Is there anything we haven't covered during your interview that you would like to ask about?

"Thank you for asking! I know you offer combined pediatric and internal medicine medical genetics residency paths. Do you have current residents going through the two-year specific program after graduating from a primary care residency? I'm also curious about where your program's graduates practice after training. Can you talk more about where your recent graduates are finding success in their careers in practice?"

Medical genetics residency programs can vary greatly, both in their curriculum and the structure of how their program combines with other programs. The faculty want to ensure that you don't walk away with any questions unanswered. Asking intelligent questions during your medical genetics residency interviews will demonstrate to your interviewers that you have a deep interest in their institution and residency program.

Before your medical genetics residency interview, research the institution and thoroughly review the program description for any clarification you may need about becoming a resident in this program. If the program offers multiple paths for its medical genetics residents, now is a great time to get clarification on the best track for you. If you are not prepared for the interview, and you need to think of questions off the top of your head, ask questions regarding their culture, the traits they are looking for in the ideal candidate, and if there are any responsibilities of this position not listed on the role description.

Were your ethics ever tested in a medical setting?

"During my first year of residency training, I had a pediatric patient with bruises on their back and lower torso. When I questioned the mother, she indicated that she had tried a coining procedure to rub warm oils on her child with a coin to 'raise out the bad blood and improve healing.' The child was wincing in pain upon my examination, and I was internally struggling if this should be reported to Child Protective Services. Knowing this was a cultural practice made the decision very difficult. I immediately consulted with my attending, and we decided to educate the mother on the potential harm of her self-treatment method."

As a medical genetics resident and future clinical geneticist, your ethics will no doubt be tested. Due to the nature of the field, ethical issues can arise in patient confidentiality, patient autonomy, and informed consent in their care.

The first thing you need to remember when answering this question is that the interviewers are looking for a direct example of a time your ethics were tested. Before your interview, think of a time this happened to you, and you proved that you could overcome it. Some examples could be witnessing someone cheat or steal or someone asking you to do something you knew was morally wrong. You could also discuss a patient confidentiality matter if you handled it professionally and ethically. No matter how you answer, stress that you would come to this medical genetics residency with high moral standards and integrity.

How do setbacks emotionally affect you and your work?

"Experiencing a setback or an unanticipated event during my medical school and residency training has always been challenging. While it is easy to get upset or frustrated, I try to look at things objectively, reframe the situation, and do what is necessary to correct or improve the situation. Seeking help or advice from other team members or faculty is also helpful. Taking a break to get fresh air or eating a snack gives me a mental break and enables me to return to the situation with a fresh perspective. Taking a walk or exercising is also a good way to relieve stress and renew my energy level."

Medical genetics is an industry with rapid advances. Because of this, you will experience setbacks in your clinical work and research. Knowing that every resident will handle the stress and disappointment of these setbacks differently, I've experienced program directors and faculty wanting to get at the heart of how their future residents will handle setbacks and disappointments during their training.

Describe how you typically cope with setbacks and, if possible, relate your firsthand experience with your medical school and prior residency experiences. As you answer, focus on your ability to learn from your mistakes and stay calm, cool, and collected in any situation as their next medical genetics resident.

Do you have any specific areas of research interest as a prospective medical genetics resident?

"Yes, I am interested in research that focuses on gene therapy and cancer genetics. As a medical genetics resident with your program, I'm very interested in the clinical and translational research track where I can start to work towards K and eventual R grants heading into my career in practice."

Medical genetics residency programs allow residents to engage in basic science and translational research activities. Residents can carve their own research paths during their training. In asking this question during your time together, your interviewers are simply looking to hear that you are interested in research and have some indication of where you would like to take your research as a resident with their program.

Consider this question before your interview and come prepared to speak knowledgeably about your research interests as a future medical genetics resident. While you can be as broad or specific as you like, be sure to speak with passion about your research interests so your interviewers get the sense that you are excited about what lies ahead in this realm as a resident with their program.

What are your career goals after completing our medical genetics residency program?

