Residency Interview Prep

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Showing 1–12 of 482

Who you are in a few sentences?

Introduction Core Top
Why this question?
This question is your chance to give a compelling summary of your background and how it led you to this residency. It's open-ended, so you can highlight key experiences that shaped your path.
Best practices
  • Use the CAMP framework: Clinical, Academic, Management/Leadership, Personal.
  • Tell a story, not just a list of CV points. Make it flow naturally.
  • Keep it relevant to medicine and end with why you're excited about the specialty and program.
What to avoid
  • Don't just recite your CV or be too generic.
  • Avoid being overly long or too short; aim for about 1.5 to 2 minutes.
  • Don't forget to include personal details to make yourself memorable.
Background
CAMP stands for Clinical, Academic, Management/Leadership, Personal. Using the CAMP framework ensures you cover different facets of your background in a logical order:
- Clinical: Summarize your medical training and key hands-on experiences.
- Academic: Highlight research, teaching, presentations, or academic achievements.
- Management/Leadership: Mention leadership roles.
- Personal: Share hobbies or interests.

Tell me about your journey into medicine so far?

Introduction
Why this question?
This question is your chance to give a compelling summary of your background and how it led you to this residency. It's open-ended, so you can highlight key experiences that shaped your path.
Best practices
  • Use the CAMP framework: Clinical, Academic, Management/Leadership, Personal.
  • Tell a story, not just a list of CV points. Make it flow naturally.
  • Keep it relevant to medicine and end with why you're excited about the specialty and program.
What to avoid
  • Don't just recite your CV or be too generic.
  • Avoid being overly long or too short; aim for about 1.5 to 2 minutes.
  • Don't forget to include personal details to make yourself memorable.
Background
CAMP stands for Clinical, Academic, Management/Leadership, Personal. Using the CAMP framework ensures you cover different facets of your background in a logical order:
- Clinical: Summarize your medical training and key hands-on experiences.
- Academic: Highlight research, teaching, presentations, or academic achievements.
- Management/Leadership: Mention leadership roles.
- Personal: Share hobbies or interests.

What is your reason for choosing to get into medicine?

Introduction
Why this question?
Interviewers want to know your genuine motivation for choosing medicine. They’re looking for a deeper narrative beyond the usual 'I want to help people' answer.
Best practices
  • Reflect on personal experiences that sparked your interest in medicine.
  • Share a specific story or moment that solidified your decision.
  • Balance passion with realism – show enthusiasm but also an understanding of the challenges.
What to avoid
  • Giving a generic answer like 'I love science and want to help people.'
  • Mentioning external influences like 'my parents thought it was a good idea.'
  • Fabricating or exaggerating stories – keep it genuine and authentic.

What motivated you to pursue <specialty>?

Introduction Core Top Specialty-Specific
Why this question?
They want to know why you're interested in this specialty and if you truly understand what it involves. It's about showing your commitment and fit for the field.
Best practices
  • Share a personal story that led you to this specialty.
  • Highlight what excites you about the day-to-day work in this field.
  • Emphasize your strengths that make you a good fit for it.
What to avoid
  • Don't say you chose it by default or because you couldn't decide.
  • Avoid generic reasons like 'better lifestyle' without deeper insight.
  • Don't forget to include a personal anecdote to make your answer memorable.

What are your reasons for transitioning from your current practice to pursue residency training in the United States?

Introduction Core
Why this question?
They want to know why you're choosing the US for residency and if you're genuinely interested in joining the US medical system. It's about understanding your motivation and ensuring you're not just running away from something.
Best practices
  • Frame your decision positively and focus on the opportunities in the US.
  • Mention specific experiences, like an observership, that inspired you.
  • Highlight your adaptability and preparation for the US system.
What to avoid
  • Don't focus on money or make negative comparisons to your home country.
  • Avoid generic reasons; be specific about what excites you about US training.
  • Don't ignore the challenges of moving; show you're prepared and committed.

Why are you interested in our residency program?

Introduction Core Top
Why this question?
They want to know if you've done your homework on their program and if your goals align with what they offer. Basically, do you really want to be here, and will you fit in?
Best practices
  • Do your research! Check out their website, mission, curriculum, and any unique opportunities they offer.
  • Pick 2-3 specific things about the program that excite you and connect them to your goals or values.
  • Mention any personal experiences or conversations with current residents that made a positive impression.
What to avoid
  • Don't give a generic answer that could apply to any program.
  • Avoid focusing solely on the location or reputation without mentioning specific program features.
  • Don't be vague or self-focused in the wrong way; show genuine interest in their specific program.

