List of 40 Residency Interview Questions & Answers
Table of Contents
- 1. Accomplishment Questions
- 2. Adaptability Questions
- 3. Career Goals Questions
- 4. Common Questions
- 5. Communication Questions
- 6. Competency Questions
- 7. Conflict Questions
- 8. Creative Thinking Questions
- 9. Diligence Questions
- 10. Discovery Questions
- 11. Education Questions
- 12. Experience Questions
- 13. Stress Questions
- 14. Teamwork Questions
Accomplishment
1.
What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment to date?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your team of interviewers wants to ensure that their future residents are motivated and driven to succeed. In asking this question, your interviewers want to know what kind of successes you value in your journey towards becoming a practicing physician.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
How to Answer
Before your interview, research the mission, vision, and values of the institution you will be interviewing with. Reviewing these should give you a good sense of the type of organization they are and what they look for in their future trainees. Think about a stand-out accomplishment you believe will resonate with your team of interviewers. Choose an achievement related to the successes you hope to see as a resident in their program. Explain why the accomplishment means so much to you, both personally and professionally. Assure the interviewers that you will continue this pattern of achievement as a resident with their program.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I would honestly say that my greatest accomplishment in my life so far was being accepted into medical school. I am a first-generation college student and had an uphill battle my entire educational journey. My parents instilled a hardworking and genuine, caring nature in me from a very young age, and these values have driven me from my high school diploma to my white coat ceremony in med school."
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
Adaptability
2.
When you suffer a setback, how does it emotionally affect you and your work?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Everyone handles the stress and disappointment of setbacks differently. When you enter a fast-paced residency program, these setbacks can certainly be amplified, and your interviewers want to know you will handle any situation with ease if you are accepted into their program.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
How to Answer
Describe how you typically cope with setbacks in the workplace. As you answer, focus on your ability to learn from your mistakes and stay calm, cool, and collected in the face of any situation you would be handling as their next resident.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"Experiencing a setback is always disappointing and can be disheartening, especially when it involves a patient. I understand that setbacks happen often in residency. If I experience a major setback while on your team, I will take a few moments to internally debrief, get some fresh air if possible, or discuss what I could have done differently with a mentor. Then, I move on. I need to recover quickly so I can concentrate on the next case."
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
Community Answer
"I understand setbacks are almost inevitable. Even people that have years of expertise and experience might still experience some setbacks. If that happens, I would calm down first, because panicking has never been shown to help, pray (because God is really important to me), and I would also seek advice from a mentor or someone in a position to advise me."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Kevin Downey Reviewed the Above Answer
Your response offers a general perspective on your approach, but no applicable techniques that you've put to the test. You say you would first calm down, but how would you go about calming down? What if praying wasn't enough to calm down? If you were working in a high stressed, fast-paced environment, how often would you be praying to calm yourself down, and how effective would that be? You mention you would consult a mentor, but what if they were not available, or there was not the luxury of time to reach out to them?
"I’ve faced some setbacks during some high stressed times. At those times, I decide to move fast and act fast. Sometimes you have to roll with the punches and just keep moving forward. So, if I can afford a few minutes, I’ll take a three-minute break and listen to this song that instantly boosts my mood. I’d then watch this video my mom sent me years ago where she gave me a pep talk telling me I could do anything. Then I’d get back to work. As soon as there was some downtime, I’d examine what led to that setback and take what I could to learn from the experience."
Career Goals
3.
What are your career plans and goals after completing our residency program?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interviewers want to find future residents with an interest in furthering their career with their institution. While it is not a prerequisite for this program, your interview panel wants to hear that you have well-defined career goals that this training program will help you reach.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
How to Answer
Be sure to put some thought into how you explain your future career goals as a physician. Outline how the residency program you are interviewing with will help you prepare for those goals. It is also okay to express that you are still considering your options as long as you highlight a few directions you are hopeful to go. Remember that you do not want to shut the door on any potential opportunities.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I entered medical school intending to pursue a career as a pediatrician, and I'm so fortunate to be interviewed and considered for your esteemed pediatrician residency program. At this point, I can honestly see myself as a general pediatrician or pursuing an additional fellowship to subspecialize in pediatric oncology or gastroenterology. I believe that my goals will become clearer as I work through my residency."
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
Community Answer
"I see myself working in an academic institution where I can be exposed to the most diverse experiences, continue my research, have the opportunity to educate the next generation of radiologists, and take the initiative to help people in medically underserved areas all over the world."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
Excellent! You have a clear direction, which the interviewer should appreciate hearing.
