2011-2112 IM Interview FAQ

[KeepOnTruckin31]

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Hey guys,

Is it better to schedule interviews ASAP when they come in, or spread them out to leave some space early on for programs who don't notify before Nov 1?

best of luck!

 

[choirboy]

Hey guys,

Is it better to schedule interviews ASAP when they come in, or spread them out to leave some space early on for programs who don't notify before Nov 1?

best of luck!

I can only speak for myself, but I have 6 interviews that I want to attend scheduled through the end of November, 1 I want to attend in December, and 4 in January that I hope I can replace with/cancel due to better interviews. With (hopefully) the big name interview invites coming in early November, I figured I would leave as much of Dec/Jan open as possible.

 

[DrVanNostran]

Hey guys,

Is it better to schedule interviews ASAP when they come in, or spread them out to leave some space early on for programs who don't notify before Nov 1?

best of luck!

IMO just schedule everything, you have no idea who else will send you an invite. If you initially applied to a program, I am assuming you wouldn't mind going there. You can always reschedule or cancel later.

 

[gutonc]

Hey guys,

Is it better to schedule interviews ASAP when they come in, or spread them out to leave some space early on for programs who don't notify before Nov 1?

best of luck!

Schedule immediately, cancel/reschedule as needed.

If you leave room for a program that doesn't even offer you an interview, and then can't get an interview at the place that did offer you one because they're full well then you're super hosed.

 

[bandw14]

Good reason to book SW since you can cancel/change with no charge. I know, I paid US Air some big fees to change flights.

 

[RamblinRose]

Schedule immediately, cancel/reschedule as needed.

If you leave room for a program that doesn't even offer you an interview, and then can't get an interview at the place that did offer you one because they're full well then you're super hosed.

I've been reluctant to reply to East Coast / Midwest programs that have offered me interviews because I am on the West Coast. I have received interview invitation from VCU, UMass, UConn, and Univ Chicago Northshore. I cannot go to all of these, I will have to cancel 2 from the get go, and now I have waited over a week to respond. My question is: if you were me, which 2 would you pick to go to??? Anyone know anything about these programs?? And if you would rank one over the other taking into consideration academics, teaching, and location?

 

[arielred]

Any advantages/ disadvantages regarding timing of the interview? My attending friend said to schedule the programs you want, later in the season so that they 'remember' you and rank you higher. Surely shouldn't make that much of a difference?

 

[jjy2103]

so how many people do they interview for one spot?
i heard they interview like 300-400 for 50 spots...
i guess getting invited to interview doesn't mean much in such case...

 

[gutonc]

so how many people do they interview for one spot?
i heard they interview like 300-400 for 50 spots...
i guess getting invited to interview doesn't mean much in such case...

This has been discussed about a hojillion times but we'll do it once more.

Just as you will interview at 8-15 places in order to get your one spot, so will programs interview 8-15 people for each of their spots. So yes, a program with 50 spots will probably interview somewhere between 350 and 600 folks...so what...the people that ultimately match their will likely have rank lists that, in toto, run about 350 - 600 spots...basically identical.

The only guarantee in this process is that, if you don't interview at a program you are guaranteed to not match there.

 

[im4ever]

Hi Guys,

Since I'm limited with financial resources, I need some help in deciding which interview to go in addition to places that I know I'm interested in. Currently leaning to either gi or cards. Please comment on
Rush vs Uof Arizona vs Mayo Arizona vs Wake Forest vs UT Houston vs UCLA-Olive vs Uof Miami vs Dartmouth

Thanks!

 

[gutonc]

Hi Guys,

Since I'm limited with financial resources, I need some help in deciding which interview to go in addition to places that I know I'm interested in. Currently leaning to either gi or cards. Please comment on
Rush vs Uof Arizona vs Mayo Arizona vs Wake Forest vs UT Houston vs UCLA-Olive vs Uof Miami vs Dartmouth

Thanks!

