked closely with social workers to ensure that patients had a placement in a nursing home or other facility so that they had a smooth transition out of the hospital when their condition improved. I also made sure they had physical and occupational therapists to ensure early rehabilitation following surgery and that any questions or concerns about care were addressed promptly. My weakness is self-criticism. I frequently reflect on my words and actions and wonder if I should have said or done something different. I have learned to call my patients to provide new information about important issues that I may have neglected to discuss during their appointment."

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

2nd Answer Example

"Strengths: Hardworking and empathetic.
Weaknesses: Overanalyzing - I have worked to overcome this over the years by giving myself time to analyze something but then also telling myself that after that time is up, that a decision needs to be made with the information at hand at the time."

Written by Dr. Griswold on January 31st, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"My background has helped me to develop strong leadership skills and the ability to have a collaborative approach to work. I remember championing a community outreach activity to help reduce the high HIV incidence that I noticed while consulting. I trained community health workers and through our collaboration, we were able to target all the high-risk zones and screen and educate the population, share free condoms. many months later we saw a crease of 4.5% in the incidence of HIV. This gave me the understanding that a team can achieve many things if they support each other, respectful of others' suggestions and opinions, Other strengths include my adaptability, I tend to easily adapt to any situation or new community in that I find myself. This program has diverse residents and patients and also I am coming into a new healthcare system in the US. I will easily adapt and integrate myself into the system and culture. Lastly, I am passionate and committed. Any task given to me, I will be fully committed to it and do it excellently and on time. My biggest weakness is that I am shy about public speaking and then speak fast. I remember just after graduation from medical school, I presented an abstract at a conference and the feedback my supervisor gave was that she felt like I was shy and spoke fast and rumbled. So far I have registered for online courses on public speaking and have been doing my best to present in seminar or conference that comes up. If taken in your residency, I will be the first to show up when anyone needs to opt to present a topic or an abstract."

Marcie's Feedback

Excellent! The strengths you have chosen to discuss (being a strong leader, collaborative, adaptable, passionate, and committed) are relevant and align with what the interviewer will be seeking. Supporting these assertions with examples is also very helpful. Finally, the weakness you mention (being shy when it comes to public speaking) is a common struggle for many, and the interviewer will be happy to hear that you are taking concrete steps to overcome this challenge. Great response!

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Anonymous Answer

"-Resilient: I have shown resilience in sticking with medicine despite some time away. I never gave up on the dream. I made steady but decisive, incremental steps to turn my life around. I successfully dealt with my illness, then I found financial stability. Till I came to the point where I was able to study and review medicine- took Step 2. Found work that got me in touch with medicine and gave me clinical experience. Finally, I took it one step further and completed Step 3 with a very good score.

-Empathetic- I have always had an empathetic nature. Since I was young I found myself understanding and feeling others pain. That and my interest in medicine have brought me here. My empathetic nature has translated to my care and connection patients. I was able to empathize with a patient and really listen to her…took her pain seriously…despite the hand-off from night shift as a possible drug seeker. I was able to diagnose her with an aortic dissection.

I was have been nominated for the GHHS award for my excellence in patient care. Also a result of my compassionate empathetic nature. I can connect with everyone. That also extends to my teammates.

-Flexible: Regardless of whatever has come my way, from an early age. I have been adaptable. Came to the US as an immigrant kid, not known the language and culture. My teacher told my mom….its like hes been here. Despite my recent struggles, I found a way to succeed and keep. I’ve keep my eye on the prize. My ability to adapt and change with any situation sets me apart from most people because I thrive in environments where things don't remain constant every day."

Weakness- I am overly critical of myself. That can lead to some anxiety.

However, I now harness that feelings to reflect daily on areas that I can improve. I take positive action, and I allow myself some patience for improvement. For instance, if its a gap in my knowledge I read it up on it that night."

Marcie's Feedback

Excellent! You've done a fantastic job of describing several of your strengths and one of your weaknesses. Your response is thorough and detailed, which makes it memorable and meaningful. Choosing to cite being overly critical of yourself as your weakness is a good choice because it can potentially be seen in a positive light (having high expectations and standards for yourself). Most important is showing the interviewer how you are working to overcome this, which you have. Great job!

Anonymous Answer

"I think that they would say that my strengths include being empathetic and being highly motivated to do anything I set my mind to.
In regards to my weaknesses, I think they would say that I can be too hard on myself. I have worked on this by practicing mindfulness and breaking down situations to understand why I acted a certain way without judging myself."

Jaymie's Feedback

I would recommend leading with your weaknesses so that your response ends on a more positive note. You did a good job sharing ways that you are working to overcome this area of development. You provided solid strengths that would add value as a resident, but you could make your answer even more impactful by giving examples that showcase these strengths and abilities. Explain how your strengths have positively impacted your personal and professional life and how you've learned from your weaknesses to become a more effective and resilient healthcare provider.