"My dream is to join a large academic practice where I can see pediatric patients in the outpatient and inpatient setting, focus on research and education, and work toward discovering new therapies for genetic disorders. Your program ranks at the top of my list because of your combined pediatric residency and the exposure your residents get to a large amount of research. This is a program that I'd love to be a part of to help kickstart my career."

Residency programs want to know the career goals of their future residents to understand how they will want to customize their training during their residency. This is especially true in medical genetics training, where residents can combine programs with paths like pediatrics and internal medicine. Here, your interviewers ask directly what your ideal practice looks like to be able to customize your time in their program.

As long as your career goals involve at least some aspect of work in clinical genetics, there are no right or wrong answers to this question. Let the interviewers know your career goals and how this training program will help you achieve them.

As a medical genetics resident, you will be expected to explain complex medical information to patients who may not understand. How will you manage these situations?

"Educating patients as a physician requires an instant connection to build trust quickly. As a medical genetics resident, I look forward to bringing experience in these areas. I will be responsible for helping my patients understand some pretty hard-to-grasp terms and processes. I will always have an open dialogue with my patients to ensure they understand their testing procedures and results. I would ask patients to repeat what they heard me say and encourage them to ask questions."

Genetics and how they pertain to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions is something that most of the general population doesn't understand. As a medical genetics resident, part of your job will be explaining your work in Layman's terms to your patients. Your interviewers need to be confident in how you will approach this with the patients you will be consulting during your time with their program.

This is your time to show how you blend your excellent communication skills with your ability to educate others. As you answer a question like this, point out that you would come to this program with the ability to connect with patients at their level and ensure they walk away understanding every part of the care that they are receiving.

How would you describe the communication skills you would bring to our program as a medical genetics resident?

"I understand that communication is critical during medical genetics residency training. I'll be communicating with my patients, attendings, and peers. I do my best to approach others with an open mind, and when offering my perspective, I take the time to hear the other person's opinions and thoughts. Patient education is vital in the genetics world, and I would come to your program with the ability to educate patients on complex topics. I like to talk openly with my patients, use language they understand, and fully explain all possible outcomes and options."

Patient-centered communication is vital for any medical genetics residency program, given that you will communicate complicated test results with patients and work closely with physicians from many other subspecialties. Your interviewers want to know that you would join their program as a great communicator.

Before your interview, think about your strengths when it comes to communicating. Come prepared to discuss what makes you great at communicating with patients, colleagues, and support staff. Stress why solid communication skills are vital to the overall success of any medical geneticist.

We promote patient outreach and public education here at our medical genetics residency program. Why do you feel is this important to do?

"I love that, as a physician, I will promote public health knowledge. I would take advantage of the opportunity to do this as a medical genetics resident because the general public lacks knowledge in this area. I look forward to promoting services on social media because I know how visible this tool is today. I also believe that old-fashioned public forums and education are still useful and exciting."

Public education on the basic concepts of genetics, disease risk, and healthy life choices is lacking. Clinical geneticists are expected to play a vital part in providing education and outreach to the public on their services. Residency program interviewers want to hear that you understand why this is important as a resident with their program and would relish any opportunities to provide public outreach during your time with them.

If you have any experience in community outreach and public service as a medical student or resident, now is a great time to talk about that experience and explain why it was necessary. As you answer this question, you want to speak with passion as you reiterate why the public needs to learn more about the role genetics plays in preventing a predisposition to illnesses and diseases.

Talk about a conflict you were involved in as a resident or medical student. What was the situation, and what was your approach to handling it professionally?

"I was a conflict avoider growing up. Medical school and my initial years of residency training have taught me how to approach conflict with a focus on a healthy and respectful resolution. A few weeks ago, I had a patient upset about wait times in the clinic, and they took their anger out on me. I've learned that simply listening and not taking things personally are very important, and that is just what I did. I used reflective listening to sympathize with the patient and then talked about the precautions we were taking to ensure that wait times were as minimal as possible. Just hearing me calmly say this put them at ease for his exam."

As a medical genetics medicine resident, you will work closely with fellow residents, faculty, and staff from many different departments in a collaborative team effort. Conflicts will likely arise during your training. Your interviewers want to hear that you can handle them respectfully and professionally during your time in their program.

