23 OBGYN Residency Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our OBGYN Residency interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 7 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
1. OBGYN is a mix of book knowledge, insight, dexterity, and ethics. If you had a pie chart, how might these, %-wise, divide out for you personally and is there any change you feel you should work on to adjust it?
How to Answer
All programs will ask some type of question that challenges you as to how you will assign priorities in your professional life. This is just one example. What they don't want is someone who bureaucratizes his or her professional life. Life is not black-or-white; it is not a simple schedule. Life and all of its challenges are on-going and all-inclusive, and they don't care how many hours there are in a day, so your management needs to be seen as appropriate for the way they are presented.
Written by Ryan Brown on December 21st, 2020
Answer Example
"I can't live my life as a pie chart. [THIS IS NOT CONFRONTATIONAL, BUT PART OF A COGENT ANSWER.] A patient's problem certainly doesn't end at the end of my shift. That means I cannot divide my time as on-and-off for different things, but prioritize how I would juggle them all simultaneously. Challenges in OBGYN or medicine in general cannot be serialized, but must be juggled, because that's the real way medical challenges present. For example, I might consult a continuing education module between patients on rounds so as to learn about medical conditions patient-by-patient, at the same time orchestrating rounds duration and frequency according to the severity of illnesses in the spectrum of patients I'm caring for. Ethics is always full-time, in the background, unless it's challenged"”when it requires being brought into the foreground."
Written by Ryan Brown on December 21st, 2020
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2. What has been your biggest ethical challenge thus far in medicine?
How to Answer
The interviewer here wants to sincerely know how you solved your biggest problem. This is not a trick question. Your answer should reflect that you know what is ethical vs non-ethical, where you need to intervene and how, and that the patient-physician relationship puts the patient first, but not at the expense of the physician's ethics.
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3. Your 21-year-old Jehovah's Witness patient suffers an abruption, threatening her life and that of her unborn baby. Your upper-level resident tells you to order a blood transfusion so she and her baby won't die. Do you do this? If so, why? If not, why
How to Answer
Another trick question. Here is an adult who refuses blood by the nature of her beliefs, but she needs something written or documented (from verbal indications, e.g., in a progress note) that she would refuse blood even if it meant saving her life. If there is no such directive and there is no documentation of her beliefs, you are obligated to seek the best clinical outcome, regardless of what her family may say. If there is, you are legally forbidden to give blood, even though mother and baby will die. Beyond the ethical dilemma, giving blood would be considered malpractice, legally, which puts your program in a vulnerable position.
Written by Ryan Brown on December 21st, 2020
Answer Example
"I would need to know if there were an advanced directive documenting her refusal of blood. Regardless, I would have whoever is part of the hospital ethics committee join me in the decision-making on this patient. This problem is bigger than me and I shouldn't be the only one to make such a decision. I would need and seek the backing of someone delegated to navigate these issues legally. The other issue involves insubordination to my superior resident. I would urge him/her to do the same in seeking assistance from someone so designated to do this, even if it meant rolling it uphill as high as the Department Chairman."
Written by Ryan Brown on December 21st, 2020
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4. You are treating a 22-year-old for endometriosis and schedule a laparoscopy. Her father calls you to tell you confidentially that it is all a ploy to get narcotics. What's your next step?
How to Answer
This calls into question HIPAA policies and your respect for them. This is not a matter between you and her father, but between you and her, so HIPAA requires that you respect that, even if it means risking naivety on your part. HIPAA trumps any refusal on your part to being 'no one's fool.' This is a tricky conflict (choosing between the law and being played), and a good answer will explain how you manage to be true to yourself while doing what's appropriate.
Written by Ryan Brown on December 21st, 2020
Answer Example
"First off, I would tell her father that I cannot speak to him about any patients and cannot even tell him if his daughter is a patient; but that I can listen to him. That would be the extent of our interaction. I would get a drug screen on her as part of the pre-op, which is a test that is justifiable on any patient for any reason. If the results indicated inappropriate drug use or doctor-shopping, her non-life-threatening surgery could certainly be put off for a week or two for purposes of psychiatric and addictionology consultation. If the drug screen were unsuspicious, I would document this, proceed on with the plans because endometriosis cannot be ruled out without surgery, but I would be careful to follow the state's guidelines on prescribing scheduled drugs postop. "
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5. A young woman comes to you for advice on an unwanted pregnancy. What do you tell her?