Dartmouth >>>UofA>Wake=Rush=UTH>UCLA-OV=Mayo-AZ>Miami

 

[Instatewaiter]

I've been reluctant to reply to East Coast / Midwest programs that have offered me interviews because I am on the West Coast. I have received interview invitation from VCU, UMass, UConn, and Univ Chicago Northshore. I cannot go to all of these, I will have to cancel 2 from the get go, and now I have waited over a week to respond. My question is: if you were me, which 2 would you pick to go to??? Anyone know anything about these programs?? And if you would rank one over the other taking into consideration academics, teaching, and location?

So northshore is a community program so I think that puts it lower on the list, especially if you think you may want to do a fellowship.

I went to VCU for medical school so I am probably biased but I think it delivers pretty good training. I has a large inner city hospital so that is a good thing and then you also have a VA as well.

Between Mass and Conn I'm not sure

 

[DrVanNostran]

Dartmouth >>>UofA>Wake=Rush=UTH>UCLA-OV=Mayo-AZ>Miami

Is Dartmouth one of those interviews "definitely" worth checking out? Between Rush and Dartmouth, location seems to be the selling point for me. But is Dartmouth really that good of a program? I'm sure it doesn't recruit as many candidates simply due to location.

Also, is the easiest and cheapest way to get there by going to Logan and renting a car?

 

[im4ever]

Is Dartmouth one of those interviews "definitely" worth checking out? Between Rush and Dartmouth, location seems to be the selling point for me. But is Dartmouth really that good of a program? I'm sure it doesn't recruit as many candidates simply due to location.

Also, is the easiest and cheapest way to get there by going to Logan and renting a car?

Heard Dartmouth is a small program with less than 20 incoming interns class, I didn't see their match list...their location is a big turn off so I probably will cancel. Based on some of the institution's website, it seems that Wake and Miami have a decent match list. Rush will open a new hospital. Anyway, thanks for your input and any more comments are welcomed.

 

[gutonc]

I've been reluctant to reply to East Coast / Midwest programs that have offered me interviews because I am on the West Coast. I have received interview invitation from VCU, UMass, UConn, and Univ Chicago Northshore. I cannot go to all of these, I will have to cancel 2 from the get go, and now I have waited over a week to respond. My question is: if you were me, which 2 would you pick to go to??? Anyone know anything about these programs?? And if you would rank one over the other taking into consideration academics, teaching, and location?

VCU and UMass if you can only make two.

 

[sunset823]

Is Dartmouth one of those interviews "definitely" worth checking out? Between Rush and Dartmouth, location seems to be the selling point for me. But is Dartmouth really that good of a program? I'm sure it doesn't recruit as many candidates simply due to location.

Heard Dartmouth is a small program with less than 20 incoming interns class, I didn't see their match list...their location is a big turn off so I probably will cancel.

What's wrong with Dartmouth's location? 😕 lots of natural beauty, 2-3 hours from two great major cities (Boston and Montreal), good COL, and they have a lot of interesting things going on at their med school, like policy stuff, definitely would be one of my top choices. I'd take Dartmouth over Rush any day, I'd not like living in downtown Chicago. Well, if their location is such a huge turnoff for reasons unbeknownst to me, that works better for me.

 

[DrVanNostran]

What's wrong with Dartmouth's location? 😕 lots of natural beauty, 2-3 hours from two great major cities (Boston and Montreal), good COL, and they have a lot of interesting things going on at their med school, like policy stuff, definitely would be one of my top choices. I'd take Dartmouth over Rush any day, I'd not like living in downtown Chicago. Well, if their location is such a huge turnoff for reasons unbeknownst to me, that works better for me.

For me, I would love to attend Dartmouth. I like living in smaller cities that have access to major metropolitan areas. However, for my family, I think my wife would prefer to be in a more diverse city. Fortunately, she is very supportive and said she will go wherever she thinks I will receive the best training.

But for a lot of people, living in a city like Chicago, NY, LA, etc >>Lebanon, NH.

You mentioned the COL, how about the quality of life? If you are familiar with the area, can you refer me to some places people live. I will be in the area a day early and will have time to check out the area.

 

[gutonc]

What's wrong with Dartmouth's location? 😕 lots of natural beauty, 2-3 hours from two great major cities (Boston and Montreal), good COL, and they have a lot of interesting things going on at their med school, like policy stuff, definitely would be one of my top choices. I'd take Dartmouth over Rush any day, I'd not like living in downtown Chicago. Well, if their location is such a huge turnoff for reasons unbeknownst to me, that works better for me.

