INTERVIEW TIP # 4: WHAT QUESTIONS TO ASK THE INTERVIEWER
Again - these are questions I got over email forwards and thought it would be great to share them.
It's common practice for program directors and other faculty that interiew you to give you a chance at the end - "So, are there any questions you have for us ? "
Now, don't take this lightly, coz' as I said on another post about understanding the match gamble, program directors are looking for signs indicating that the interviewed candidates are really interested in their program - Asking the right questions plays a sizable role in conveying that.
Here are some good questions that you may think of asking. Of course I don't mean you gotta ask all of these ! 4 to 5 questions for each interviewer should be good :-)
1. What is the interviewer's general opinion of the program?
2. What is the general framework of the training program?
3. Is most of the program conducted in the major hospital?
4. What is the composition and caliber of the teaching and attending staff? Are they fulltime or part-time?
5. Does the attending staff participate in daily rounds and conferences, or is the bulk of the teaching performed by other residents?
6. What is the conference schedule? Is time for conference protected time?
7. Are there any teaching conferences specifically for housestaff?
8. Does the program allow for research by the housestaff? If so, does the department fund it? Is there an elective time in which to do it? Are there faculty mentors?
9. Are rotations in related subspecialties included in the program?
10. Which electives are offered, and at what periods during the program?
11. Are residents permitted or encouraged to attend regional or national medical conferences?
12. Have any graduates of the program ever failed to do well on the certifying exams and if so, why?
13. Does the chair plan any changes in the program in the near future? Is the director likely to retire shortly or remain as chair during your residency?
14. What are the chances of permanent local practice after residency?
15. Is there a pyramid system? How many cuts are made each progressive year?
16. What is the financial status of the institution?
17. Has the program or institution ever been put on probation or been denied accreditation for any reason?
18. What does the director think of the programs offered by other institutions? Which of them, if any, would the director recommend?
19. What were the results of the most recent "in-training" examination? Is a minimum score required to progress to the subsequent year?
20 . How many residents decide on fellowships ? How many succeed ?
It's common practice for program directors and other faculty that interiew you to give you a chance at the end - "So, are there any questions you have for us ? "
Now, don't take this lightly, coz' as I said on another post about understanding the match gamble, program directors are looking for signs indicating that the interviewed candidates are really interested in their program - Asking the right questions plays a sizable role in conveying that.
Here are some good questions that you may think of asking. Of course I don't mean you gotta ask all of these ! 4 to 5 questions for each interviewer should be good :-)
-----------------------------------
1. What is the interviewer's general opinion of the program?
2. What is the general framework of the training program?
3. Is most of the program conducted in the major hospital?
4. What is the composition and caliber of the teaching and attending staff? Are they fulltime or part-time?
5. Does the attending staff participate in daily rounds and conferences, or is the bulk of the teaching performed by other residents?
6. What is the conference schedule? Is time for conference protected time?
7. Are there any teaching conferences specifically for housestaff?
8. Does the program allow for research by the housestaff? If so, does the department fund it? Is there an elective time in which to do it? Are there faculty mentors?
9. Are rotations in related subspecialties included in the program?
10. Which electives are offered, and at what periods during the program?
11. Are residents permitted or encouraged to attend regional or national medical conferences?
12. Have any graduates of the program ever failed to do well on the certifying exams and if so, why?
13. Does the chair plan any changes in the program in the near future? Is the director likely to retire shortly or remain as chair during your residency?
14. What are the chances of permanent local practice after residency?
15. Is there a pyramid system? How many cuts are made each progressive year?
16. What is the financial status of the institution?
17. Has the program or institution ever been put on probation or been denied accreditation for any reason?
18. What does the director think of the programs offered by other institutions? Which of them, if any, would the director recommend?
19. What were the results of the most recent "in-training" examination? Is a minimum score required to progress to the subsequent year?
20 . How many residents decide on fellowships ? How many succeed ?
Labels: Residency Interview Questions
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posted by Digitaldoc, MD at 1:45 AM
Comments on "INTERVIEW TIP # 4: WHAT QUESTIONS TO ASK THE INTERVIEWER"
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Annonymous said ... (September 14, 2007 5:09 AM) :
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Anonymous said ... (January 10, 2008 1:05 PM) :
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Digitaldoc, MD said ... (January 10, 2008 1:14 PM) :
Post Your Comment !What is the pyramid system and what are 'cuts are made each progressive year'..when inquiring about the financial situation in a program, what exactly must one look for?
Hi, Digitaldoc. Is it good to have your questions to ask the interviewers written down in a notebook and read your questions from the notebook when asked if you have any questions?
Sure it is and I recommend that - makes you look more organized and makes sure you don't miss anything. Also take some notes on them in short hand when you get a reply (like some facts the interviewer might tell u)