This is your chance to talk to the interviewers about your ability to handle conflict. Give a specific example of a time you resolved a conflict with a student colleague, fellow resident, or superior using direct communication and respect. To conclude, highlight how your actions led to a great outcome.

How do you expect clinical genetics to evolve in the next five to ten years?

"I'm most excited about pursuing residency training in medical genetics because of all of the exciting ways the field can evolve in the years ahead of me in my career. I believe that genetic testing for the predisposition of diseases will be used more in personalized medicine. I also think things like the Human Genome Project and big data in medicine will provide so much more insight into treating patients based on genetic profiles."

Evolution in medicine needs to be embraced by tomorrow's physicians, and the field of medical genetics is at the forefront of breakthroughs in how diseases are diagnosed and treated. To gauge your knowledge and passion in the field, your medical genetics residency interview team wants to hear you talk about where you see the field evolving in the coming years.

Discuss with the interviewing team where you feel medical genetics is headed. Before your interview, it is always a good idea to read about recent developments in the field and some upcoming news on new things happening with technology and research so you can speak intelligently in your answer.

Tell us what you know about staying current with the ongoing changes in the clinical genetics field. Why will this be important to you as a resident in our program?

"During medical school, I loved the exposure to the great journals, publications, and medical societies out there. During my combined medical genetics residency, I plan to immerse myself and become a member of the American Pediatric Association and the American College of Medical Genetics. I will prioritize researching breakthroughs and attending regional and national events put on by these organizations. Are there any other groups that you recommend for your residents?"

Medical genetics is a very subspecialized field that continues to advance in technology and research. As a prospective resident of their program, your interviewers want to know that you are willing and ready to dive into the various publications, societies, and research from the start as a part of their program.

Before your medical genetics residency interview, research different societies and journals like the CGS and ACMG. It's also a great idea to talk about any of the groups you currently belong to and journals you read. Don't hesitate to ask the interviewers what resources they refer to for industry trends. That question can start a great conversation, and you may learn a thing or two.

Our medical genetics residents must pass a criminal record check and education verification. Are you comfortable with this?

"I would be happy to complete a criminal background check and employment verification if I were to match into your amazing medical genetics program. I understand that you must do your due diligence to protect the safety of your patients, and I am comfortable with this."

In any healthcare-related setting, successfully passing a criminal background check and employment verification is a requirement of the state you will be practicing in and the institution you work for. Your interviewers ask this question to ensure you can pass the required state or federal background checks.

If you can successfully pass a criminal record check or education verification, explain that you have a clean record. If you have any blemishes on your record, the interview process is the time to be upfront about that. Any residency program will be more forgiving if you are honest about any marks on your background check.

Are you willing to pack up and relocate if you match into our medical genetics residency program?

"I am willing to relocate for my medical genetics residency training because I want to obtain excellent training at a program like yours. I've visited this region many times during my childhood as I have extended family in the region. My parents and siblings are excited for me about this opportunity as well because they'd look forward to traveling here regularly."

Your interviewers know that having some interest in the city/region is very important for trainees. As they consider your candidacy to join their medical genetics residency program, they want to know that you are serious about your willingness to relocate away from current friends and family and focus on training in their program. This question will only apply if you will be relocating to join.

The goal when answering this question is to assure the interviewer that relocating will not be a problem for you. Knowing that family is a very important of the equation, don't hesitate to talk about your personal or family situation and the support you have to pursue this dream of yours.

With all of the great medical genetics residency programs across the country, why did you choose to apply to ours?

"As I considered many reputable programs with the maternal-fetal medicine and medical genetics combined residency, your program continued to jump out to me for many reasons. My mentor during my OB residency training did her residency here, and she had nothing but the best to say about the program, faculty, and region. I also love that research is a vital part of all four years of your program. Last, I'm looking forward to training onsite in many different settings, including a VA center and children's hospital."

With over 45 specialized medical genetics and genomics residency programs across the United States, potential residents looking to specialize in this field have their choice of many great programs. In asking this question, your interviewers want to understand why you will ultimately choose their residency program over others. Your answer will give them insight into how you will fit personally, professionally, and culturally with their institution.