Discovery

29. Describe your personality in three words.

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Your interviewers pose this question for two reasons. First, they want some insight into your personality to get a feel for how you will fit in with the program. They also want to hear how you view yourself. Notice they do not ask how others would describe you but how YOU would describe yourself.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 31st, 2023

How to Answer

Since you only have three words, make sure the words that you use will make a lasting impact on your interviewers. Some possible words to use include adaptable, brave, compassionate, respectful, helpful, positive, thoughtful, and versatile. As you prepare for a question like this, try to avoid giving the same answer other candidates give. Explain your reasons for choosing these words to describe yourself.

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"If I could describe my personality to you in three words, I would say that I am compassionate, intelligent, and fluid. My personality is well suited for a healthcare-focused environment as my patients' well-being is always at the top of my mind. My intelligence will carry me through residency and into my career as a physician-focused in both clinical care and translational research. My ability to adapt and change with any situation sets me apart from most people because I thrive in environments where things don't remain constant every day."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 31st, 2023

2nd Answer Example

"Compassionate, hardworking, critical-thinker."

Written by Dr. Griswold on January 31st, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"-Resilient: I have shown resilience in sticking with medicine0 despite many years away. I never gave up on the dream. I steady but decisive, incremental steps to turn my life around. I successfully dealt with my illness, then I found financial stability. Till I came to the point where I was able to study and review medicine- took Step 2. Found work that got me in touch with medicine and gave me clinical experience. Finally, I took it one step further and completed Step 3 with a good score.

-Empathetic- I have always had an empathetic nature. Since I was young I found myself understanding and feeling others' pain. That and my interest in medicine have brought me here. My empathetic nature has translated into my care and connection with patients. I was able to empathize with a patient and really listen to her…took her pain seriously…despite the hand-off from the night shift as a possible drug seeker. I was able to diagnose her with an aortic dissection.

I have been nominated for the GHHS award for my excellence in patient care. Also a result of my compassionate empathetic nature. I can connect with most people. That also extends to my teammates and working well with others.

-Flexible: Regardless of whatever has come my way, from an early age. I have been adaptable. Came to the US as an immigrant kid, not knowing the language or culture. My teacher told my mom…. it's like he’s been here.

Also, despite my recent struggles, I found a way to succeed and keep on. I’ve kept my eye on the prize. My ability to adapt and change with any situation sets me apart from most people because I thrive in environments where things don't remain constant every day- and I know from experience that it is especially true for IM."

Marcie's Feedback

Nice! The interviewer will be happy to hear that you consider yourself to be resilient, empathetic, and flexible. These are all great qualities for someone in medicine to possess. You also do an excellent job of supporting these assertions with examples and explanations. Good response!

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Anonymous Answer

"Compassionate, Resourceful, and Curious."

Jaymie's Feedback

These are three traits and characteristics that will prove valuable in the healthcare field! If the interviewer would like you to elaborate, be prepared to give supporting examples or context as to why you chose those three words and how they will impact patients and your team.

Discovery

30. What motivated you to pursue an Internal Medicine training program?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Your decision to pursue an Internal Medicine Residency training program hopefully means that you have a career path planned out. Your interviewers want to hear your ultimate career goals following your Internal Medicine training or any additional fellowship that you want to pursue.

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

How to Answer

Come to your interview prepared to talk about your ultimate career goals as a physician and why this program is the best option for your pursuit of those goals. Your interviewers have worked with Internal Medicine residents in the past who have pursued every possible pathway to career success, so don't try to impress your interviewers with your plans. Instead, speak with passion about where you see your career taking you.

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"I enjoy being a leader as well as working within teams, and I'm ideally looking to practice in Hospital Medicine after residency training. As a Hospitalist, unlike most other specialties, you are responsible for managing every aspect of patient care, including rehabilitation with physical and occupational therapists, diet and type of food consistency with dieticians and speech pathologists, and discharge planning with social workers. I enjoy being able to work with multiple teams to provide efficient, effective, and holistic care for my patients."

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

2nd Answer Example

"I have always seen Internal Medicine physicians as the detectives of medicine, piecing together clues to solve the mystery. I really enjoy critically thinking to diagnose and treat patients."

Written by Dr. Griswold on January 31st, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"During my clinical years, I had broad exposure to different specialties, but I was settled on Internal Medicine. The beauty of internal medicine almost lies in the fact that a well-trained internal medicine doctor just needs a stethoscope and clinical skills to make a difference. Doing an internal medicine rotation in a hospital in a 3rd world tropical country was a very challenging experience but, at the same time, one of the best experiences of my professional life at the time. Especially when working in hospitals where there was very limited equipment; diagnostic tools like CT scans, chest x-rays, etc., everyone depended on the excellent skills of the internal medicine doctors to make diagnoses and develop treatment plans for patients. This is what I observed while rotating with my attendings during my medical school years. We took care of a range of pathology, from basic noncommunicable diseases like Diabetes and Hypertension to communicable diseases, and even more interesting, infectious diseases. A regular day could start in the HIV/AIDS ward, taking care of patients with barely detectable CD4 counts, and opportunistic infections (some of which are not even seen in more developed countries these days), then on to the regular medicine ward, where again a majority of the patients were admitted with malaria, acute sickle cell crisis. I learned a lot during this time and so I decided to stay in internal medicine."

