39 Residency Questions (with Answers)

Answer Examples

1.

Have you completed all ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) requirements, to start a residency?

This question will only be important for Foreign Medical Graduates. If this is you, it is important that you are prepared with an affirmative answer to this question. If you have any supporting paperwork, you should bring that with you to the interview and offer it to the interviewers.

Rachelle's Answer

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

2.

How do you invest in your personal development?

As a physician it is very important that you avoid professional burnout. Part of that means you should have a beat on your personal needs. Talk to the interviewers about how you are able to maintain a healthy balance by giving back to yourself. Personal development is a very valuable habit and can include things like:

- A regular yoga practice
- A daily meditation practice
- Attending courses and workshops for personal development
- Reading books dedicated to personal development
- Spending time with a mentor
- Spending time being creative
- Taking on a fitness challenge
- Practicing gratitude
- Building a bucket list and crossing items off

However you choose to invest in your personal development, be sure to show the interviewers that you understand the importance of investing in yourself.

Rachelle's Answer

"It is very important to invest in myself, especially with a high-stress, high-pressure job as a physician. For the last 3 years I have invested in a personal coach who helps me to uncover my personal desires, and assists me in making a plan to achieve those goals. Also, I am adamant about my personal fitness and health. I take good care of my body because it's the only one I have. I need to be a strong example to my patients as well."

Anonymous Answer

"Personal care and development are very important in the medical field. Prayer and spiritual growth are two significant parts of my life that keep me grounded in who I am and who I am striving to become. Life brings challenges, and my spiritual life allows me to handle those challenges so I can help my patients who are facing their own."

Rachelle's Answer

Beautiful response! You show a lot of wisdom and self-awareness, which will be incredibly important characteristics as you move forward in your career.

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Anonymous Answer

"Personal development is something I believe is very necessary for a high-pressure job as a physician. For me, my development comes in the form of my personal fitness and through painting."

Rachelle's Answer

It's great that you mention how important personal development is for you. Try offering up some more details, such as what kind of things you do to keep fit, and the type of painting that you do.

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3.

Is there anything we haven't covered, that you would like to ask?

Before your residency interview, make sure you conduct research on the company and thoroughly review the program description for any clarification you may need on the residency position. Asking intelligent questions demonstrates to the interviewers your level of interest in their facility, and their residency program.

If for some reason 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, traits they are looking for in the ideal candidate, and if there is anything not listed on the role description that this position will be in charge of.

Here are some sample questions:

- When would you like to have this position filled?
- What is your favorite part about working here?
- What is the facility's primary goal for this position in the next 12 months?
- Is there anything from my background and experience that I can clarify for you?
- What do you see as the biggest challenge facing this facility in the next 12 months?
- Is there any reason why you would not move me to the next stage of interviews?

4.

How do you stay on top of trends and changes in the medical industry?

The interviewers want to be assured that you fully immerse yourself in the healthcare industry. This includes keeping up to date on new trends, and having a great understanding of the challenges your industry faces now, and in the future. Talk about a couple of your favorite resources when it comes to staying on top of medical industry trends. It's also a great idea to ask the interviewers if they have any fresh recommendations for you. This can start a great conversation that will be helpful to you!

Rachelle's Answer

"I follow a few resources online for up to date information on the medical industry. My favorites right now are the medical blog, 'Uncommon Student MD'...a blog created by student doctors in medical school and residency. The other resource I read on a regular basis is 'Health Data Management', online. Do you have any recommendations for me? I love to learn and would appreciate knowing about any new and helpful resources."

5.

Are you willing to relocate for your residency?

The interviewers want to know that you are serious when it comes to your willingness to relocate for this residency. The goal when answering this question is to assure the interviewer that having you relocate for this residency will not be a headache for them. If it's a challenging relocation for you, but you are willing to do it, be sure that the interviewers feel it is a simple decision for you, regardless.

Rachelle's Answer

"Yes, I am absolutely willing to relocate for my residency. For me, the right fit is the most important factor. I can easily pick up and go where I am needed."

Anonymous Answer

"Yes, I am willing to relocate for residency. I believe life is a journey of new experiences, each of which teaches me to become a better person, and in this case, a better physician."

Rachelle's Answer

Very well said! This is a strong answer.

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6.

What do you believe is the greatest challenge your specialty will face in the next few years?

The interviewers want to see that you understand being a Physician will come with great challenges. You will often face situations that are out of your control, and there will be times you feel that your hands are tied because of policy or the actions of others. Discuss the challenges you foresee and speak a bit about how you plan to succeed despite these challenges.

Rachelle's Answer

"There are numerous challenges I believe that I will face as a family physician, over the next few years. For instance, the new policy surrounding MACRA for healthcare payments, changes in the way physicians certify their sub-specialties through the American Board of Internal Medicine’s (ABIM), as well as the maintenance of certification (MOC) process. One factor that will help me to forge through is the fact that all family physicians are facing the same challenges so I will not feel alone in that."

7.

Who has inspired you in your life and why?

Your life's inspiration can come from a book, a mentor, your family, a celebrity, author - literally anyone! Talk to the interviewer about who has inspired your life and why.

Rachelle's Answer

"I find inspiration in a variety of people and things. I would have to say that the person who has most greatly inspired me has been my grandmother. She always had a smile on her face no matter how hard she worked and she loved everyone. She was well respected and always gave more than she received. I try to live like her as much as I can."

8.

Are you applying for any other jobs?

It always puts a little bit of fire under the hiring manager if the are aware that you are actively looking for a new position. Tell the interviewer about your search so far.