Career Goals
4.
Why are you choosing to match into this particular specialty?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
There are many medical specialties you can choose from. In asking this question, your team of interviewers simply wants to know that you have some direction and clarity when it comes to your path in the medical field and that you would join their program as a motivated resident in the field.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
How to Answer
Talk about your reason for choosing your specialty. Feel free to add a personal touch to your answer. This will help the interviewers relate to you as an individual and make for a memorable conversation down the road as the interviewers decide which applicants to accept.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
Common
5.
Is there anything we haven't covered during your interview that you would like to ask about?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Asking intelligent questions during your residency interviews will demonstrate to your interviewers that you have a deep level of interest in their institution and residency program. By asking you what additional questions you might have, your interviewers will want to see you dig deep and ask the tough questions that show you are committed to joining their program.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
How to Answer
Before your residency interview, research the organization and thoroughly review the program description for any clarification you may need about becoming a resident in this program. 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.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
Common
6.
Do you have any questions for us?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As an interviewing medical student, you are an equal part of the matching process, and your interviewers want to ensure you walk away from your time with them with all questions answered so you can hopefully rank them high on your wish list. Asking intelligent questions demonstrates to the interviewer your level of interest in their program as well.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
How to Answer
Before your interview, research the institution and thoroughly review the residency program for any clarification you may need. If you are not prepared for the interview, and you need to think of questions off the top of your head, ask questions regarding the organizational culture, traits they are looking for in the ideal candidate, and if there are any responsibilities of this position not listed in the role description.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
Common
7.
All of our residency program candidates must pass a criminal record check and education verification. Is there any reason why you would not be comfortable with this?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
In any healthcare-related setting, successfully passing a criminal background check is a necessity. Your interviewers ask this question to ensure that you would be able to pass any required state or federal background checks required by their institution.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
How to Answer
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 records and are not able to pass a criminal record check or education verification, be upfront about that in the interview process. Any residency program will be more forgiving if you are honest about any marks on your background check.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
Common
8.
Are you applying to any other 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 Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
How to Answer
Talk openly about the applications you submitted, but emphasize your interest in this particular residency. Give specific reasons you want to complete your residency with this program and explain how that will benefit you in your pursuit of becoming a practicing physician in this specialty.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
Common
9.
Competition for our program is intense. What makes you a stand-out resident for our program?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewers are looking for unique qualities and statements that make you stand out from the crowd of medical students they are considering for their program. They want to hear what makes you the most unique and stand-out candidate to join their program.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
How to Answer
To stand out from the crowd of candidates, there are many things you could mention in your answer, including your passion for volunteer work, a connection to any faculty or staff there, a story of personal struggle and triumph, a unique skill set you have, or a unique degree, diploma, or certification you bring to the table. No matter how you answer, speak passionately about what makes you the best candidate for this residency program.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
Communication
10.
How would you describe the communication skills you would bring to our program as a resident?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Patient-centered communication is vital for the residents of any program, and your interviewers want to know that you would join their program as a great communicator. Explain your strengths in communicating both written and verbally in asking this question.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
How to Answer
Before your interview, think about your strengths when it comes to communicating. Come to your residency interviews prepared to talk about what makes you great at communicating with patients, colleagues, and support staff. More important, make sure to reiterate why solid communication skills are vital for any resident and physician.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
Competency
11.
As a new resident of our program, would you be able to handle patient care with little supervision?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your venture into residency will likely be the first time you work one on one with patients as the key decision-maker. Your interviewing team asks this question to ensure that you have the ability and desire to work independently as a resident.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
How to Answer
In your answer to this question, you need to prove your ability to work confidently with little supervision while not being overconfident. As a resident, your work with patients will be scrutinized and used as a learning opportunity, so you want to ensure that your interviewers know that you are aware of that fact. Speak with modest confidence in your ability to work with patients with little to no supervision.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
Conflict
12.
What would you do if you witnessed a fellow resident acting unethically?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As you venture into a medical residency, you will be handling direct patient care on your own for the first time. With this comes immense responsibility. The interviewers want to know that, if faced with an ethical dilemma or a dilemma in reporting a breach of ethics, you will do the right thing as part of their residency program.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
How to Answer
If you were trained in medical school on taking a specific course of action, now is the time to mention 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 at their institution. This will show that you have aninterest in being matched to their program.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
Creative Thinking
13.
