Do you have any questions about our residency program?

"After reading your detailed website and speaking with many of your fellows and residents, most of my questions were answered. I do have a few questions, though. What type of practices are most of your graduates going into after their residency? What type of feedback are you receiving from your graduates? Finally, what would you describe as your program's strengths?"

Most residency programs will have a detailed description on their website stating what is involved with the program, clinical rotations, the primary teaching site, accredited length of training, the residency directors, mentoring, and more. The interviewers want to see that you have researched their program and do not want to answer questions you could have found on their website, showing a lack of attention to detail. Good questions to ask are how the interviewers perceive their program compared to others, what feedback they have received from graduates, the program's strengths, if they offer community service programs during residency, and if any changes are anticipated in the program in the next year.

How do you keep your emotions from interfering with your work?

"It is hard not to feel emotional when losing a patient or having to deliver bad news, but I knew it was part of the job going in. I keep my emotions from affecting my work by talking with my colleagues or husband if something is bothering me and taking care of myself away from work. I like to run, which helps clear my mind when feeling emotional. I also think of the good things about a patient I have lost or who is diagnosed with a life-changing condition and do not focus on the sad part. It's easy to keep my emotions from interfering with my work when I know I must be strong for my patients and their families."

Working in healthcare can be emotional at times. It is normal to feel emotions when working as a physician, but it is imperative to channel them so they do not interfere with your work. Taking good care of your mental and physical health helps channel those emotions, so you can maintain composure when facing work challenges. Let the interviewers know how you remain professional when faced with an emotional workday.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

"In ten years, I see myself working as a pediatric otolaryngologist at a Boston children's hospital. After my residency, I plan to pursue a pediatric otolaryngology fellowship, focusing on identifying and treating communication disorders in children. My younger brother could not talk for the first five years of his life. Once he was referred to a pediatric otolaryngologist, he was diagnosed with hearing loss that had gone undetected since he was born. With proper diagnosis and treatment, my brother finally communicated, and that is when I knew I wanted to become a pediatric ENT physician."

The interviewers are curious about your long-term career goals to see how they can support you during your residency. If you are interested in pursuing a specialty residency, they want to know what that is. Let the interviewers know your career goals and why you chose them. Then, describe where you see yourself in ten years, showing you have long-term professional goals.

How would your friends describe your personality?

"My friends would describe my personality as outgoing, friendly, and compassionate. I make friends easily as I love to talk to people and get to know them personally, and I am always friendly with everyone I meet. I believe in treating everyone with kindness and respect and always helping someone when they need assistance. My friends constantly say I am a people person and that I chose the right profession to pursue."

Personality is described as the combination of characteristics and qualities that form an individual's distinctive character. The interviewers ask this question to see how your friends view you and what they would say makes you unique to see if you will be a good candidate for their program. It is best to use three to four words that your friends would use to describe your personality, with examples to show why they would describe you that way.

How did you prepare for the USMLE?

"I prepared for the USMLE by starting to study on the day I started medical school. I had access to USMLE study materials through student support services at my medical school and formed a peer study group. We studied for one hour every night and joined a live review course online. By keeping a regimented schedule and holding each other accountable, everyone in my study group passed the exam."

The United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) is one that all United States physicians will need to pass to obtain licensure. The interviewers ask this question to learn about your study habits and how you prepare for important exams. Describe if you joined a study group, hired a tutor, attended a preparatory course, made flashcards, or studied alone every night.

How do you receive constructive criticism, even when delivered in a manner you do not prefer?

"I value constructive criticism. Generally, the person giving me feedback has more experience and knowledge than I do, so I see it as a learning opportunity to grow professionally. I understand everyone has different communication styles, so I do not take it personally if the feedback is delivered differently than I would give."

You will undoubtedly be given constructive criticism during your transitional year residency. Sometimes the feedback will not be delivered respectfully, while other times, it will. The interviewers want to see that you can handle any feedback and realize that no matter how constructive criticism is delivered, it is an opportunity for you to grow professionally. Describe how you deal with constructive criticism and use it as a learning opportunity.

What is your least favorite part about being a physician?