When responding to this question, highlight unique aspects of their program that stand out from others and appeal to you. You may want to participate in their program because of their stellar reputation, dynamic and interactive curriculum, or because they are heavily focused on research. Before your interview, scour their institution's website to pick out bits and pieces that appeal to you.

What three clinical or medical strengths would you bring to our program as a medical genetics resident?

"The three clinical strengths I would bring to your medical genetics residency program are my investigative prowess, my ability to work cohesively with a large team of clinicians, and my overall compassion for the patients I care for. Over the last four years, I've tried to let my strengths determine my best path to success in medicine, and I'm confident that joining your residency program is the right move for me."

While they have a pretty good idea of your skills from your CV, transcripts, and references, the interviewers at the medical genetics residency program you are interviewing with ask this question to see if you have the clinical skills and qualities they seek in a new resident. They want to hear that you are self-aware and confident enough to identify and describe your strengths.

Before your interview, think of three strengths that will help you succeed as a medical genetics resident and bring value to the program you are interviewing with. You can talk about a strength or two that directly applies to success in clinical genetics, like having excellent analytical skills. You can also talk about general clinical strengths, like your generous compassion.

Tell us something unique about yourself that is not found on your CV.

"From a pretty young age, with the aid of my grandfather, I trained in the art of horology. He was a very successful grandfather clockmaker and watchmaker, and I continue this tradition today. I've combined my love for clock-making with woodworking and created several beautiful clocks over the last several years for family and friends. This hobby keeps me relaxed and centered outside of the clinic setting."

If you are called upon to interview for a coveted spot in a medical genetics residency program, your interviewers are confident in your clinical skills and education. Often, their choice of who to bring into their program comes down to who is the best fit for their culture and way of doing things. This question gives candidates a chance to discuss something unique about themselves that makes them a good fit for the program and the team.

While you cannot share everything about your personal life and accomplishments on your CV, there must be something you are proud of that you would like to share. Share something about yourself that shows the interviewers you would be a good fit for their medical genetics program and team. For example, if you share that you compete in triathlons, the interviewers will see that you are dedicated and diligent, both essential qualities for medical genetics residents to possess.

What is your number one motivation in pursuing residency training in medical genetics?

"Having a dual specialization in internal medicine and genetics is necessary to achieve my career goals. My venture into medicine was to make a difference in the lives of others through investigation and discovery. I see no better path than leading the charge in the future for diseases like Parkinson's, diabetes, and hypertension."

As your interviewing team considers you for their medical genetics residency program, they'll want to ensure that you are motivated to pursue this training for the right reasons. Knowing that you are eager to pursue a career in the field and find success following training with their program can give their program recognition in the future.

As you answer, focus on your reason for choosing this career path in medical genetics and respond with enthusiasm and passion. There is no right or wrong answer. The interviewers want to gain insight into what made you pursue this career path to see if you will be a good fit for their medical genetics residency program.

What do you feel is your greatest weakness heading into medical genetics residency training?

"My greatest weakness is remembering people's names when I meet them. I understand it is a weakness in medical genetics because I will need to remember my patients' names and the names of the other physicians and support staff I will be working with daily. I recently bought a book called 'How to Remember Names and Faces' by Luis Echeverria. He is a Memory Master Champion and guarantees success by reading his book and practicing memory training exercises. I have been reading the book for a week and have already found I remember people's names and faces better. I am confident this weakness will become a strength when I finish the book and the exercises."

Whether you've completed any preliminary years of residency or are coming directly from medical school, you will enter your medical genetics residency training with at least one weakness. Administrative and physician leaders in medical practices and residency programs know that no perfect candidate exists. Your interviewers want to hear you talk openly about your greatest weakness to see that you are self-aware and can identify an area that needs improvement.

If possible, focus on a weakness related to your future training as a medical genetics resident, but not one that is an essential job duty. For example, suppose you say your weakness is your verbal communication skills. In that case, the interviewers may pass you over for another candidate since that skill is essential to being an excellent clinical geneticist. Your interviewers will expect you to have a plan to address your weakness as a new resident in their program.