What do you believe is the greatest challenge our specialty will face in the next few years?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interviewers want to know that you have done your homework on the specialty that you are interviewing for and have the wherewithal to forecast the challenges that the field is facing. They also want to see that you understand that being a Physician will come with great challenges, both now and in the future.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
How to Answer
Before your residency interviews, be sure to study and read up as much as possible about the challenges your field will face. Discuss the challenges you foresee and speak about how you plan to succeed despite these challenges.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
Creative Thinking
14.
How would you like to see the delivery of healthcare evolve?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
In asking this question, your interviewers want to better understand where you feel healthcare evolve for the better. Demonstrating a forward-thinking and innovative vision in your interview will set you apart from the other candidates.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
How to Answer
Be sure to put some thought into a question like this before your residency interviews so you are prepared to talk in an educated manner about how you feel the delivery of healthcare could 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. Be sure to maintain a positive attitude and complete your answer by describing how you feel healthcare is currently evolving.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
Creative Thinking
15.
What do you see as the biggest difference between the U.S healthcare system and that of another developed country?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Perhaps you are well-traveled or have researched the differences in health care in other countries. This question allows the interviewers to see your personal opinion, critical thinking skills, and ability to be diplomatic.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
How to Answer
While there is no right or wrong answer to a question like this, it's a good idea to talk from personal experience if you can. If you can't, research this topic before your interviews so you can speak knowledgeably on the subject with your team of interviewers.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
Creative Thinking
16.
What is your opinion on socialized health care versus privatized health care?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This type of question is meant to start a conversation between you and the interview panel. They want to see your personal opinion, critical thinking skills, and ability to be diplomatic when it comes to hot topics.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
How to Answer
While this question asks for your opinion, you should avoid an offensive answer or showing a personal bias. It's best if you provide an answer that appeals to both sides while not appearing wishy-washy.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
Diligence
17.
What drives your passion for a career in medicine?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interview panel would like to understand what drives you in your pursuit of a career in medicine. Your core passion will keep you going on the toughest of days of residency, and for the panel to understand how to motivate you, they need to know what drives you.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
How to Answer
It is okay to share a personal story when answering this question. Perhaps you can discuss what initiated your interest in attending medical school. Whatever drives you, make sure the interviewers can feel your passion as you speak from the heart when answering this question.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
Discovery
18.
Would you have any trouble working with a religiously affiliated hospital or medical facility?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Questions surrounding topics such as religion and politics can be tough to navigate. This particular question will likely only come up if the institution you are interviewing with has any religious affiliation, and your interviewers want to hear that you wouldn't have an issue in this environment. If the institution you are interviewing with does not have a religious affiliation, your interviewers want to see how you navigate controversial topics.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
How to Answer
Explain to your interviewers that you are neutral and professional when it's required of you. Before your interview, thoroughly research the institution you are interviewing with so you can be sure your values align with those of the program. Keep your answer short and to the point.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
Discovery
19.
We would like to know you on a more personal level. Outside of medicine, what are your interests?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Having hobbies and interests outside of work or school is an important part of maintaining a healthy work/life balance during residency training. Your interviewers want to get to know you a bit better as a person. They also want to know that you will be able to strike a healthy balance during your time training with them.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
How to Answer
Talk openly and honestly to the interviewers about the activities that interest you outside of the medical field. As you answer, talk about how these activities will be important in your life as a resident in their program to help keep you happy, healthy, and refreshed during your training.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
Discovery
20.
What would your dream job be if you could choose any?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
During your time with them, your interviewers will try to learn about your personality and personal motivators through a variety of questions. This question will allow your interviewers to hear about your passions in life and give them a better sense of what type of resident you will be and how you will mesh with the faculty and staff at the institution.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
How to Answer
A hiring manager will be able to tell a lot about your personality by learning about your other career interests. Put some thought to this question before the start of your residency interviews and come prepared to give an answer that shows your creativity, determination, and the fun side of your personality. Focus on an answer that gives some insight into who you are.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
Discovery
21.
What do you wish to gain through training in our residency program?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewers would like to better understand what your expectations are of their residency program. When your overall expectations are understood, your interviewers will have a better sense of your understanding of their program and how well you will fit in if you were to match there.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
How to Answer
A key to answering this question is researching the residency program and the institution itself before the interview. Some online research will quickly give you insight into the mission and values of the organization, the curriculum of the program, and where past residents have found practices post-residency. No matter how you answer, take accountability for your growth and experiences.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
Discovery
22.