"My least favorite part of working as a physician is the sacrifices my family has to make when I am working long hours and on holidays. However, I discussed the challenges we would face as a family before going to medical school, and they understood and supported me. We have developed a plan to celebrate holidays and birthdays on my day off before the event, so we don't miss out on spending quality time together as a family."

Most physicians find more pros than cons to working as a doctor. However, there are some, such as long hours, being on call, rules and regulations, dealing with insurance companies, and rude patients. The interviewers want to hear what you like the least about being a physician to learn more about your personality. Be sure you briefly say what you like least, then end on a positive note by explaining how the other aspects of being a physician outweigh the bad.

How would you handle an angry patient or family member?

"I have handled angry patients and their family members by remaining calm, listening to their complaints, and finding a resolution to the problem. I have found that most often, there is a communication issue that can be resolved with patience, listening, and problem-solving. If I cannot make them happy, I will involve my supervisor. That has only happened once, and even they could not please the patient."

The interviewers ask this question to understand your conflict resolution, communication, and problem-solving skills. Working as a physician requires handling angry patients and their family members calmly and professionally. The interviewers want to see that you have these skills and will be an asset to the transitional year residency program if matched.Focus on giving an example from your past where you have successfully dealt with an angry patient. If you have not had this experience, explain that to the interviewers and describe how you have handled a disagreement with a coworker or classmate in the past.

How do you handle conflict between a colleague or classmate?

"Over the years, I have found the involved parties can fix all conflicts with honest, open communication. When both parties can explain why they are bothered by something and decide how to handle the situation maturely, less conflict will likely happen in the future. Most conflicts are simply a misunderstanding or lack of communication. When I have a dispute with a colleague, I ask to speak to them privately to discuss the matter. It is never professional to have a disagreement or conflict in front of others."

It is not uncommon for colleagues or classmates to dispute or disagree with someone they work or go to school with. The interviewers know this and want to see how you have handled disputes in the past. How you respond gives the interviewer insight into your problem-solving, communication, and conflict-resolution skills, which are essential skills to possess in any profession.Focus on giving a detailed explanation of how you handled a past disagreement with a classmate or colleague. You do not necessarily need to describe the reason for the dispute, just how you dealt with it. The interviewer wants to hear that you dealt with the conflict privately, calmly, and professionally and that there was a resolution.

How do you stay current with the ongoing advancements in the medical industry?

"I stay current with the ongoing advancements in the medical industry in many ways. I subscribe to several medical blogs, such as Modernizing Medicine and the American Medical Association blog, that deliver a message to my email when there is a new blog outlining the latest trends. I also read scholarly, peer-reviewed articles and listen to the 2 Docs Talk Podcast every morning on my way to work. I have also attended three conferences in the past three years that always has the latest on advancements in the field."

As a physician, staying current with the ongoing advancements in the medical industry is essential. There are many ways you can stay up-to-date with changes in your profession, such as continuing education, talking with colleagues, attending conferences, reading articles, listening to podcasts, and reading medical journals. The interviewers would like to hear that you are proactive and diligent in staying current with ongoing advancements. Describe your methods of staying up-to-date on the latest industry news.

What is the most interesting case you have seen?

"The most interesting case I have seen was when I was doing my emergency department rotation during my clerkship. The paramedics brought in a young woman with a piece of rebar impaled through her upper leg. She was the passenger in the backseat of a vehicle traveling on the freeway, and a pedestrian dropped the rebar from an overpass. The rebar hit the pavement and bounced up through the backseat and through the patient's leg. The fire department and paramedics drove the car to the emergency department because they could not remove the rebar or the backseat. Once they arrived at the ED, the fire department had to remove the top of the car so the patient could be extricated from the vehicle. The patient had her leg amputated because the damage was too much to repair."

As a med student, you were exposed to many different types of cases during your clinical rotations. The interviewers ask this question to gain insight into what you have been exposed to in your training and what you find fascinating. There is no wrong answer, the interviewers simply want to learn more about your personality and what kind of cases you find interesting.

Transitional year residency is a reasonably competitive residency to match. Why should we choose you over other applicants?

"I am sure many qualified applicants are applying to your program. However, you should choose me because of my dedication, research experience, and leadership skills. I have proven my dedication to this field by volunteering for the past four years at a children's hospital while attending medical school. I have developed my research skills, given presentations, and written abstracts on pediatric pharmacotherapy while critically evaluating the original research. During my research experience, my leadership skills were noticed and commended by professors who told me I have natural leadership abilities. I look forward to the opportunity to bring these skills to your esteemed residency program."