Rachelle's Answer

"I am keeping an eye out for viable positions. Although I am not in final stages with any other company, I am actively seeking a new position."

9.

What are your strengths?

Which personal strengths make you excellent at your job? Strengths can be skills or qualities that help you overcome difficult circumstances or accomplish challenging tasks.

In a work context, your strengths will help you to complete your to-do list, understand patients needs, and help you to apply what you have learned in your training. Talk to the interviewers about a couple of your strengths and why those will help you to be successful in the medical field.

Some great strengths to mention are:

- Communicative
- Loyal
- Collaborative
- Tech Savvy
- Flexible in Schedule/Availability
- Persistent and Determined
- Eager for Knowledge/New Skills

Rachelle's Answer

"I think my strengths are in my perceptiveness and ability to be observant of the needs of others. These strengths are part of what makes me an excellent performer in high pressure, patient facing situations."

10.

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

This is a conversational based question intended to get to know you a little bit better, and the types of cases that you find to be the most interesting.

Generally speaking, the cases that are most interesting to you will likely be to do with the specialty you are looking for.

Think about the most impressionable case that you have worked on. Take a few minutes to set the stage for the case, name a couple of points that intrigued you the most, and talk about why. If you know the outcome of the case, discuss that briefly as well.

11.

What are you reading right now?

Do you feed your mind on a regular basis? What kind of literature do you prefer and why? Talk to the interviewer about a book that you are currently reading. If you are not currently reading a book - talk about one that has impacted you the most.

Rachelle's Answer

"Currently I am reading 'Ego is the Enemy' by Ryan Holiday. It is a book about ambition, resilience and success. I feel that every professional should read it - it comes highly recommended."

12.

What are your plans, after completing our residency program?

The interview panel would like to know if you plan to stay with their facility after your residency is complete, or if you have other plans. There is no right or wrong answer here, and if you do not entirely know, it is okay to express that you are still considering your options. The important thing to remember is that you do not want to shut the door on any potential future opportunities.

If you want to stay with their facility after completing your residency: 'After completing your residency program, I would be very interested in being considered for a spot as a...(chief resident, fellowship trainee, or faculty member).'

If you plan to relocate or obtain employment elsewhere after completing your residency: 'As of right now, I would plan to relocate closer to my parents once my residency is complete. However; I am always open to discussing other options should there be an opportunity for me here once my residency is complete.'

Rachelle's Answer

"I do not have specific plans in place, post-residency. My goal is to solely focus on succeeding in my residency program over the next few years. I am confident that as time goes on, I will land where I am meant to be."

13.

How do you handle stress on the job?

Are you someone who is able to handle stress on the job? How do you manage the stressful times? Talk to the interviewer about your ability to manage pressure in the workplace.

Rachelle's Answer

"I handle stress very well and when you call my references, they will attest to this fact. When I am under pressure on the job, I focus on the task at hand and make sure to not get distracted. Staying on deadline is very helpful and I will delegate when necessary to alleviate some stress."

Anonymous Answer

"Everyone handles stressful situations differently. For me, I realize that there are two ways to react to stress: either let it consume you or take action to amend the situation. For me, I choose the latter. After my best friend in high school committed suicide, I realized I couldn’t cry her back to life – I decided to try to take preventative action for the future by leading suicide prevention watches at my school. I am personally leading my own life in a way that instills empathy and hopefully reduces the impact of latent emotional suffering in whomever I encounter."

Rachelle's Answer

This is a beautiful and heartfelt answer. Any interviewer should appreciate how you handle stress and hardship.

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14.

What would you do if you witnessed a fellow resident acting unethically?

The interviewers want to know that, if faced with an ethical dilemma or a dilemma in reporting a breach of ethics, that you will do the right thing. If, in medical school, you were trained on taking a specific course of action - now is the time to recite that. If not, you should create your own standard for ethics issues. Be sure to ask the interview panel if they have a system for reporting ethics issues, in their facility.

Rachelle's Answer

"If I see a fellow resident act unethically, I will refer to how I was trained on reporting ethical issues. The steps are as follows:

1. Identify the breach of ethics.
2. Apply the code of conduct or code of ethics to ensure that it truly is an ethical dilemma.
3. Determine the nature of the ethical dilemma.
4. Identify the trusted supervisor who should be made aware of the ethical breach.
5. Implement the course of action.

...Rest assured, I have a very clear set of moral values and will not turn a blind eye to any breach of ethics in the workplace."

15.

What book are you currently reading?

The interviewers would like to know what you choose to read about in your spare time. Your favorite type of genre can tell a lot about you! Do you feed your mind on a regular basis? What kind of literature do you prefer and why? Talk to the interviewer about a book that you are currently reading. If you are not currently reading a book - talk about one that has impacted you the most.

Rachelle's Answer

"Currently I am reading 'Ego is the Enemy' by Ryan Holiday. It is a book about ambition, resilience and success. I feel that every professional should read it - it comes highly recommended."

Anonymous Answer

"Recently, I have been reading mystery novels by Agatha Christie. Each of her stories presents with a crime and prime suspect. Christie draws the reader's attention away from the prime suspect until the reader believes that the crime was committed by someone else. I enjoy reading her mysteries because they highlight the importance of details and how the smallest detail can change the entire story."

Rachelle's Answer

This is an intriguing writing approach, indeed! If there is any way to connect the dots between mystery novels and what you are aiming to achieve in your career, be sure to do so.

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Anonymous Answer

"Currently, I am reading "The One Thing" by Gary Keller. It's about the one thing you should do today to make your work easier or do away with unwanted items and help achieve your short and long term goals. I especially like the domino effect described in the book, which shows that tiny changes can fetch significant results."