What types of activities keep you busy outside of work?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Because the hustle and bustle of many years of training can take their toll on any resident, having hobbies and interests outside of training is an important part of maintaining a healthy work/life balance. Your interviewers want to know how you will stay mentally energized throughout your time in their program.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
How to Answer
Tell your interviewers about the activities that interest you outside of the classroom and workplace. Be sure to list hobbies and activities that keep you in great mental and physical shape.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
Discovery
23.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
When an interviewer asks an open-ended question like this, it can be difficult to know where to begin and end. It's important to know that your interviewers ask this question to gauge how you will fit into their larger team.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
How to Answer
This question haunts many individuals who may accidentally go a little too in-depth into their personal lives. It happens. Keep your reply light and work-related. Share how you became interested in this career path and what you enjoy about it. This is a great opportunity to describe yourself by discussing the strengths and qualities you bring.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
Discovery
24.
What strengths you would bring to our program as a resident?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Every year, your group of interviewers interview and consider a large pool of great applicants for their program. Asking a question about your strengths gives you the opportunity to give your best sales pitch, so to take advantage of it.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
How to Answer
Your strengths should allow you to understand the needs of your patient and work effectively as part of a large care team. Skills that help you overcome difficult situations or accomplish challenging tasks are also great. Before your interview, pick your top two or three strengths to discuss during your interview. If you are looking for ideas, some great strengths to talk about are your communication skills, collaboration skills, loyalty, flexibility, determination, and eagerness to learn.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
Discovery
25.
What is your personal mission statement?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Most people have never put thought into a question like this, and not everyone has a mission statement or personal mantra that tells others who they are. As a prospective resident and future physician, this is an important question to ponder before your residency interviews because your interviewers will want to hear that you have a focused, patient-centered mission statement that defines the kind of resident you will be.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
How to Answer
If you have a personal mission statement that you developed during medical school, that is great! If so, be sure to openly share it with your interviewers, and make sure it explains why you are interested in pursuing a practice in medicine following residency. But chances are you don't have a well-defined personal mission statement. If this is the case, develop one, and be sure you can recite it before the start of your residency interviews.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
Discovery
26.
What book are you currently reading?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewers would like to know what you choose to read in your spare time. Your favorite genre says a lot about you and the type of resident that you will be.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
How to Answer
Speak honestly about what you are currently reading. If you aren't currently engaged in a book, talk about the one that has impacted you the most. Elaborate on why this particular book is important to you. Speak with passion to show your interviewers that learning through reading is important to you.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
Discovery
27.
Are you willing to relocate for your residency?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
To better the odds of matching with a great program, most medical students will apply to residency programs all over the country. As they consider your application, your interviewers want to know that you are serious when it comes to your willingness to relocate away from current friends and family and put your full focus on training in their program.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
How to Answer
The goal when answering this question is to assure the interviewer that relocating will not be a problem for you. If it's a challenging relocation for you, but you are willing to do it, explain your willingness to move for the sake of joining this program. Don't hesitate to talk about your personal or family situation and the support you have to pursue this dream of yours.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
Discovery
28.
Describe your personality to us in three words.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interviewers pose this question for two reasons. First, they want some insight into the personality that you would bring to their residency program to get a feel for how you will fit in with the program. They'll 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 Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
How to Answer
Since you only have three words, make sure that the words that you use will make a lasting impact on your interviewers. Some possible words to use are adaptable, brave, compassionate, respectful, helpful, positive, thoughtful, or versatile. As you prepare for a question like this, be creative 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 12th, 2022
Discovery
29.
If being a Physician was not an option, what career path would you have chosen?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interviewers want to get to know each candidate a bit better personally during their interviews. This hypothetical question will give the interviewers some insight into other topics that interest you outside of the medical field.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
How to Answer
There is no right or wrong answer here, but be sure to think about questions like this before your residency interviews. As you answer, talk openly and honestly with your interviewers about where your career path would have ideally taken you if becoming a physician wasn't an option.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
Discovery
30.
Who in your life has been the biggest mentor or inspiration to you?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interviewers want to gain some insight into the personalities and personal motivations of each candidate they talk to. This question allows your interviewers to see what has influenced you to become a life-changing physician down the road.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
How to Answer
Your life's inspiration can come from a book, a mentor, your family, or a celebrity. Talk to the interviewers about who has inspired your life and why. If possible, explain how this mentor or influence has inspired your choice to pursue a career as a physician.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
Discovery
31.