A transitional year residency is a somewhat competitive residency to match to in the United States, with a match rate of over 80%. The interviewers want to hear why they should choose you over others competing to match. While there are many qualified candidates, you must let the interviewers know why you are a top-notch applicant. Tell the interviewers about your away rotations, research experience, volunteer work, USMLE scores, and any other achievements or accolades that will make the interviewers remember you.

Why did you choose to apply to our residency program?

"I chose your residency program for several reasons. First, your mission of training residents to provide compassionate care to a diverse population resonates with my values. Secondly, your program was the country's first transitional year residency program. After researching your program in greater depth, I was excited to see that you offer many opportunities in research, teaching, and patient care. You offer pathways for residents with specific career interests in providing patient and family-centered care in urban and suburban community hospitals, which is the career path I want to take. After reading all you have to offer and with the recommendation from former residents, there is no other program I would rather attend."

In the United States, there are currently 177 transitional year residency programs. The interviewers want to hear that you have researched their program in depth and that you have also compared their program to many others. When responding to this question, highlight unique aspects of their residency program that stand out from others. You may want to participate in their program because of their stellar reputation, dynamic and interactive training program, or because they are a research hospital. Let the interviewers know your reasons for choosing their transitional year residency program over others.

Who is your greatest supporter?

"My greatest supporter is my mother. She supported me as a single mom growing up, and she continues to support my decisions. She was very excited when I told her I wanted to go to medical school, and even more so now that I am pursuing my transitional year residency. She calls or texts me daily to see how I am doing and always asks about interesting cases I have seen. If I am having a particularly stressful day, she is always there to listen and offer advice."

Going through a residency can be challenging for some. The interviewers ask this question to see that you have a support system when things become difficult. How you respond also shows the interviewers how you connect with others. Describe your greatest supporter and how they have supported you.

Do you have a specific specialty you are pursuing?

"Yes, I want to work as an anesthesiologist. The anesthesiology residency programs require a transitional year residency before I can apply, so that is why I have applied to your program. I chose to pursue a career as an anesthesiologist after talking with a college adviser. I took a series of tests to determine my strengths and weaknesses and what would be the best career choice, and anesthesia and cardiology were the two fields recommended based on my answers. While I find cardiology fascinating, I am more intrigued by the pharmaceutical side of medicine, so anesthesia is the better fit for me."

Some students enter the transitional year residency because the specialty residency program they are pursuing requires it. However, other students are still determining the specialty they would like to work in, so they use the transitional year residency to be exposed to the different specialties and help make their decision. The interviewers are curious if you have chosen a specific specialty or are still deciding at this point. If you have decided, describe what specialty you are pursuing and why. If unsure, explain what you think you will find most interesting during your transitional year residency.

What does your family think of your career choice?

"My family consists of my mother and sister. My mother is not happy that I chose to become a physician because she thinks it costs too much money in schooling and training to become one. She wanted me to become a grade school teacher like her, but I have always wanted to be a doctor after reading an anatomy and physiology book in sixth grade. My sister, on the other hand, is my biggest supporter, and she is happy for me and my career choice. My sister works as a neonatal nurse but is now thinking of switching careers and becoming an obstetrician after hearing my stories about medical school."

Many families will support a family member's decision to become a physician, while others will not. The interviewers want to hear that you have a support system to help you through your residency program. If your family disapproves of your career choice, hopefully, you have a mentor or friends who are happy with your choice to become a physician. Explain to the interviewers what your family thinks of your decision. If they are not supportive, briefly mention why they are not supportive, then explain who outside of your family supports your decision.

In your opinion, what was the greatest medical invention in the last 50 years?

"This is a tough question because there have been many breakthrough advancements and inventions in the past 50 years. However, I am most fascinated with 3D printing. I find it amazing that dental implants and prosthetics are created using 3D printers, and now researchers are looking for ways to print whole organs. What's exciting about full 3D-printed organs is that new drugs could be tested on them without harming patients, and it could eliminate the need for animal testing. I'm excited to see what the next 50 years have in store for the medical industry!"