In your opinion, what qualities make an excellent medical geneticist?

"In all honesty, my top qualities and skills drove me to pursue a dual-track residency in internal medicine and medical genetics. First and foremost, clinical geneticists must possess deductive reasoning and investigative skills. I consider myself a very diligent problem solver with an innate ability to reason and organize. Another key quality is strong verbal and written communication skills. As you'll learn from my references, my communication skills with patients, colleagues, and leaders are second to none."

Medical genetics residents must possess many clinical and soft skills to succeed. This can range from communication to advanced technical skills in addition to academic prowess in chemistry, math, and biology. With this question, your interviewers want to hear what you feel are the qualities a medical geneticist must possess and that you have these qualities.

Describe what you believe are the top qualities that will help you succeed in this medical genetics residency program and make you an excellent geneticist in the future. As you answer, blend your technical and analytical skills with patient care skills like compassion, empathy, and communication.

What do you feel is the greatest non-medical strength you would bring to our medical genetics residency program?

"My greatest non-medical strength is being a great colleague. I think having positive relationships with your colleagues leads to overall team success and providing top-notch care to patients. In my three years of internal medicine residency training, I've become a great clinical communicator with other subspecialist physicians and care teams, and I know this is a vital skill for a medical geneticist to possess. I can also take direction and take the lead."

As your interviewers meet with and consider many academically gifted and clinically sound candidates for their medical genetics residency program, their decision can often come down to the soft skills required to be great practitioners and scholars in the field. In asking this question, your interviewers expect you to discuss your top quality outside your medical skills.

Your answer to this question could include soft skills such as empathy, charity, integrity, and consistency. Tell a brief anecdote that demonstrates why you believe this strength is noteworthy. Be sure that your answer is well thought out and that the strength you choose is an asset for a medical geneticist to possess. Speak passionately to impress your team of interviewers.

Who was the biggest mentor or inspiration to you to pursue a career in medical genetics?

"The biggest inspiration in my pursuit of a career in medicine was my junior high science teacher. I remember how fascinated I was when I first learned cell biology and basic chemistry. My teacher believed in me and encouraged my interest in life science and medicine. During medical school, I opted for an elective rotation in clinical genetics, and the amazing attending I worked with exposed me to the fascinating world of etiology and genetics. Her curiosity and passion drove me to pursue this training as a medical geneticist."

Your interviewers want to gain some insight into the personality and personal motivations of each candidate they talk to for matching into their medical genetics residency program. This question allows your interviewers to see who influenced you to become a life-changing medical genetics physician.

Your life's inspiration can come from a book, a mentor, family, or a celebrity. It could also be a faculty member during your medical school training or a physician you know in the field currently. Talk to the interviewers about who has inspired your pursuit of this dream and why.

If becoming a physician was not an option for you, what other career path would you have chosen?

"This is a great question that I haven't thought about in a while! I have always had a deep passion for music. I played cello, piano, and several woodwind instruments from a young age, and I love many different genres of music. If medicine wasn't an option, I could see myself pursuing a career in music education as a high school band teacher or even working in a music studio producing albums."

Cultural and personal fit is vital to the long-term success of any new staff member. To gauge cultural fit with their medical genetics residency program, your interviewers want to get to know each candidate better during their interview process. This hypothetical question will give the interviewers some insight into other topics that interest you outside the medical field.

There is no right or wrong answer here. Consider questions like this before your medical genetics residency interviews. As you answer, talk openly and honestly with your interviewers about where your career path would have taken you if becoming a physician wasn't an option. Give a unique insight into who you are to make yourself a memorable candidate to your interviewers.

Do you feel that compassion is an important quality to have in clinical genetics?

"Yes, I certainly do, and it angers me that people think clinical geneticists don't require empathy. I'm excited to work with patients with heart, neurologic, cancer, and other issues and help to put their medical puzzles together. Knowing that the patients I will be working closely with will be in very fearful and nerve-wracking situations, I would always be attentive to their needs, be empathetic in my approach and always take their needs into consideration."

