Residency Interview Prep

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Showing 181–192 of 482

How does the US healthcare system differ from the healthcare system in your home country?

Miscellaneous
Why this question?
They want to see if you know how healthcare works in the US compared to your home country. It's about showing you're informed and can discuss it without ranting.
Best practices
  • Be factual and balanced. Mention key differences like funding and access.
  • Highlight pros and cons of both systems. Show you've thought about it.
  • Express a constructive attitude. Mention how you plan to adapt to the US system.
What to avoid
  • Don't be overly negative or rant about the US system.
  • Avoid superficial praise or total criticism. Find a balanced view.
  • Don't forget to mention how you plan to adapt to the US system.

What are your thoughts on the US healthcare system?

Miscellaneous
Why this question?
This question checks if you know about the US healthcare system and can discuss it thoughtfully. They want to see if you're informed, diplomatic, and can handle policy questions without ranting.
Best practices
  • Be factual and balanced. Mention key differences if comparing systems.
  • Highlight pros and cons carefully. Show you've thought about it.
  • Express a constructive attitude. Mention how you plan to adapt or contribute.
What to avoid
  • Avoid being overly negative or harsh. Don't call it 'a mess' or 'the worst'.
  • Don't be superficial. Avoid saying 'It's perfect!' or 'It's terrible!'.
  • Avoid ranting or blaming. Keep it professional and thoughtful.

If you had to give a lecture for 20 minutes about something non-medical, what Would it be?

Miscellaneous
Why this question?
This question checks if you can explain a topic clearly and engagingly, even if it's not medical. It also shows your interests outside of medicine and how you handle unexpected questions.
Best practices
  • Pick a topic you're genuinely passionate about and know well.
  • Briefly outline what you'd cover and why it's interesting to you.
  • Show excitement and communicate clearly, like you're telling a story.
  • Avoid using technical jargon; keep it simple and relatable.
What to avoid
  • Don't pick a topic you can't talk about enthusiastically.
  • Avoid vague answers without a clear structure or focus.
  • Don't say you'd 'wing it'—it shows poor preparation.
  • Avoid being too technical; remember your audience might not know the topic.

Can you teach me a skill or share some knowledge that you find valuable?

Miscellaneous
Why this question?
This question checks how well you can explain something on the spot, showing your teaching skills and how you handle pressure. It also gives insight into your interests and values.
Best practices
  • Pick a simple, teachable topic that you can explain in a minute or two.
  • Explain why the skill or knowledge is valuable to you.
  • Use a step-by-step approach to make your explanation clear and organized.
What to avoid
  • Choosing a skill that's too complex or hard to explain verbally.
  • Losing confidence or apologizing if you struggle to explain.
  • Skipping the reason why the skill or knowledge is valuable.

If you were to deliver a TED Talk, what topic would you choose and and why?

Miscellaneous
Why this question?
This question is all about uncovering your passions and how you think beyond the daily grind of medicine. It shows what truly interests you and how you can inspire others with your ideas.
Best practices
  • Pick a topic that genuinely excites you. Your enthusiasm will shine through!
  • Explain the core message of your talk. What do you want people to take away?
  • Connect the topic to your personal experiences or 'why' it matters to you.
What to avoid
  • Don't choose a generic or cliché topic without a personal angle.
  • Avoid being vague. Clearly articulate your message and why it matters.
  • Don't forget to show your passion and energy. Make it engaging!

Teach me something non-medical in one minute.?

Miscellaneous
Why this question?
This question checks how well you can think on your feet and communicate clearly under pressure. It's a mini teaching test to see your poise, creativity, and ability to engage.
Best practices
  • Pick a simple topic you can explain in under a minute, like a quick magic trick or a fun fact.
  • Start with a clear intro: 'I'm going to teach you X in the next minute.'
  • Use visualization or demonstration if possible to make it engaging.
What to avoid
  • Don't choose a topic that's too complex to explain quickly.
  • Avoid getting flustered or apologizing if you stumble.
  • Don't forget to keep an eye on the time and wrap up smoothly.