Different strokes and all that. I loved Dartmouth and the location, my wife promised to divorce me if I matched there. Of course, she wasn't particularly enamored of Chicago either although it made the top 3 in my rank list.

The Dartmouth PD has said before that location is his biggest limiting factor in resident recruitment.

 

[arielred]

According to the NRMP last year, for US seniors the magic number was 14 (ranks not interviews) As an IMG how many IV's should I be aiming for keeping in mind that I may not rank all the programs I interview at? I have 15 so far, mix of good and not so good community programs and a smattering of university programs. I was thinking a maximum of 20 maybe? Most IMG's I know prematched at their first few interviews but I plan on waiting for the match as my top choice programs don't offer prematch. Any opinions would be appreciated, thanks!

 

[DrVanNostran]

According to the NRMP last year, for US seniors the magic number was 14 (ranks not interviews) As an IMG how many IV's should I be aiming for keeping in mind that I may not rank all the programs I interview at? I have 15 so far, mix of good and not so good community programs and a smattering of university programs. I was thinking a maximum of 20 maybe? Most IMG's I know prematched at their first few interviews but I plan on waiting for the match as my top choice programs don't offer prematch. Any opinions would be appreciated, thanks!

If I was an IMG, I would try to squeeze in as many interviews as possible. Hopefully you match at your number 1 and the other 19 wouldn't have mattered. But, what if you drop down to 15, 16, etc. Why play games at this point, you've already come so far. That's just my opinion. So, 20ish would seem to be a good number.

 

[arielred]

If I was an IMG, I would try to squeeze in as many interviews as possible. Hopefully you match at your number 1 and the other 19 wouldn't have mattered. But, what if you drop down to 15, 16, etc. Why play games at this point, you've already come so far. That's just my opinion. So, 20ish would seem to be a good number.

Thanks for the advice DVN. You're absolutely right, might as well try and do as many as I can since I've come this far.

On a different note, why is everyone gaga over Southwest apart from the fact that they don't charge cancellation/rescheduling fees? They seem to be more expensive than all the other airlines.

 

[DrVanNostran]

Thanks for the advice DVN. You're absolutely right, might as well try and do as many as I can since I've come this far.

On a different note, why is everyone gaga over Southwest apart from the fact that they don't charge cancellation/rescheduling fees? They seem to be more expensive than all the other airlines.

In my experience, they have been cheaper by far. The flexibility in scheduling is money for interview season.

 

[gutonc]

On a different note, why is everyone gaga over Southwest apart from the fact that they don't charge cancellation/rescheduling fees? They seem to be more expensive than all the other airlines.

I've never quite figured this out either. I think you need to live in Phoenix, Chicago or Baltimore/DC to really get the benefit of Southwest. I've tried to fly SW many times but they're usually 1.5-3x more expensive than any other carrier and usually require 2 stops to get anywhere.

 

[pntgrd]

Thanks for the advice DVN. You're absolutely right, might as well try and do as many as I can since I've come this far.

On a different note, why is everyone gaga over Southwest apart from the fact that they don't charge cancellation/rescheduling fees? They seem to be more expensive than all the other airlines.

Often cheaper, no change fees, no cancellation fees, no bag fees, friendly staff.

 

[hannibalct]

With interview season a couple of weeks away, I was wondering if any of the more senior members had any advice on how to suss out "malignancy" (recognizing that it means different things to different people) while on the interview trail? My a priori not having done this is that most places put on at least a half decent dog and pony show for a day and are able to keep their pathology hidden. If that's true, what should we be looking for?

 

[alan06]

please comment of the following programs...contemplating which programs to attend....interested in GI currently

UT Houston vs Methodist Houston vs Baylor Dallas vs Scripps Green vs Rush vs UIC vs Wake vs Loma Linda vs UCLA-OV vs Mayo Arizona

Thanks!