Clinical geneticists often consult with patients who have either recently been diagnosed with a disease/condition or are on the precipice of being diagnosed. This can put the patients in a vulnerable state. To succeed during your training, you must have a compassionate bedside manner and an empathetic approach with every patient you encounter.

Talk to your interviewers about how you have shown a compassionate approach to patient care throughout your training. Stress that you will continue to bring this same approach as a medical genetics resident and highlight why a compassionate approach is necessary in this field.

How would you describe your bedside manner with patients?

"I would describe my bedside manner as nurturing, comforting, patient, and caring. I appreciate that my radiology residency training emphasized direct patient care skills because they are important when interacting directly with patients to discuss procedures and results. I approach all patients the same. I introduce myself, ask their name, and explain what I'm going to discuss with them. I take the time to actively listen to their concerns, showing them I care about them and want to help them."

In your training as a medical genetics resident, you will still be working closely with patients. This is important to understand because it is sometimes believed that a great bedside manner isn't necessary for this field. Because of this, a positive bedside manner is essential in medical genetics. Your interviewers want to hear that you have a calming and empathetic bedside manner with patients, regardless of the training path you took to this point.

As a medical genetics resident, a kind, patient, friendly, compassionate, and caring approach with any patient you work with will be vital. As you answer, be sure to emphasize these qualities within yourself. Now is the time to describe how you treat all patients with respect, empathy, kindness, and compassion. If you have some examples of your bedside manner being beneficial during your training to this point, now is a great time to discuss those.

What EMR programs did you use in your initial residency training and medical school?

"During my training up to this point, I have worked with Cerner, Epic, and a couple of customized systems for small health systems. I've learned from my hands-on time with them that each program has strengths and weaknesses. These various EMRs have taught me to adapt to different ways of organizing medical information. In my current residency program, I work solely in Epic, and I love to hear that is what your institution is using. I've had great exposure to documenting patient procedures and reading notes. I am confident in my ability to hit the ground running in the system as a resident in your program."

Integrating genetic information for patients is becoming more prevalent in EMR systems every year as the field advances. As you enter medical genetics residency training, you must be prepared to work under one common EMR at the institution you join. Your interviewers want to hear about your experience with them during your medical school and residency training up to this point.

Briefly discuss the programs you worked in as a rotating medical student and resident and your role in the systems. As you answer, describe your ability to learn and master the system the program you are interviewing with utilizes. If possible, research the system they use before your interview and come prepared to talk about your experience in that program.

Take a minute to talk about the leadership skills you would bring to our medical genetics residency program. Why do you feel these skills will lead to your success here?

"As a leader in the clinic setting as an internal medicine resident, I've been commended for my ability to be a democratic leader who likes to get input from others on a big decision. But when necessary, I also can grab the bull by the horns and make difficult decisions for the group. As a medical genetics resident, my ability to motivate others through my actions and challenge others to do their best will be very beneficial in helping to blend research into clinical practice with your team."

During medical genetics residency training, you will collaborate closely with other medical and genetics professionals and lead teams of genetic counselors and support staff. The ability to lead and motivate others will be critical to your success as a resident and a future geneticist in practice.

Discuss the leadership qualities you will bring to the table as a medical genetics resident in their program. Consider discussing your communication skills, adaptability, respectful approach, and tactical ability to solve problems in a team setting. If possible, sneak in some words on why being a natural leader is necessary for clinical geneticists.

Coverage of genetics testing by health insurers continues to advance. How will you promote the importance of testing as a medical genetics resident?

"I understand that my part as a physician concerning insurance coverage is typically proving a medical necessity, and this can get a bit tricky in genetic testing. While patient education is always important, this doesn't help how things are covered for them. I think this is where patient documentation and coding of services becomes very important, along with ensuring that patients do their due diligence in researching their coverage and talking with their insurer. I'd love to know more about how your residents and faculty interact with your billing department on patient coverage issues."

While medical insurers are changing how they cover genetic testing for their insured patients, you will likely still run into some times when a patient's insurance will not cover a costly test during your time as a medical resident. In proposing a question like this, your interviewers want to hear that you will always advocate for the importance of genetic testing when medically necessary for a patient.