If you could go back 10 years, is there anything you would like to change on your journey?

Miscellaneous Behavioral
Why this question?
This question checks if you can reflect on your past and learn from it. It's about showing growth, resilience, and what you value.
Best practices
  • Pick a genuine, mild regret or change, but nothing too negative.
  • Emphasize what you learned from the experience.
  • Keep the tone positive and forward-looking.
What to avoid
  • Saying you wouldn't change anything – it can seem unreflective.
  • Blaming others for past decisions – focus on your actions.
  • Being too vague or giving a long-winded life story.

Are there any regrets you have regarding your professional career thus far?

Miscellaneous Behavioral
Why this question?
This question checks if you can talk about a professional regret honestly and constructively. It shows if you take ownership of your career choices and learn from them.
Best practices
  • Stick to professional regrets, like wishing you got involved in research earlier or took a leadership role.
  • Choose a regret that's honest but not a deal-breaker. Avoid anything that undermines your application.
  • Explain what you did or are doing to address the regret. Show you're proactive and learning from it.
What to avoid
  • Don't blame others or external factors for your regrets. Take responsibility.
  • Avoid sounding negative or self-pitying. Keep it reflective and mature.
  • Don't end on a negative note. Highlight what you learned and how it prepares you for the future.

If given the chance to redo medical school, what would you change and and why?

Miscellaneous Behavioral
Why this question?
This question checks if you've thought about your med school experience and learned from it. They want to see if you can reflect on your past choices and show a growth mindset.
Best practices
  • Pick something related to academics or training, like study strategies or electives.
  • Explain why you'd make the change and what difference it would have made.
  • Mention how you've already started addressing this area or plan to in the future.
What to avoid
  • Don't blame your med school or sound bitter.
  • Avoid irrelevant changes like personal life decisions.
  • Don't list multiple changes; focus on one main thing.

If you could have dinner with anyone, living or deceased, who would you choose and and why?

Miscellaneous Behavioral
Why this question?
This question helps interviewers see who you admire and what values you hold dear. It also shows if you have interests beyond medicine and how you communicate your thoughts.
Best practices
  • Pick someone meaningful to you and be specific about who they are.
  • Explain why you chose them and what you'd like to learn or discuss.
  • Show enthusiasm and let your personality shine through your answer.
What to avoid
  • Don't pick someone just because they're famous without a deeper reason.
  • Avoid controversial figures unless you have a thoughtful explanation.
  • Don't give a generic or indifferent answer like 'I haven't thought about it much.'

If you could invite any three living people to dinner and have a conversation with them, who would you pick?

Miscellaneous
Why this question?
This question is all about showing your range of interests and what you value. It gives interviewers a peek into your world beyond medicine and how you think about team dynamics and current events.
Best practices
  • Pick three people and give a quick reason why for each. Keep it organized and clear.
  • Show some variety in your choices, but make sure they genuinely interest you.
  • Think about how these people might interact at dinner. It shows you understand group dynamics.
What to avoid
  • Don't just name-drop famous people without a real reason.
  • Avoid picking people who aren't alive. Double-check your choices!
  • Don't be vague or generic. Make sure your choices reflect your true interests and values.

What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?

Miscellaneous
Why this question?
This question checks if you've grown and learned from your past. It shows what you value now and how you view your journey.
Best practices
  • Pick one or two key pieces of advice, like 'Believe in yourself' or 'Don't fear failure.'
  • Keep it positive and encouraging, like you're mentoring your younger self.
  • Share a quick story or context to make it real, but keep it short.
What to avoid
  • Don't be harsh or overly critical of your younger self.
  • Avoid making it a long list of regrets or complaints.
  • Stay away from overly specific or technical advice that doesn't show personal growth.
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