How to Answer
This is a question that seeks to know how you might address a problem that is controversial and whether or not you see yourself as being in a position of authority"”which you are not when it comes to controversial problems. Such problems are bigger than you, and the interviewer will want to know that you appreciate that. Your pro-life/pro-choice stance, for example, should not be a part of your solution for this patient, and the system is replete with self-help agencies for this. You would want to know, though, the institution's position.
Written by Ryan Brown on December 21st, 2020
Answer Example
"This is a personal decision on the part of the patient. Because it is very complex and risks being affected by one's personal beliefs, I would simply tell this patient that there are many resources for exploring her options and offer to give her a list of them or the agency within the institution that addresses this problem."
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6. How would you dismiss a patient from your practice?
How to Answer
This is a question that seeks to know what you would find unacceptable in someone you've pledged to serve. At what point is that service untenable? Medicine is a relationship between patient and physician, and as such it requires the obligations of both parties. When those obligations falter on the part of one of the "partners," the entire relationship becomes faulty and untenable. Just because a patient is being "served" by you does not give him or her a pass for defaulting on his or her obligations to the relationship. You need to show the interviewer that there are lines beyond which behavior is unacceptable and grounds for ending the patient-physician relationship.
Written by Ryan Brown on December 21st, 2020
Answer Example
"To me, behavior and compliance are equally important in the sort of 'contract' I would have with a patient that makes up the patient-physician relationship. It must be a 2-way street if it's a true relationship. If there is the behavior I cannot abide, such as abuse of the clerical or ancillary staff, I must determine that this behavior isn't part of the pathology; if not, I owe it to those who render care"”with me"”to separate from this patient after due warnings. Compliance, on the other hand, only hurts the patient. I go to clinic, for example, whether the patient complies or not. Again, though, I would need to know that the patient's lack of compliance isn't part of his/her pathology. "
Written by Ryan Brown on December 21st, 2020
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7. How would you prioritize between clinical and educational enrichment?
How to Answer
Another trick question: you can't. Be wary of questions that ask you to choose between one necessary component and another necessary component. If they're both necessary, you need to demonstrate that you don't see them as a choice of one over the other, but as a consortium of priorities to be blended"”perhaps with some emphasis one way"”but nevertheless a true blend in managing your priorities.
Written by Ryan Brown on December 21st, 2020
Answer Example
"I've always found that educational enrichment was part of clinical enrichment. It's a tandem endeavor, one dovetailing into the other. Besides, education sticks better when it's acquired on the clinical job."
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8. What do you feel are your family obligations?
How to Answer
They just want to make sure you're not weird or callous. Family implies an inherent spirit of love, dedication, loyalty, altruism, and a sense of how not including these results in failure"”for your family, your life, and"”by extrapolation"”your vocation of medicine.
Written by Ryan Brown on December 21st, 2020
Answer Example
"I was brought up with obligations"”such as being an active part of the family. That is my obligation, because it includes putting myself second or third. It also includes loyalty to the importance of what a family is"”love, friendship, guidance, and altruism."
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9. Physicians are very busy people. What would be your formula for balancing work duties with family obligations?
How to Answer
A trick question. There is no formula for balancing responsibilities with multiple parties each of whom requires 100%. Again, this is to make sure you don't live your life by a simplistic, naïve formula that is unrealistic for the challenges as they really are.
Written by Ryan Brown on December 21st, 2020
Answer Example
"It's inevitable that there will be a conflict between the two because each is crucial in my life. But there is no formula since each requires me to be 'all in.' What I should NOT do is do it alone. I need to recruit my family to my side in recognizing the importance of what I do and what it means for my patients. With family on my side, I can do what is needed for both."
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10. What do you feel is your greatest non-medical strength you can bring to the practice of OBGYN?
How to Answer
This is a question that is testing your morality in medicine. Answers that include empathy, charity, integrity, and consistency will do well. You might want to have a particular anecdote ready that demonstrates why you find this strength important for your life's vocation.
Written by Ryan Brown on December 21st, 2020
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11. Where do you see yourself 10 years from now? 20 years?
How to Answer
This is a question that seeks to explore how stable you are and to assess your ambition as to whether it is good for medicine or only self-serving. Programs expect their graduates to reflect positively on them long after leaving them. Do you have plans? A definite roadmap for your professional life? Are you going to hop from one subspecialty to another, making no impact on any of them. In other words, have plans! But make sure that they include your community and medicine in general. You should always include a sentiment for caring for the underserved to do your part in correcting inequities in health care.
Written by Ryan Brown on December 21st, 2020
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12. How do you feel diversity in medicine is working out?