This question provides an opportunity to show your advocacy for genetic testing, so take advantage of it! While you know that you can't change how insurers write their policies, you can play a part in ensuring that medical necessity is proven.

Are you prepared to handle the inevitable stressful situations that come with training in our medical genetics residency program?

"Yes, I feel prepared because I have always worked well under pressure. I can remain calm and professional when faced with stressful situations. I find the best thing to do when there is a lot of pressure at work is to stay organized and focus on one task at a time. This focus on the task at hand, coupled with my ability to prioritize efficiently, removes any unnecessary worry during the work day in the clinic."

Burnout among residents is becoming more common due to emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and decreased feelings of personal accomplishment working through a strenuous curriculum. Medical genetics residents aren't immune to this stress. Factors like the stress of increasing responsibility throughout residency and the pressure of research projects can add to the stress levels. Your interviewers want to hear that you will successfully manage your stress and stay calm and professional in the stressful situations you will face in their program.

As you answer this question, describe stressful situations you faced during your medical school and prior residency training and how you managed your stress. Paint a clear picture of the tools and tactics you use to stay focused on your work and your ability to maintain a solid work/life balance to sell your interviewers on your ability to succeed as part of their program.

As a new resident with our medical genetics residency program, how will you earn the trust of your colleagues?

"I feel the best way to earn the trust of my new resident colleagues and your faculty is to be helpful, always do what I promise, and be honest with them at all times. I also earn trust by showing respect, actively listening, and getting to know my colleagues and their personal lives while giving insight into my own. Strong relationships have to be built on these principles, and I pride myself on my ability to do this."

As a new resident in a high-functioning medical genetics residency program, it is essential to nurture workplace relationships and earn the trust of your senior residents and cooperating faculty immediately upon joining. Residency programs seek residents who will be respected and trusted, so your interviewers will gauge how you will win your new colleagues over to determine if you will be a good fit for their program.

Talk to the interviewers about how you plan to earn the trust of your new colleagues. Give examples of how you've done this in the past and why you must do so as a new medical genetics resident with their program. Describe how you earned the trust of your coworkers by getting to know them and their families, keeping your word when you say you are going to do something, lending a hand when others need help, or covering a coworker's shift when they have a family emergency.

Talk about a time you had to collaborate with a medical professional or team member to care for a patient. Why do you think this skill is important as a medical genetics resident?

"Many times throughout my internal medicine residency, I referred patients to specialists like nephrologists, gastroenterologists, and ID physicians. Just a few weeks ago, I had a patient I referred to our cardiology team. My first step was to pick up the phone to talk with the cardiologist and give details about the patient. Following the call, I ensured that my notes in the patient chart were up to date and that prescriptions were updated. I followed up with the cardiologist after the appointment to ensure that I was fully prepared for my next visit with the patient."

Clinical geneticists often work hand in hand with physicians from other medical specialties, especially when patients are referred to them. As a medical genetics resident, you will be fully expected to collaborate professionally and productively, so your interviewers ideally want to hear you talk about a time you did just this as a medical student or during your prior residency training.

Before your interview, think back to a time you had to collaborate with another physician. Take the time to explain the situation in detail while highlighting your ability to communicate effectively and use the information received to provide the best care possible. Consider discussing your ability to develop a care plan with others and the importance of documentation.