Marcie's Feedback

Wow! Any interviewer will be highly impressed with your reasons for choosing the pursue internal medicine. Your example of working in a third-world country in internal medicine is powerful. It clearly explains why this form of medicine is so impactful when a hospital isn't well-equipped and why this is the specialty of your choice. Excellent response!

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Anonymous Answer

"My interest in internal medicine stems back to my initial interest in the heart. I developed that interest during graduate school by learning about and doing basic sciences research on cardiovascular and metabolic issues- one of the biggest burdens of disease in healthcare.

I especially loved my IM rotations where many cases I saw were cardiology-related- MI, CHF, and arrhythmias. I was involved in and presented a case of aortic dissection (I diagnosed it!). It was very gratifying to have played a part in saving that patient's life! I was also exposed to electrophysiology at this time, and I worked as an EP consultant for a medical device company after graduation.

In internal medicine, for many conditions, we can often provide comfort and solutions reasonably quickly- within a matter of hours to days, and I particularly enjoyed that aspect. For example, we can relieve a distressed patient with chest pain and save their life. Pneumonia- antibiotics and they get better.

Finally, following my experience with illness and recovery (substance issues), I now have a keen interest in helping patients at the primary care level. I feel that as internists, we would be the first to catch any brain pathology- things like anxiety, depression, substance use- very preventable and treatable conditions. Our patients see us first before they would ever go to a psychiatrist. We would be well placed to be the first line of defense for our patients. We can diagnose and refer appropriately- These Issues that would have a direct influence on our patient’s medical issues- compliance, etc. due to “psych” issues. I believe IM is well placed to help patients achieve an excellent and productive life in every aspect."

Marcie's Feedback

Perfect! Your answer will resonate with any interviewer because of how detailed and personal it is. Your path, though curvy, has clearly led you straight to internal medicine. Great job!

Anonymous Answer

"I have mentioned this in my personal statement and expanded on my thoughts when I compared internal medicine to surrealist art, I think that different specialties within Internal Medicine offer unique viewpoints on the human body and its complexities, which emphasizes the importance of seeing things from multiple angles and to me that is just like interpreting surrealist art which requires one to see things from other perspectives and requires to look for a deep meaning in symbols and images that defy reality. I guess that in synthesis, I enjoy critical thinking, looking for clues, and many times thinking outside of the box when it comes to patients with unusual presentations."

Jaymie's Feedback

Overall, your response is engaging, and creative, and provides insight into your motivations for pursuing Internal Medicine, making it a good response to the question. Nice work!

Discovery

31. Why was your motivation to pursue a career in medicine?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

This question from medical school interviews frequently resurfaces in residency interviews. The goal of this question is to determine if your reasons for pursuing medicine are consistent with your reasons for pursuing your residency training in Internal Medicine.

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

How to Answer

Before your interview, think about how to answer a question about your motivation to pursue a career in medicine. Your answer should be personal while also discussing your future career goals and pursuit of an Internal Medicine Residency training program. While they don't have to be the same reasons, they should at least be complementary.

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"I went into medicine because of my passion for being a caregiver. I ultimately wanted a career where I could provide compassionate and thorough care to my patients and their families who are often overwhelmed by disease or other afflictions. My love of science blended perfectly in my medical school. As a future hospitalist, you can see your patient multiple times per day, addressing their concerns as their disease worsens or improves. You are also able to address the questions and concerns of family members who are at the patient's bedside."

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

2nd Answer Example

"My motivation was having a family member who was sick when I was young. I have always been grateful to the doctors and nurses who helped my family. This experience inspired me to pursue a career in medicine."

Written by Dr. Griswold on January 31st, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I remember many years ago I was faced with choosing between arts and science subjects in senior high school, my parents convinced me to do sciences because most African parents will love one of their children to become a doctor because of losing loved ones while growing up due to lack of good Healthcare. So I reluctantly accepted to do sciences which I got to love and excelled in it but was faced with the choice of engineering and medicine. It was not until my uncle died in the hospital because of a lack of proper care that ignited my interest in medicine. I decided to become an excellent, compassionate, and empathic doctor to help my community."

Marcie's Feedback

Wow! What a moving and interesting backstory. Can you talk more about the loss of your uncle and how this motivated you to pursue a career in medicine? How old were you? Were you close to your uncle? It is admirable that you want to ensure others have access to lifesaving healthcare because some in your family and community didn't. Your response will surely resonate with the interviewer. Great job!