As a resident with our program, how would you express your opinions on controversial topics such as abortion, euthanasia, and cloning?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Questions like this can be tricky, but it's important to realize that your interviewers want to hear how you would navigate these topics with a patient as a resident. They are not looking for your personal opinion on any controversial medical topic. Explain how you would remain tactful when controversial topics arise during your residency training.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
How to Answer
A straightforward answer should include how you would discuss the pros and cons of a controversial topic with a patient. You need to be clear that you would never broach any of these subjects with a patient, but rather only respond when asked.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
Education
32.
While attending medical school, what was your favorite course? Why?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Every medical student has a favorite area of medicine or a subject they find fascinating. Learning more about your favorite courses, personal preferences, and professional areas of intrigue will allow the interviewers to better understand where your passion is as an incoming resident.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
How to Answer
Come to your interview ready to talk about your favorite course in medical school. Be sure to elaborate on why 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 12th, 2022
Education
33.
How would you invest in your personal development as a resident with our program?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As a resident and eventual physician, it is important to avoid professional burnout. That means you should be aware of your personal needs and do what is necessary for your personal growth and development. Your interviewers pose this question to understand how you plan to focus on your development.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
How to Answer
Personal development is a valuable habit and can include things like exercise, meditating, taking personal development courses/workshops, reading, mentoring others, being creative through art, or spending time traveling and exploring. However you choose to invest in your personal development, be sure to show the interviewers that you understand the importance of investing in yourself.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
Education
34.
How would you stay on top of trends and changes in the medical industry as a resident?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interviewers want to know that you will fully immerse yourself in your field as a resident. This includes keeping up to date on new trends and having a great understanding of the challenges your industry faces, both now and in the future.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
How to Answer
Talk about a couple of your favorite resources you use to stay 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 conversation that will be helpful to you! Before your interview, be sure to look into the medical specialty-specific groups, journals, and publications in the specialty you plan to pursue in residency.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
Education
35.
Have you completed all ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) requirements to start a 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 Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
How to Answer
If you are a foreign medical graduate, come to your residency interviews 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 12th, 2022
Experience
36.
While attending medical school, what fascinated you most about your cadaver?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
For many medical students, working with cadavers for the first time is a life-changing experience. The interviewers would like to understand what intrigued you most during your cadaver workshops in medical school to get some insight into what will drive you as a resident with their program.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
How to Answer
You can keep your answer brief, but be specific and express your passion for learning when you answer this question. Your interviewers ideally want to hear that you enjoyed the cadaver experience and that you can take what you learned with them into residency and your future career as a physician.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
Experience
37.
Tell us about the most interesting case you were exposed to while attending medical school.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interviewers will be looking for the ideal candidates that have a passion for the specialty they want to pursue training in. 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.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
How to Answer
Before your 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 the most, and talk about why. If you know the outcome of the case, discuss that briefly as well.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
Experience
38.
What EMR programs did you get experience working in as a medical student?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Technology in the medical field has been evolving and will continue to evolve year after year. As you enter residency, you will have to be prepared to work under one common EMR at the institution you match with, and your interviewers simply want to hear the experience you gained working in a variety of them during your medical school.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
How to Answer
Briefly discuss the programs you worked in as a rotating medical student and your role in the systems. As you answer, describe your ability to learn and master their program from the start. Don't hesitate to ask any questions about the program that this institution uses.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
Stress
39.
Practicing as a Physician is an incredibly stressful and demanding career. How will you manage the high amounts of stress that are a part of being a resident?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Physicians are known to have a high amount of stress and burnout due to the overall nature of the work. You need to be aware that the time demands and pressure situations can lead to fatigue and little sleep. Your interviews want to hear about your plan to handle the high amounts of stress during your residency.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
How to Answer
Explain to your interviewers that you have the tools to keep your mind, body, and spirit in the best shape possible to learn and grow every day during residency training. Some great things to talk about are your ability to maintain perspective, use your downtime to recharge, and come to each shift prepared for the challenges that you'll face.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
Teamwork
40.
How will you work effectively and collaboratively as part of a larger care team as a resident with our program?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Coming out of medical school and into residency training, you need to be prepared to step in and be the ultimate team player with faculty, fellow residents, and all members of the larger care team. The interviewers want assurance that you would join their residency program as a team player, regardless of personality or work style differences. They'll also want to hear that you will be a natural leader.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
How to Answer
The goal of your response is to describe your approach to collaborating with others while highlighting how your collaboration style will be a good match for the residency program you are interviewing with. Highlight your leadership skills, communication skills, listening skills, and the respect you show for others in a working environment. If you have examples of times you've proven to be a team player, don't hesitate to bring them up.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022