Medical Genetics Residency Interview Questions

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1. Is there anything we haven't covered during your interview that you would like to ask about?
2. Were your ethics ever tested in a medical setting?
3. How do setbacks emotionally affect you and your work?
4. Do you have any specific areas of research interest as a prospective medical genetics resident?
5. What are your career goals after completing our medical genetics residency program?
6. As a medical genetics resident, you will be expected to explain complex medical information to patients who may not understand. How will you manage these situations?
7. How would you describe the communication skills you would bring to our program as a medical genetics resident?
8. We promote patient outreach and public education here at our medical genetics residency program. Why do you feel is this important to do?
9. Talk about a conflict you were involved in as a resident or medical student. What was the situation, and what was your approach to handling it professionally?
10. How do you expect clinical genetics to evolve in the next five to ten years?
11. Tell us what you know about staying current with the ongoing changes in the clinical genetics field. Why will this be important to you as a resident in our program?
12. Our medical genetics residents must pass a criminal record check and education verification. Are you comfortable with this?
13. Are you willing to pack up and relocate if you match into our medical genetics residency program?
14. With all of the great medical genetics residency programs across the country, why did you choose to apply to ours?
15. What three clinical or medical strengths would you bring to our program as a medical genetics resident?
16. Tell us something unique about yourself that is not found on your CV.
17. What is your number one motivation in pursuing residency training in medical genetics?
18. What do you feel is your greatest weakness heading into medical genetics residency training?
19. In your opinion, what qualities make an excellent medical geneticist?
20. What do you feel is the greatest non-medical strength you would bring to our medical genetics residency program?
21. Who was the biggest mentor or inspiration to you to pursue a career in medical genetics?
22. If becoming a physician was not an option for you, what other career path would you have chosen?
23. Do you feel that compassion is an important quality to have in clinical genetics?
24. How would you describe your bedside manner with patients?
25. What EMR programs did you use in your initial residency training and medical school?
26. Take a minute to talk about the leadership skills you would bring to our medical genetics residency program. Why do you feel these skills will lead to your success here?
27. Coverage of genetics testing by health insurers continues to advance. How will you promote the importance of testing as a medical genetics resident?
28. Are you prepared to handle the inevitable stressful situations that come with training in our medical genetics residency program?
29. As a new resident with our medical genetics residency program, how will you earn the trust of your colleagues?
30. Talk about a time you had to collaborate with a medical professional or team member to care for a patient. Why do you think this skill is important as a medical genetics resident?

Medical Genetics Residency Interview Questions

1. Is there anything we haven't covered during your interview that you would like to ask about?

2. Were your ethics ever tested in a medical setting?

3. How do setbacks emotionally affect you and your work?

4. Do you have any specific areas of research interest as a prospective medical genetics resident?

5. What are your career goals after completing our medical genetics residency program?

6. As a medical genetics resident, you will be expected to explain complex medical information to patients who may not understand. How will you manage these situations?

7. How would you describe the communication skills you would bring to our program as a medical genetics resident?

8. We promote patient outreach and public education here at our medical genetics residency program. Why do you feel is this important to do?

9. Talk about a conflict you were involved in as a resident or medical student. What was the situation, and what was your approach to handling it professionally?

10. How do you expect clinical genetics to evolve in the next five to ten years?

11. Tell us what you know about staying current with the ongoing changes in the clinical genetics field. Why will this be important to you as a resident in our program?

12. Our medical genetics residents must pass a criminal record check and education verification. Are you comfortable with this?

13. Are you willing to pack up and relocate if you match into our medical genetics residency program?

14. With all of the great medical genetics residency programs across the country, why did you choose to apply to ours?

15. What three clinical or medical strengths would you bring to our program as a medical genetics resident?

16. Tell us something unique about yourself that is not found on your CV.

17. What is your number one motivation in pursuing residency training in medical genetics?

18. What do you feel is your greatest weakness heading into medical genetics residency training?

19. In your opinion, what qualities make an excellent medical geneticist?

20. What do you feel is the greatest non-medical strength you would bring to our medical genetics residency program?

21. Who was the biggest mentor or inspiration to you to pursue a career in medical genetics?

22. If becoming a physician was not an option for you, what other career path would you have chosen?

23. Do you feel that compassion is an important quality to have in clinical genetics?

24. How would you describe your bedside manner with patients?

25. What EMR programs did you use in your initial residency training and medical school?

26. Take a minute to talk about the leadership skills you would bring to our medical genetics residency program. Why do you feel these skills will lead to your success here?

27. Coverage of genetics testing by health insurers continues to advance. How will you promote the importance of testing as a medical genetics resident?

28. Are you prepared to handle the inevitable stressful situations that come with training in our medical genetics residency program?

29. As a new resident with our medical genetics residency program, how will you earn the trust of your colleagues?

30. Talk about a time you had to collaborate with a medical professional or team member to care for a patient. Why do you think this skill is important as a medical genetics resident?