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Anonymous Answer

"My empathetic and compassionate nature along with my interest in the medical sciences (especially heart and metabolic issues) gave me the motivation to pursue medicine. I ultimately wanted a career where I would find satisfaction by alleviating the suffering of those often overwhelmed by disease or other afflictions. I remember the sense of hope and comfort that I felt as a child- (I was plagued by upper respiratory illness- and childhood asthma). I knew that after seeing the doctor, I would be given things that would make me feel better. I want to be a part of that.

Medicine is also the field where I can satisfy my intellectual interests as well. The intellectual part for me involves my interest solving puzzles. One of my childhood heroes was Sherlock Holmes- fictional character written by a physician. Much like Sherlock Holmes For me medicine is about take all the different clues using keen observations skills, applying a vast array of knowledge I've accumulated over the years, sometimes thinking creatively and figuring out a diagnosis.

The human aspect of this for me is that I can relieve someone of their discomfort and suffering and give them a sense of hope and comfort!"

Marcie's Feedback

Amazing! Your response is interesting and memorable because of all the details you've included, and it's clear that this is the right career choice for you. Reminding the interviewer of how knowledgeable, empathetic, and compassionate you are doesn't hurt either. Excellent!

Anonymous Answer

"I remember back in high school I was debating whether I should go into Medicine or Veterinary. Both paths involve a deep commitment to the well-being of living beings. Ultimately, I decided to go into medicine based on the prospect of making a difference in individual lives and communities through medicine and the possibilities that it holds such as community outreach."

Jaymie's Feedback

This is a beautiful motivator to share, as it's clear you have a passion for what you do! It sounds like you've always been interested in the health and well-being of others, whether that be people or animals.

Discovery

32. Take some time to tell us about yourself.

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

A three year internal medicine residency program is a very thorough and intense training path where you will become very close with your fellow residents and faculty. Knowing that you'll spend many long and grueling days and nights alongside your colleagues, learning and growing with each other, learning that you will be a great personal and cultural fit with the program is very important to the IM residency team. With this question, they open the floor to you to talk about your motivations for pursuing internal medicine training and to give some insight into who you are as a unique individual that would be joining their program.

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

How to Answer

This is a great chance to give your ultimate sales pitch and tell your interviewers what makes you one of the top candidates for their internal medicine residency program. While there is no right or wrong answer to a question like this, you ultimately want to make sure your interview team walks away knowing that you are motivated for the right reasons to join their program and that you would be a great fit with the entire team there. Prior to your interview, be sure to thoroughly research the IM residency program, their curriculum and their culture so you can come prepared to sell yourself as the top candidate for it.

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"I grew up with six brothers and sisters, so patience was a necessary virtue. They shaped my experiences and exposures. For example, when my sister needed hip surgery, we spent a week in the hospital and learned how doctors and nurses cared for her, including operating on her and controlling her post-operative pain. In college, I was required to take a human anatomy course, which I loved. I started shadowing a surgeon and took more classes relating to the human body, eventually completing my premedical requirements and solidifying my interest in becoming a physician. In medical school, I loved my rotations in both nephrology and hospital medicine because I loved being able to fix a debilitating problem that affects a patient's quality of life."

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

2nd Answer Example

"I am a highly motivated, hard-working team player. I love learning and try to expose myself to new topics when I can to expand my horizons. I have always enjoyed the process of bringing learnings and conclusions from various disciplines together to solve a new problem."

Written by Dr. Griswold on January 31st, 2023

3rd Answer Example

"If I'm fortunate enough to match into your esteemed internal medicine residency program, you'd be getting a motivated and hard working resident that is willing and ready to put in the work necessary to be a top resident. My ultimate career goal is to be a clinician and researcher in cardiovascular medicine, which my personality aligns perfectly with. I'm a people person and a motivator who loves providing education to others. As an internal medicine resident, I look forward to working side by side with patients and one day becoming a chief resident during my final year."

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I am from Cameroon, in Central Africa. I have 3 siblings, a wife, and a lovely daughter. I grew up in a small rural community and my experiences there growing helped shaped my determination to do medicine. I do play basketball and do fishing during my free time. My background working in a heavily underserved population with limited resources helped sharpen my clinical skills and my passion. of helping put smiles on people in their vulnerable states. I lead community outreach activities to combat HIV, diabetes, and hypertension. My real strengths are being able to lead and work as a team, being adaptable and passionate, and being committed. What I am looking for is a program that is passionate about training physicians and providing them with the necessary skills to serve an underserved community. And I have seen all this in your program, the reason why it's my top choice. I am a compassionate, detail-oriented physician who will help achieve the major objectives of your program. I am a people person, and tend to easily get along with nurses, coworkers, and patients."