What specifically attracts you to our residency program?

Introduction
Why this question?
They want to know if you've done your homework on their program and if your goals align with what they offer. Basically, do you really want to be here, and will you fit in?
Best practices
  • Do your research! Check out their website, mission, curriculum, and any unique opportunities they offer.
  • Pick 2-3 specific things about the program that excite you and connect them to your goals or values.
  • Mention any personal experiences or conversations with current residents that made a positive impression.
What to avoid
  • Don't give a generic answer that could apply to any program.
  • Avoid focusing solely on the location or reputation without mentioning specific program features.
  • Don't be vague or self-focused in the wrong way; show genuine interest in their specific program.

What distinguishes our program from others?

Introduction
Why this question?
They want to know if you've done your homework on their program and if your goals align with what they offer. Basically, do you really want to be here, and will you fit in?
Best practices
  • Do your research! Check out their website, mission, curriculum, and any unique opportunities they offer.
  • Pick 2-3 specific things about the program that excite you and connect them to your goals or values.
  • Mention any personal experiences or conversations with current residents that made a positive impression.
What to avoid
  • Don't give a generic answer that could apply to any program.
  • Avoid focusing solely on the location or reputation without mentioning specific program features.
  • Don't be vague or self-focused in the wrong way; show genuine interest in their specific program.

What qualities or opportunities do you seek in a residency program?

Introduction
Why this question?
They want to see if you've thought about what you need in a training environment and if their program matches your priorities. It's also about checking if your expectations are realistic and if you'd be a good fit.
Best practices
  • Be honest about a few key professional priorities, like clinical training, mentorship, or research opportunities.
  • Mention personal priorities only if they're relevant, like wanting to be in a city with family.
  • Align your answer with the program's strengths if you can, but stay genuine.
What to avoid
  • Don't focus on superficial things like location or work-life balance as your main priorities.
  • Avoid generic answers that don't highlight what makes you unique.
  • Don't list things just because they sound good; make sure they truly reflect your priorities.

What is your ideal residency program?

Introduction
Why this question?
They want to see if you've thought about what you need in a training environment and if their program matches your priorities. It's also about checking if your expectations are realistic and if you'd be a good fit.
Best practices
  • Be honest about a few key professional priorities, like clinical training, mentorship, or research opportunities.
  • Mention personal priorities only if they're relevant, like wanting to be in a city with family.
  • Align your answer with the program's strengths if you can, but stay genuine.
What to avoid
  • Don't focus on superficial things like location or work-life balance as your main priorities.
  • Avoid generic answers that don't highlight what makes you unique.
  • Don't list things just because they sound good; make sure they truly reflect your priorities.

From your perspective, which three key factors do you prioritize when evaluating a residency program?

Introduction
Why this question?
They want to see if you've thought about what you need in a training environment and if their program matches your priorities. It's also about checking if your expectations are realistic and if you'd be a good fit.
Best practices
  • Be honest about a few key professional priorities, like clinical training, mentorship, or research opportunities.
  • Mention personal priorities only if they're relevant, like wanting to be in a city with family.
  • Align your answer with the program's strengths if you can, but stay genuine.
What to avoid
  • Don't focus on superficial things like location or work-life balance as your main priorities.
  • Avoid generic answers that don't highlight what makes you unique.
  • Don't list things just because they sound good; make sure they truly reflect your priorities.

What motivated you to apply to our residency program?

Introduction
Why this question?
They want to know if you've done your homework on their program and if your goals align with what they offer. Basically, do you really want to be here, and will you fit in?
Best practices
  • Do your research! Check out their website, mission, curriculum, and any unique opportunities they offer.
  • Pick 2-3 specific things about the program that excite you and connect them to your goals or values.
  • Mention any personal experiences or conversations with current residents that made a positive impression.
What to avoid
  • Don't give a generic answer that could apply to any program.
  • Avoid focusing solely on the location or reputation without mentioning specific program features.
  • Don't be vague or self-focused in the wrong way; show genuine interest in their specific program.
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