In the last 50 years, there have been game-changing advancements in the medical industry, such as laser eye surgery, in vitro fertilization, artificial organs, surgical improvements, magnetic resonance imaging, and bionic prostheses, to name a few. The interviewers ask this question to learn more about your personality by seeing what you find interesting in the medical industry. There is no incorrect answer as this asks for your opinion. When responding, describe what you believe to be the most significant medical invention and why.

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

"Something I am very skilled at that is not found on my CV is that I love playing the violin. I have played since I was three and picked it up quite easily. I would spend hours a day perfecting solo pieces, highlighting my dedication to a craft. I also enjoy the violin because it helps me clear my head and focus strictly on the piece I am playing. It enhances my dexterity, coordination, hand strength, and fine motor skills. I feel all these skills will transfer nicely into my profession as a physician."

The interviewers would like to learn more about you as a person. 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. If possible, share something about yourself that shows the interviewers you would be a good fit for the residency program. For example, if you share that you compete in marathons, the interviewers will see that you are dedicated and diligent, both essential qualities for residents to possess.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work and school?

"I have many interests and hobbies. I enjoy volunteering, coaching my son's t-ball team, playing board games with my family, mountain biking, and running. I volunteer with my family every Sunday at our local church's food bank and coach t-ball once a week. My family plays a board game every Friday or Saturday night and orders takeout for some good family bonding time. I mountain bike or run every morning before work to stay in shape and clear my head for the day."

The interviewers ask this question to gain insight into your personality and see that you have a healthy work/life balance. It is best to mention hobbies that showcase your strengths, skills, and passion that can transfer to your job as a physician. For example, if one of your hobbies is volunteering at the local food bank, it shows the interviewers that you enjoy helping people and are empathetic and compassionate. Mention several hobbies and why you enjoy them while avoiding interests that could be construed as unprofessional.

How many transitional year residency programs have you applied to?

"One advisor told me I have a better chance of being matched if I apply to at least eight transitional year programs. I took their advice and have applied to ten programs to increase my chances of being ranked. However, your program is my first choice as you offer the electives I am looking for, and you are ranked number one in the state for transitional year residency programs. I also appreciate that you work individually with your residents to help them achieve their career goals, whereas other programs do not offer that individual attention."

A company that provides residency preparatory guidance recommends making a ranking list of at least 8-10 programs to give students more of a chance of getting ranked. The interviewers ask how many programs you have applied to so they can understand how serious you are about getting matched and if you are serious about matching with their program. Be honest and upfront when telling the interviewers how many programs you have applied to. However, emphasize why you hope to be matched with their program over others.

What is the most recent work of fiction you have read?

"I am currently reading a fictional book called A Case of Need by Michael Crichton. This is the author's debut award-winning novel, written shortly after he completed his medical internship. It's a riveting book based on a surgical operation that ended in death. Afterward, questions are raised if the death was due to accidental malpractice, a violation of the Hippocratic oath, or cold-blooded murder. I enjoy true crime and murder mystery books. This one is particularly interesting because the author went to medical school, and his writing is spot on."

Medical students are not expected only to read medical books, and the interviewers understand this. They want to see if you are the type of person to read for pleasure, and if so, what interests you. If you do not enjoy reading during your downtime, describe other ways you stimulate your mind, such as listening to podcasts. Also, be sure if you have read a work of fiction recently, that it is not something that would offend or embarrass the interviewers. If you enjoy reading, describe the most recent work of fiction you have read and give a brief synopsis.

Who in your life has inspired you the most?

"So many people have inspired me in my life. If I had to choose who has inspired me the most, I would say my father. When I was three years old, my father was a soldier and was injured in Iraq. He returned home with an amputated leg and arm and PTSD. He went through many years of counseling and is now a motivational speaker who helps other wounded veterans. He has always been there for me and my family, never complained, and proved that you can get through anything with hard work and dedication."

The interviewers will ask this question to see if someone motivated you to pursue a career as a physician and also to hear how you communicate and connect with other people. It is best to describe a person you are close to and avoid political or religious figures. You do not know the interviewers' beliefs, and you definitely do not want to offend anyone.

Tell us about your volunteer experience.