Marcie's Feedback

Excellent! Your background is interesting, and you do a great job of explaining who you are, where you come from, and why you're passionate about medicine. Emphasizing the experience you have and the skills and qualities you will bring to the program will show the interviewer why you should be a top candidate. You come across as passionate, well-rounded, compassionate, personable, and full of integrity. Great response!

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Anonymous Answer

"My passion for science and my desire to help others led me into the field of medicine and ultimately my experiences while working with underserved populations in Costa Rica and the US have shaped me into a compassionate and adaptable person. My strength is having a big heart and a deep fascination for all living beings. I love animals (especially my beloved chihuahuas), I love nature (I grew up in a country with countless mountains) and I love lending a helping hand to others. I hope that in your program I can grow to become a well-rounded physician and in the process, I hope I can get involved in research projects, participate in academics and community outreach, and hopefully make good friends with whom I can share my passion for art and cinema."

Jaymie's Feedback

This is a great introduction that highlights your passion for science and serving others! It also touches on your personal interests and goals, which is important! Be sure also to include discussion points about your background and relevant experiences.

View This Question and Answers

Discovery

33. What do you like to do for fun?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Your interviewers will pose some questions to get to know you personally throughout your time with them. They want to get a feel for who you are and what motivates you. They also ask this question to make sure that you partake in activities outside of your schooling that help recharge, both physically and mentally.

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

How to Answer

This question is more likely to be asked by senior residents than attendings. This question asks what is unique about you as a person. Pick some popular activities to show that you would get along with the current residents, as well as some uncommon activities to project yourself as a unique and memorable person. Expect follow-up questions about your interests.

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"I love watching and playing basketball and football. I am a big fan of true crime shows and documentaries on Netflix. I also love to whittle little figurines out of wood, such as a two-inch tall penguin I am currently working on."

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

2nd Answer Example

"I enjoy reading, cooking, and traveling. When not working or studying, I try to enjoy being around friends and family, and I really like being able to cook a big meal for them so we can sit around the table together and talk."

Written by Dr. Griswold on January 31st, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I enjoy motorcycling, and hiking. I find both of these activities to be therapeutic and stress-relieving. I've also recently taken up boxing. I love watching comedy- Seinfeld! I like to visit museums when I have the chance."

Marcie's Feedback

Seinfeld is the best! :) The variety of interests you mention shows that you're a well-rounded, active, and cultured individual. Nice!

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Anonymous Answer

"My favorite thing to do is to learn about art. I try to do it in ways that adjust to the amount of time and energy I have so I'll watch a YouTube essay, listen to a podcast, or read a book about an artist or a work of art. I also enjoy exercising daily and cooking. Other things I do for fun include being a skincare and makeup nerd and being a big Taylor Swift fan. On vacations, I like to travel."

Jaymie's Feedback

This is always such a welcomed, light-hearted question during an interview! Your response is of ideal length and gives great insight into who you are outside of work. Good job!

Education

34. I see that you struggled with 'X course or rotation' in medical school. Why was that?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Your medical school performance evaluation will give the Internal Medicine Residency Program Director an honest and objective summary of your medical school performance and experiences, and they will likely review your MSPE before your interview. The director knows that it is natural for medical students to struggle in an area or two, and they'll want to hear how you have or are in the process of improving in this area.

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

How to Answer

The interviewer will often look at your transcript or MSPE as they ask this question. Don't deny or deflect a statement made about you in your MSPE. Instead, accept responsibility and provide a sincere explanation. Keep the explanation brief and focus on what you have learned from the experience or how you have changed to ensure that similar problems will not happen again.

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"During my first pediatric rotation, I didn't realize that even when treating an adolescent, it is important to provide updates to the family. I was only engaging with the patient. After getting feedback from my attending, I realized that it is important to discuss the concerns of everyone in the room, not just the patient. I now build a rapport with the families of patients who visit the hospital by introducing myself to them and learning their names. Now, I make sure I ask the family members and the patient if they have any questions or concerns before leaving the room."

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

2nd Answer Example

"One rotation that I struggled with was surgery which is a more manual specialty. I believe my greatest skill is using critical thinking to diagnose and treat patients. I believe I am better suited for Internal Medicine."

Written by Dr. Griswold on January 31st, 2023

Education

35. While attending medical school, what was your favorite course and why?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Every medical student has a favorite area of medicine or a subject they find fascinating. Learning about your favorite courses, personal preferences, and professional areas of intrigue will allow the interviewers to better understand your passions.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 31st, 2023

How to Answer

Come to your interview ready to talk about your favorite course in medical school. Elaborate on the reason it was your favorite. If you had a great professor, talk about what made them so influential. If you excelled in a particular subject, don't hesitate to brag a bit to your interviewers.