How to Answer
This is a question that really is asking how it's working out for you. That is, it is a sneaky way to see what you think of the diversity strategy in medicine. Correcting inequities has always been difficult for society, requiring effort and consistency in spite of the difficulty. It has also been controversial for those who don't embrace its rationale, so your answer can reveal whether you appreciate the rationale or not. Make no mistake: in today's world, the program will expect an applicant it chooses to embrace the rationale of diversity.
Written by Ryan Brown on December 21st, 2020
Answer Example
"Diversity happened because it was needed. If there is an imbalance in professional caregivers, there could be an imbalance in the care itself. Diversity in medicine is no different than diversity at large, and our society needs it if we're going to 'make it' as a diverse society. I think it's working out fine, but it's not enough. It must continue and be refined for the betterment of all."
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13. What have you learned from your family that will carry over into your professional life?
How to Answer
Residency programs want residents who are emotionally stable. This question, besides testing your ability to think on your feet, is also designed to give insight into your personal mores, and that can be gleaned by how you explain the family dynamic that carries over into what you've learned toward your professiohal life. Even dysfunctional families can offer lessons on how not to act in your professional life"”and if that's the case, explaining how you recognize that lesson can be just as satisfying as any positive lessons you learned from appropriate family dynamics.
Written by Ryan Brown on December 21st, 2020
Answer Example
"My family stuck together, no matter what. Loyalty to the people we care for is important, and that carries over to loyalty to patients"”sticking with them no matter how difficult the case is or how inconvenient staying late on rounds can be."
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14. A patient of one of your peers wants to switch to you because she felt he was 'creepy.' What do you tell her and how would you manage the switch with your associate?
How to Answer
This is a question that identifies whether you can see bigger problems disguised as little ones. Someone being seen by a patient as "creepy" could mean anything from having amblyopia to making inappropriate sexual overtures. There is (and should be) a zero-tolerance in programs for inappropriate behavior, sexual or otherwise, and if there is a chance of it occurring, the zero-tolerance policy mandates taking it seriously. This means assuring such patients that you will take seriously any reports of inappropriateness she may give you.
Written by Ryan Brown on December 21st, 2020
Answer Example
"I would have to know what 'creepy' meant. If it's because she thinks he's gay, or if it's a racist attitude, I would tell the patient that although she is free to see anyone she chooses, that that is a wrong reason to do so. If it's because she interpreted his behavior as inappropriate, I would suggest she see the Patient's Advocate of the institution so that proper due process can be done for her protection as well as for the protection of your peer, if her accusation were to be groundless. That being said, any suspicion of inappropriate behavior is to be taken seriously and the patient believed till proven otherwise through such due process."
Written by Ryan Brown on December 21st, 2020
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15. Another resident confides in you about a substance abuse problem. How should you address this, if at all?
How to Answer
This is a question that challenges your ability to identify problems with your peers, especially as they might impact the program, because if a resident has a serious personal problem, the program has a serious problem, too. At the grass roots level, programs depend on their students and residents for vigilance in identifying anything that is dangerous to their peer(s) and, by extrapolation, to the program itself.
Written by Ryan Brown on December 21st, 2020
Answer Example
"The fact that a peer confided in me means that it is a request for help. Substance abuse is fraught with excuses and inaction. Since he/she confided in me, he/she has to accept that I now have a responsibility to see it through to resolution. I would suggest he get the help needed TODAY, and then make an appointment to discuss what is happening and what is being done for it with the department Chairman. I would also assure him that I will be following up closely on this, as his confidence in me requires."
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16. Is there exposure"”and how much"”to subspecialties?
How to Answer
This question is for you to ask the interviewer. Do you just hear lectures on them, or do you actually rotate through them, caring for patients?
Written by Ryan Brown on December 21st, 2020
17. What is the diversity mix?
How to Answer
This question is for you to ask the interviewer. This a trick by you. First, you want to know what the gender ratio is (ask first), but you also want to show that you're a fan of diversity and embrace it. Diversity, besides being a really good thing and important, is a big, big, deal, and just by the way you ask this question will reveal to your interviewer that you're well on-board with it and see it as a good thing and something you find attractive.
Above all, people selecting applicants want someone who gives them the following indications:
-That they can rise to challenge, even during the most challengeable times.
-That they can stay the course and finish the program. Accepting a candidate is a big investment, and one dropping out represents a huge loss that cannot be recouped.
-That the things important to the program, e.g., diversity, empathy, etc., are just as important to the applicant.
