Maybe this is a dumb question, but do programs typically cover the cost of these dinners at restaurants, or are we responsible for ourselves? Thanks.

Maybe this is a dumb question, but do programs typically cover the cost of these dinners at restaurants, or are we responsible for ourselves? Thanks.
I think the program pays, that what i was told, what do the guys wear?

the program pays. i especially liked the case pre-interview dinner where they encouraged us to get not only dinner but drinks and dessert. dessert was guinness flavored ice cream. delicious!

I've never heard of a pre-innerview dinner where the program doesn't pay. Go, eat what you want, get dessert, have some alcohol if you feel it's appropriate, and have a good time.

From my experience, the program always pays. I think shirt and slacks w/o tie is a good bet, as a suit is too formal. Try not to get too drunk, because you're around housestaff and sometimes faculty, so you don't want to make a negative impression.

today the program paid, but said 'no alcohol' I don't think its a good idea to drink at all at the dinner pre-interview. It makes a bad impression. I wouldn't even order one drink. Just stick to water or soda

In general, everything from the pre-interview dinner until lunch on the day of the interview is paid for by the hosting program. So no need to worry about expenses during that interval. It's the getting to/from the interview that comes out of your own pocket.

today the program paid, but said 'no alcohol' I don't think its a good idea to drink at all at the dinner pre-interview. It makes a bad impression. I wouldn't even order one drink. Just stick to water or soda

I think it works both ways, if all the residents are drinking a beer then go for it... you will probably look weirder if you dont get a drink (though I dont agree that you should feel weird because there are lots of good reasons not to drink, it just always ends up that person feels weird).

Eat, drink and be merry. It's fine to have some alcohol. If you would normally have one, then order one. If there are a bunch of stiffs at the dinner and everyone is uptight, do you really want to be there? You're applying to medicine. You will probably about get your choice in programs. Remember, the programs are recruiting you. Use the dinners to feel out the personality of the people you will be spending most of your time with.

Program pays, period. And have a drink if you want, although some programs do not cover alcohol for liability reasons (stupid logic, but true: apparently, if you get hammered and then go out and nail a kid while driving home, somehow the program is responsible??? That's the line I got, anyway...). Nevertheless, though, the programs that didn't cover alcohol didn't discourage drinking in any way, you just have to pony up the $4 or whatever for a beer.