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"The courses I enjoyed most in medical school were the classes and workshops with the opportunity to work on cadavers. The human body is fascinating, and since I am a hands-on learner, I found cadaver-based classes to be the most informative. From my work with cadavers, I realized that pursuing training in Internal Medicine was my true calling as a future in cardiovascular care is my dream practice."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 31st, 2023

2nd Answer Example

"Physiology was my favorite course. In order to understand what is going wrong in the body, you need to have an excellent working knowledge of how a given system is supposed to work correctly so you can determine why it may be not working or working improperly."

Written by Dr. Griswold on January 31st, 2023

Education

36. How would you stay on top of trends and changes in the medical industry as an Internal Medicine Resident?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Your interviewers want to know that you will fully immerse yourself in your field as an Internal Medicine Resident. This includes keeping up to date on new trends and having a great understanding of the challenges the overall medical industry faces, both now and in the future.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 31st, 2023

How to Answer

Talk about a couple of the resources you use to stay on top of medical industry trends. You might also ask the interviewers if they have any recommendations for you. This can start a conversation that will be helpful to you! Before your interview, look into the Internal Medicine and subspecialty groups, journals, and publications you are interested in to be able to talk about them more.

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"I follow a few resources online for up-to-date information on the medical industry. My favorites right now are PubMed and Medscape. I also regularly read 'Health Data Management' online. I've already joined the ACGM as I look to match into a great Internal Medicine Residency like yours. Do you have any recommendations for me? I love to learn and would appreciate knowing about any new and helpful resources in this field."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 31st, 2023

2nd Answer Example

"Being an excellent physician requires being a lifelong learner. I plan on staying up to date by attending lectures, grand rounds, and reading some of the major medical journals on a regular basis."

Written by Dr. Griswold on January 31st, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I follow a few resources online for up-to-date information on the medical industry. My favorites right now are NEJM and Medscape. I receive weekly email newsletters from NEJMwatch.org. It compiles summaries of the latest guidelines. Further, I also use the course onlinemeded.org - intern content and AMBOSS to stay on top of my medical knowledge so that I can hit the ground running in July."

Marcie's Feedback

Great! It sounds like you stay up to date on new industry trends and technologies, which the interviewer will appreciate. Do you also network with other medical professionals or attend conferences? How about taking online courses or reading newspapers? In addition, can you talk briefly about a trend that you learned about that interested you? Good job!

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Anonymous Answer

"Being an excellent physician requires being a lifelong learner, the medicine that we know today is different from 50 years ago. I plan on staying up to date by attending lectures, and grand rounds, and reading some of the major medical journals on a regular basis. One resource I personally like is UptoDate because it helps me be aware of changing guidelines with regard to medical management."

Marcie's Feedback

Awesome! It's clear from your answer that you know just how to stay abreast of new industry trends and changes, which the interviewer will appreciate. Mentioning a specific resource makes your response even stronger. Great job!

Anonymous Answer

"UpToDate is one of my most used apps on my phone, I am so grateful for having readily available information like that on my phone or my computer. Other resources such as Amboss, OnlineMedEd, DynaMed, and journals such as NEJM and BMJ have also been incredibly helpful. I think that in the future I will continue to use these resources along with answering board-style questions to solidify my knowledge."

Jaymie's Feedback

Great job! It's always best to give specific examples as you have in your response. For a well-rounded answer, consider also mentioning networking and collaborating with other professionals in healthcare and attending continued education workshops, if applicable.

Education

37. Have you completed all ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) requirements to start an Internal Medicine Residency?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

This question will only be important for Foreign Medical Graduates. If you are in this category, your interviewers will need to know that you already have your ECFMG certification by completing steps 1 and 2 of the USMLE.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 31st, 2023

How to Answer

If you are a foreign medical graduate, come to your Internal Medicine Residency interview prepared to discuss the steps you have taken for the ECFMG certification. If you have any supporting paperwork, bring it with you to the interview and offer it to the interviewers. You must be prepared with an affirmative answer to this question.

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"Yes, I have completed steps 1 and 2 of the USMLE requirements and have brought the supporting paperwork with me. Would you like to take a copy?"

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 31st, 2023

2nd Answer Example

"Yes, I believe I have gone above and beyond the requirements to be successful in your Internal Medicine residency program and am excited to start this next chapter."

Written by Dr. Griswold on January 31st, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Yes, I have completed Steps 1,2, and 3. I can provide a copy of my ECMFG certificate."

Marcie's Feedback

Awesome! The interviewer will be pleased to learn this. Consider ending your answer with a sentence that conveys your excitement about becoming an IM resident. Nice job!

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Anonymous Answer

"Yes, I have completed Steps 1 and 2. I can provide a copy of my ECMFG certificate."

Jaymie's Feedback

Excellent! A brief and direct answer is best here.