"My family introduced me to volunteering at ten years old, and I continue to volunteer to this day. During medical school, I had the opportunity to volunteer with Doctors Without Borders, International Medical Corps, and Africa Health Placements, providing medical services to communities in developing countries. I am also an AMA medical student outreach leader and student member of the AMA Foundation Board. I like that part of the curriculum for your program includes community outreach, and I look forward to being involved in that if matched with your residency program."

Volunteer experience is all unpaid activities and committees you have been involved in. The interviewers ask this question to gain insight into your personality traits and hobbies that are important to you, such as being on a leadership council or debate committee. Volunteerism also shows the interviewers that you like to give back to the community and are selfless with your time. Tell the interviewers about your volunteer experience, no matter how small it may seem. The more volunteer experience you have, the better your chance to match with the program.

Why are you choosing to do a transitional year residency?

"I am choosing to do a transitional year residency because the emergency medicine residency requires a transitional year before entering their program. I am excited to do a transitional year residency because I will receive a broad spectrum of training which will prepare me nicely for the emergency medicine residency."

A transitional year residency is designed to give residents a well-balanced educational program covering multiple clinical disciplines to prepare for a specific specialty. Many fields prefer or require students to experience a transitional year residency before beginning specialty residency training. The transitional year residency is also suitable for students uncertain of their career goals. The interviewers would like to know your reason for choosing a transitional year residency to gain insight into your career goals.

Do you have any overseas clinical experience?

"Yes, I was fortunate to go to Haiti for four weeks in my last year of medical school. It was a highly educational experience as I saw patients with diseases I would not have seen in the United States. I also learned about patients' experiences under different legal healthcare structures and was provided a cultural understanding that will affect my subsequent training and practice as a cardiologist."

In most medical schools, it is possible to arrange an overseas clinical elective, especially during your fourth year. There are many benefits to studying overseas as a medical student, which the interviewers know. They ask this question to see if you chose an overseas clinical elective to understand what interests and inspires you. Some residency programs will also require overseas clinical experience to match their program. Describe your experience, if any. If you did not go overseas as an elective, explain why you chose not to.

What part of medical school was the most stressful for you?

"I cannot name one thing that was the most stressful, as each year had new stressors. The most stressful part of my first year was getting used to the fast-paced environment and learning large amounts of information in a short amount of time. The board exams made my second year stressful, and my third year was getting close to applying for residency. By my fourth year, I had learned to manage my stress by staying focused and organized. I developed a great study system and used my downtime to exercise and rest. After attending medical school, I know I am ready for whatever stress I might experience in my residency program."

The interviewers want to hear what part of medical school was most stressful to determine what aspects of the residency program may be challenging. They also want to hear how you managed your stress so they can understand your coping mechanisms. Describe what you found most stressful and what steps you took to reduce your stress. You could also break down the most stressful part of each year and how you coped, showing the interviewers that you successfully managed your stress as each year progressed.

What part of the transitional year residency will be the most challenging for you?

"My greatest challenge will be relocating to a new city and not knowing anyone. I went to medical school in my hometown and knew many of my classmates, professors, and hospital staff. Both of my parents work in the medical field, and they introduced me to many healthcare professionals when I was growing up. However, while moving to a new place where I do not know anyone will be challenging, I look forward to making new friends and memories. I bought a guidebook on the city and plan to explore by bicycle when I have downtime. Also, with technology, I can stay in contact with my friends and family back home while doing my residency."

Every residency program will have challenges. Finances, work/life balance, relocation, time management, research, studying, and patient care, to name a few. The interviewers want to see that you are proactive and have identified what will be most challenging and decided how to overcome the challenge. Describe what will be the most difficult part of your residency and what you plan to do about it.

How well do you work with others?

"I enjoy working with others and do so very well. I like taking a team approach to healthcare and involving family members, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals to develop the best treatment plan for each patient. I believe a team approach accomplishes greater things than working alone, as we can all learn from each other's experiences."

As a physician, you must work well with others. You will be responsible for leading multidisciplinary teams and working with other specialized healthcare professionals. As a transitional year resident, you will collaborate with attending physicians, patients, residents, and fellows. The interviewers want to hear that you work well with others and will be a valued team player if matched to their residency program.

How do you cope with the death of a patient?