-That the applicant is stable, that is, is consistent in his/her ethics/morality.
-That the applicant isn't just 'book knowledge,' but has the attributes traditionally see as necessary in the practice of medicine; that he/she is a people person and dedicated to the human connection in caring for patients.
Written by Ryan Brown on December 21st, 2020
18. What is the call schedule typically in this residency?
How to Answer
This question is for you to ask the interviewer. This will give you an idea as to whether the program is too abusive to learn anything. Being on call every other night for hospital that has < 30 deliveries a month and only 50-100 beds is not problematic; but if you're going to be up all night every other night, that's a problem. A good rule of thumb is delivery about 20-30 babies a month but split over several on-call days. You'll want to know if you have the day off after an on-call night"”this isn't necessary if you're not up all night, but if you are"¦are you expected to put in a full day following? Don't get into these particular questions"”the interviewer will think you're pompous"”just ask what is the typical call schedule like. You'll definitely get the info you seek between the lines.
Written by Ryan Brown on December 21st, 2020
19. What is the ratio of men-to-women?
How to Answer
This question is for you to ask the interviewer. This is a trick on your part. In today's diversity world, and with more women going into OBGYN than men, the nature of the female gender is that some of your peers"”those with whom you share the work"”will be getting pregnant. That means more work for you for months at a time. It doesn't matter whether you're male or female"”it isn't a sexist question"”both genders are at the mercy of their peers' sitting out for a time. But it could be misconstrued by your interviewer as sexist, so phrase it as part of the next question or, simply, just ask the next question and you'll probably be given that information as part of the answer. And that next question is"¦ What is the diversity mix?
Written by Ryan Brown on December 21st, 2020
20. Are there any subspecialties not represented by the staff?
How to Answer
This question is for you to ask the interviewer. You want a program that exposes you to all facets of OBGYN, not just delivering babies. You want exposure to high-risk OB, GYN oncology, minimally-invasive surgery, endocrinology, and infertility, at least.
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21. What is the rate of completion of the residency by those who begin their first year here?
How to Answer
This question is for you to ask the interviewer. This time, you are asking a trick question. It is a way of asking how successful the residency is in training qualified specialists.
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22. If you were Chief Resident, how would you resolve a dispute between two residents each of whom state they cannot take call on a certain day, yet one must be assigned. Both reasons are equally important. How would you handle this?
How to Answer
This is a question to see how you address conflict. It's not looking for a particular right answer; it's mainly to assess your diplomacy skills, which are needed for any resident to handle the little day-to-day crises that hamper an already very busy schedule. Your answer should not dwell on the crisis presented but on your graceful approach toward re-establishing harmony in the program. No one wants trouble or disruption, so establishing a policy of thoughtful approaches to harmony will be satisfying to the interviewer.
Written by Ryan Brown on December 21st, 2020
Answer Example
"For this particular problem, the sooner it is settled the better, because the day in question is going to come, no matter what. I would ask both of them to meet me in a private location or work room and simply tell them that someone is going to get his or her way and someone isn't"¦therefore, ask them to solve the problem creatively. Perhaps one resident can cover an extra day of call for getting his way, or some other exchange can be made. There are as many solutions as there is creativity, but the clear message is that they can't leave without settling it and you are happy to act as a 3rd party. Also, let them know if they can't agree on a solution, that you will settle it without favoritism"”or guilt!"
Written by Ryan Brown on December 21st, 2020
23. You are assisting in a C-section on a homeless woman having her 4th child, and your upper-level resident makes some disparaging remarks about the patient's situation. What do you do?
How to Answer
This question is not about whether you're racist or biased in any way, but to see how well you will tolerate racism or bias. Programs have become exquisitely sensitive to intolerance, and you are being challenged to state your case on what aspects of intolerance are simply unacceptable to you.
Written by Ryan Brown on December 21st, 2020
Answer Example
"Everyone, in my opinion, should have learned by now that bias, prejudice, or racism is totally unacceptable for professionals, especially those who are in a position of trust. The first thing I would have to reconcile is if his or her attitude can affect patient care (especially, this patient's care). If so, I would have to discuss it with his superior. If the remarks have no impact on care, that is, just identify the resident as having little integrity and professionalism, I would make it a point to discuss my misgivings with him/her, how the remarks are unacceptable, and that I don't want any part of those discussions; I would also point out that although the remarks don't necessarily affect care, they might in an unconscious way."
Written by Ryan Brown on December 21st, 2020