Education

38. Tell us about the most interesting case you were exposed to while attending medical school.

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Your interviewers want candidates who have a passion for Internal Medicine and their potential subspecialty. This conversational-based question is intended to get to know the types of cases that you find most interesting.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 31st, 2023

How to Answer

Before your Internal Medicine Residency interview, think of what you consider the most intriguing and thought-provoking case you worked on in medical school. The cases that are most interesting to you should pertain to the specialty you want to pursue. As you answer, take a few minutes to set the stage for the case, name a couple of points that intrigued you, and explain why. If you know the outcome of the case, discuss that briefly as well.

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"The most intriguing case I was exposed to during medical school was an elderly patient that presented with acute gastrointestinal bleeding. The amount of teamwork and investigation that went into the successful diagnosis and treatment for the patient helped me decide to take that path of Internal Medicine training because I think a fellowship in GI & Hepatology would be a great option for me."

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2022

2nd Answer Example

"An interesting case was a young woman I helped take care of who was diagnosed with sarcoidosis. She had many symptoms and it took an excellent Internal Medicine physician to make the correct diagnosis. This really made me interested in pursuing a career in Internal Medicine."

Written by Dr. Griswold on January 31st, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"During my internal medicine rotation, a woman presented suffering from "epigastric pain." The case was initially handed off by the night shift as possible gastric distress; however, notes indicated a suspicion that she was drug-seeking due to her history of cocaine use. Nevertheless, I took the time to connect with her and examine her carefully. She complained of back pain which worsened with palpation. Her creatinine levels demonstrated an inexplicable upward trend. She was given large amounts of IV morphine with little relief. I couldn't shake the suspicion that she could be presenting with an aortic dissection. I presented the case to my attending as such while mentioning her original diagnosis. Following testing, it was confirmed that the patient, indeed, had a descending aortic dissection. It was incredibly rewarding to have played a part in saving this woman's life. This experience played a significant role in my decision to pursue Internal Medicine."

Marcie's Feedback

Wow! This answer is incredibly powerful. It shows your passion and love of medicine and your desire to help others. It also puts your persistence and knowledge on full display, in addition to your willingness to overlook an assumption ('drug seeking') in order to uncover the truth. Excellent!

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Anonymous Answer

"During my gastroenterology rotation at ______ Healthcare, I had a patient who had ingested a liquid acid for scraping metal by mistake. We were told that the patient had smoke coming out of his mouth. Given the patient's history, he was taken for an emergent endoscopy. He had extensive necrosis in his stomach. To me, this was a really interesting case because this patient was seemingly normal with normal vital signs and normal labs despite being closely monitored for being at high risk of perforation."

Jaymie's Feedback

What an interesting and challenging case to share with the interviewer! This is a good example to share because it's intriguing, clinically complex, and one that's stuck with you as memorable.

Scenario Based

39. As a new trainee in our Internal Medicine Residency, how would you handle being asked to do a procedure or task that you were unfamiliar with and uncomfortable handling?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

As you enter Internal Medicine Residency training as a new medical school graduate, you know that you will be tackling many new procedures and tasks in practice that you haven't completed before. In proposing a question like this, your interviewers will be looking to hear that you would take a collaborative and learning approach and that you aren't afraid to ask for help when you know your shortcomings.

Written by Dianne Barnard on January 31st, 2023

How to Answer

This is not the time to say that you would jump in with both feet and potentially risk the safety and wellbeing of a patient. Your interviewers are not looking for someone who jumps when someone says jump, but someone willing to jump with confidence and competence. Provide an answer that illustrates this difference. As you answer, talk about your willingness to ask for help and learn in the process.

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"I am confident in my medical knowledge and skills, but I also know that I will be tackling some things that will be very new to me. When faced with this situation, I wouldn't hesitate to ask a senior resident or faculty member for guidance. My goal is to leave residency with all of the skills necessary to be a confident and competent physician, and I greatly look forward to these learning opportunities with your program."

Written by Dianne Barnard on January 31st, 2023

2nd Answer Example

"I would communicate to my senior resident or attending that I was unfamiliar with doing that given task. I would ask for additional teaching so that I could safely be able to perform the given procedure or task."

Written by Dr. Griswold on January 31st, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"1. I am confident in my medical knowledge and skills, but I also know that I will be tackling some things that will be very new to me.

2. When faced with this situation, I wouldn't hesitate to ask a senior resident or faculty member for guidance.

3. My goal is to leave residency with all of the skills necessary to practice independently with confidence and competence, and I greatly

look forward to these learning opportunities with your program."

Marcie's Feedback

Nice! It's great that you won't hesitate to ask someone senior for guidance. You might also talk about maintaining a positive outlook, starting with a small step to keep things manageable, gathering information and resources, and seeking to collaborate with others.

