Once medical students have mastered the school interview and have the eagerness to stick to the field, they come across yet another milestone. This milestone is the medical residency interview. The big dream of becoming a physician will never be achieved if this barrier is not crossed successfully (DeIorio et.al, 2009). The main purpose of having this interview, is to provide medical students with the finest chance of success in order to match. Though it is not a written test, one must be ready with all sorts of possible questions. Better preparations will yield better results. Medical Students should be ready to speak and answer any interview question. These questions could be about the students themselves, their resume background, field related questions, work experience, or just general questions to have an idea about their state of mind.
Common Questions:
- Tell us something about yourself (if all written in the resume, speak of something not mentioned)
- Where do you find yourself in 10 years? (Goal should look realistic)
- Why did you join the Medical Field? (An honest answer is always appreciated and not just made up)
More Hints:
Medical students should be relaxed and speak calmly and confidently. They should never alter any facts about themselves that may be difficult to show or prove. Simple answers can carry a lot of weight with the interviewer. It is very important for medical students to practice the process beforehand, in order to answer these questions smoothly. Interview questions and many other practicing tools can be utilized online from different medical websites. The best way to overcome any fear is to be prepared. Knowing the expected types of questions will give you adequate preparation time. Interviewers intentionally ask difficult questions to test the reactions of students in time of stress. A little bit of thought is required before answering any question. Students must think about what the interviewer actually wants to know.
Special Notes:
Medical students should make sure that none of their answers speak about failure, low self steam, or highlight any weakness. They should make a list of all probable inquiries and rehearse with suitable answers. They should keep their answer short and focus most on facts. They need to avoid any sort of possible argument. If they do not comprehend any point discussed, they should politely ask the interviewer for clarification. They should never hesitate to a ask a question again if having any doubts. They need to make sure that all their homework, about the residency program, is well done. They should get familiar with the residency program’s history, facts, and figures. A few important statistics and other important information can help in the residency match cycle. They need to use this data when and where applicable to proof their eagerness to join. However, the unnecessary inclusion of that information will get them in trouble. Students should think about “if someone is smart, always believe that interviewer on the other chair is smarter”.
Practicing is the Best Tool:
Even though all medical students know it, most students do not follow the golden rule. One can practice the interview process by conducting dummy interviews, but that is not the best way when it comes to residency program interviews. Students should consider getting help from their faculties, advisors, and get registered with any of the websites that provides interview practicing tools. In addition, students should consider getting help from a roommate or a friend who can ask rapid questions to help them be familiarized with random questions.
Interviewers are there to select the best match for their patients and medical program. Each interview question has a purpose and should be answered in a way that shows more about the student’s personality and inner self. In conclusion, medical students should be relaxed during the residency interview, just stay focused and confident and keep a bit of a smile. There is no way one can stop a confident candidate jump a barrier (McCracken, 2009).
References:
DeIorio, N. M., Yarris, L. M., & Gaines, S. A. (2009). Emergency medicine residency applicant views on the interview day process. Academic Emergency Medicine,16(s2), S67-S70.
McCracken, G. (2009). The long interview (Vol. 13). Sage.