"It is never easy losing a patient. As a physician, I got into this profession to help people, so it is sad to see them die. But I knew that was part of the job before going to medical school, so I have the mindset that patients will unfortunately not always make it. I cope by knowing I did the best I could for them. If a particular death bothers me more than others, I talk with colleagues or my spouse, which always seems to help. I also take care of myself mentally and physically so the grief doesn't take control of my emotions."

As a physician, there will be times when you will have patients that die. The interviewers want to hear that you have coping mechanisms to keep from becoming overwhelmed with the loss of life. It is essential for healthcare professionals to have someone they can speak with and have healthy avenues to decompress to prevent burnout, illness, and injury. Describe how you cope when you lose a patient.

Describe a time when you had your ethics tested.

"I had my ethics tested during my second year of medical school. A classmate asked me to help him cheat on a test because he had not had time to study. Even though we were friends, I told him I could not ethically help him cheat and that, as physicians, we are held to a higher standard. After that, I found it very hard to be friends with him since I do not condone that type of behavior."

As a physician, you may sometimes be asked to do unethical things. The interviewers ask this question to see that you are honest and have integrity. They want to hear that you have morals and can be trusted in your position. Some examples could be witnessing someone cheat or steal something or someone asking you to do something you knew was morally wrong. Describe a time you had your ethics tested and how you responded.

Transitional Year Residency Interview Questions

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1. Do you have any questions about our residency program?
2. How do you keep your emotions from interfering with your work?
3. Where do you see yourself in ten years?
4. How would your friends describe your personality?
5. How did you prepare for the USMLE?
6. How do you receive constructive criticism, even when delivered in a manner you do not prefer?
7. What is your least favorite part about being a physician?
8. How would you handle an angry patient or family member?
9. How do you handle conflict between a colleague or classmate?
10. How do you stay current with the ongoing advancements in the medical industry?
11. What is the most interesting case you have seen?
12. Transitional year residency is a reasonably competitive residency to match. Why should we choose you over other applicants?
13. Why did you choose to apply to our residency program?
14. Who is your greatest supporter?
15. Do you have a specific specialty you are pursuing?
16. What does your family think of your career choice?
17. In your opinion, what was the greatest medical invention in the last 50 years?
18. Tell us something about yourself that is not found on your CV.
19. What are your hobbies and interests outside of work and school?
20. How many transitional year residency programs have you applied to?
21. What is the most recent work of fiction you have read?
22. Who in your life has inspired you the most?
23. Tell us about your volunteer experience.
24. Why are you choosing to do a transitional year residency?
25. Do you have any overseas clinical experience?
26. What part of medical school was the most stressful for you?
27. What part of the transitional year residency will be the most challenging for you?
28. How well do you work with others?
29. How do you cope with the death of a patient?
30. Describe a time when you had your ethics tested.

Transitional Year Residency Interview Questions

1. Do you have any questions about our residency program?

2. How do you keep your emotions from interfering with your work?

3. Where do you see yourself in ten years?

4. How would your friends describe your personality?

5. How did you prepare for the USMLE?

6. How do you receive constructive criticism, even when delivered in a manner you do not prefer?

7. What is your least favorite part about being a physician?

8. How would you handle an angry patient or family member?

9. How do you handle conflict between a colleague or classmate?

10. How do you stay current with the ongoing advancements in the medical industry?

11. What is the most interesting case you have seen?

12. Transitional year residency is a reasonably competitive residency to match. Why should we choose you over other applicants?

13. Why did you choose to apply to our residency program?

14. Who is your greatest supporter?

15. Do you have a specific specialty you are pursuing?

16. What does your family think of your career choice?

17. In your opinion, what was the greatest medical invention in the last 50 years?

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

19. What are your hobbies and interests outside of work and school?

20. How many transitional year residency programs have you applied to?

21. What is the most recent work of fiction you have read?

22. Who in your life has inspired you the most?

23. Tell us about your volunteer experience.

24. Why are you choosing to do a transitional year residency?

25. Do you have any overseas clinical experience?

26. What part of medical school was the most stressful for you?

27. What part of the transitional year residency will be the most challenging for you?

28. How well do you work with others?

29. How do you cope with the death of a patient?

30. Describe a time when you had your ethics tested.