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Anonymous Answer

"I would communicate to my senior resident or attending that I am unfamiliar with doing that task. I would ask for additional teaching so that I could safely be able to perform the procedure or task. My goal is to leave residency with all of the skills necessary to practice independently with confidence and competence, and I greatly look forward to these learning opportunities with your program"

Jaymie's Feedback

Excellent! Your response shows that you take a responsible and proactive approach when handling unfamiliar tasks, which is a positive trait in a residency candidate! You demonstrate a safety-conscious approach by effectively communicating your concerns with a senior resident, and you express a willingness to learn and improve.

Stress

40. How do you think you will perform under pressure as an Internal Medicine Resident?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

During your venture into Internal Medicine Residency, you will face more pressure than you've ever faced before, even compared to medical school. Your interviewers need to know that you have the tools and skillset needed to face the pressure that comes with residency.

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

How to Answer

Provide an example of a time you were challenged by a difficult workload or a pressure-packed situation. This can be a time you were managed several critical patients or you had a difficult workload. Discuss how you reacted in that situation, what you learned from this experience, and if you would do things differently next time. Don't forget to talk about the resources you used to ensure that you paid close attention to the fine details as well.

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"One time in medical school, our block exams were moved to an earlier date in the middle of the block. To prepare for the exam on time, I had to ask my peers for recommendations on study materials to better understand difficult concepts. Fortunately, I was able to prepare for the exam on time, but in the future, I realized it is important to know what resources you have, even if you don't plan on using them, as unexpected challenges arise in both medical school and patient care."

Written by Ryan Brown on December 20th, 2020

2nd Answer Example

"One of my strengths is being able to work in challenging environments. As you can see I have experience volunteering doing medical missions overseas which present their own unique challenges. I believe this experience will help me in dealing with the challenging environment of residency."

Written by Dr. Griswold on January 31st, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I am actually motivated by pressure and stressful situations. They make me work faster to achieve the outcome I need. Whenever I am under stress, I remain calm, assess my options and then make decisions and actions based on the situation in front of me. Every situation is an opportunity to grow and develop and it has taught me how to balance and prioritize."

Marcie's Feedback

Nice! It's great that you thrive in stressful and fast-paced situations; the interviewer will appreciate this. To further strengthen your answer, can you give an example of a time when you were under a lot of stress and talk about how you successfully handled this? Use the STAR method (situation, task, action, result) to structure your response. Good job!

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Anonymous Answer

"1. I perform well under pressure. I know that residency will have many of these moments.

2. Being prepared, having practice, and having a plan are key to performing well under pressure. (Ex: Being knowledgeable and fluent

about the most common illnesses I would encounter, practicing putting in IV lines, so that in an emergency, I can respond

effectively, etc.)

3. Finally, being flexible even in uncertainty but knowing that I have the foundation to figure out what I need to do. I’ve learned to play

classical piano. Now I can play jazz.

4. If a situation arises where I have no practice or knowledge, I would immediately reach out to a senior, a teammate, or supervising

physician for assistance and guidance.

As an example, I was given a Spanish speaker for a patient interaction that I was evaluated on.

I certainly felt the pressure and some anxiety as this was a graded encounter. However, I rolled with the punches. I knew I had the medical knowledge and skills to perform just fine. I took a few deep breaths and walked deliberately into the waiting room to get my patient. I greeted the patient warmly with a mix of broken Spanish and universal hand gestures. I was able to use a combination of google translate and the hospital translation service to conduct the interview and physical exam and explain the treatment plan to the patient."

Marcie's Feedback

Excellent! Reassuring the interviewer that you thrive under pressure is a great way to start your response. Being prepared, well-practiced, and flexible is also helpful in this type of situation. Finally, the example you've included strengthens your answer. This is a strong response; great job!

Anonymous Answer

"One of my strengths is being able to work in challenging environments. As you can see I have experience Working in the ICU and CCU which present their own unique challenges, but from that, I have found that it is the challenge that excites me and I want to improve my knowledge so I can better myself as a physician. I hope I can find such learning opportunities in your residency program."

Marcie's Feedback

Excellent! It's great that you reference past experience of working in a stressful environment. Consider using the STAR method here to describe a specific example of a time when you performed well under pressure. Adding an example like this will further strengthen your response. Good job!

Anonymous Answer

"During medical school, I had a handful of times where I would have rotations in the morning and exams in the afternoon, sometimes even back-to-back exams. I developed mechanisms to deal with the worries and anxiety of performing such as saying my fears and letting them go to put those feelings aside and following that by saying positive things to myself to focus on the task at matter. I think situations like this also helped me figure out what things I needed to be able to perform. I realized how important self-care is to be the best version of yourself under stress."

Jaymie's Feedback

Your answer reassures the interviewer that you've learned to navigate and perform under pressure effectively. You did a good job drawing on personal experiences during medical school to illustrate how you've managed high-pressure situations with exams and rotations, making your response relatable and authentic. Great job!