 

[jdh71]

please comment of the following programs...contemplating which programs to attend....interested in GI currently

UT Houston vs Methodist Houston vs Baylor Dallas vs Scripps Green vs Rush vs UIC vs Wake vs Loma Linda vs UCLA-OV vs Mayo Arizona

Thanks!

Wrong thread for this question.

 

[texasguy]

Oy vey! A little common sense can go a long way in this process.

If, by mid-November (define that as you will), you haven't gotten an interview from Program X, and you see by looking at the interview thread on this forum that Program X has given out a bunch of interviews already then, go ahead and contact them.

Haha in retrospect that WAS a dumb question, oops! Thanks for fielding it anyways..you know how nerves can get this time of the year 🙂

Another dumb question: WHEN we do contact program coordinators, any advice on the most PC way to let them know we're really interested in their program? I'd assume they know that's why we're calling haha

 

[docmandingo]

Has anyone heard back from ohio state with any information about the interview day and dinner and such? My interview is coming up fast and I have not heard anything from them.

 

[butterfinger]

Has anyone heard back from ohio state with any information about the interview day and dinner and such? My interview is coming up fast and I have not heard anything from them.


Thanks.

The intern recruitment coordinator should have gotten back to you with hotel accomodations if needed that she will take care of and the time of the dinner. The email also says how the name and location of the restaurant will be revealed closer to your interview date. If your interview is coming up within 2 weeks, I would consider emailing her. She is usually quite prompt and very friendly.

 

[docmandingo]

The intern recruitment coordinator should have gotten back to you with hotel accomodations if needed that she will take care of and the time of the dinner. The email also says how the name and location of the restaurant will be revealed closer to your interview date. If your interview is coming up within 2 weeks, I would consider emailing her. She is usually quite prompt and very friendly.

Thanks.

 

[bravotwozero]

How selective do you think IM residency programs are when selecting candidates for an interview? Is every single candidate they interview a serious consideration for their program? Or will they even interview a bunch of mediocre candidates, just so they won't put too many eggs in their one (rank list) basket? I've heard that some programs will dole out interview offers to people at the recommendation of residents in that program, is this true?

 

[DrVanNostran]

How selective do you think IM residency programs are when selecting candidates for an interview? Is every single candidate they interview a serious consideration for their program? Or will they even interview a bunch of mediocre candidates, just so they won't put too many eggs in their one (rank list) basket? I've heard that some programs will dole out interview offers to people at the recommendation of residents in that program, is this true?

1. I think they are serious about every single candidate. With the amount of people they interview, most are able to fill. I think the exception in the past may have been Emory due to such a large intern class (i.e. 50ish?).

2. I know for a fact of at least 2 programs asking residents if they know anyone from the applicant pool that they think would be a good fit for the program.

 

[jdh71]

How selective do you think IM residency programs are when selecting candidates for an interview? Is every single candidate they interview a serious consideration for their program? Or will they even interview a bunch of mediocre candidates, just so they won't put too many eggs in their one (rank list) basket? I've heard that some programs will dole out interview offers to people at the recommendation of residents in that program, is this true?

If you get offered an interview it's a serious invite. They are seriously interested in you (the whole process takes a lot of time, money, and energy for a program), but you can easily change that by being an asshat.

I think any candidate I recommended to my former PD, he'd interview. We simply have that kind of relationship. I respect him enough no to recommend bull**** and he respects my opinion enough to consider anyone I suggested.

 

[DR2B935]

Getting ready for interviews next week! I was thinking of using some sort of "scoring" system that I could write down scores for each place I interview as I go. Does anyone do this? Advice on what to include/how much weight to give each aspect?

 

[jdh71]

Getting ready for interviews next week! I was thinking of using some sort of "scoring" system that I could write down scores for each place I interview as I go. Does anyone do this? Advice on what to include/how much weight to give each aspect?

The night before make sure to sample the hookers and cocaine in town, preferably at the same time because that is the way a real G does it. If can even find hookers and cocaine on such a short notice, the program at minimum gets a 3 on a 10 point scale.

Seriously though, go with your gut.

Everything being equal, always rank places with regular free lunch and good (to decent) parking higher.

 

[DrVanNostran]

1. What should we wear to pre-interview dinner?

2. Is it fair game to ask "what percentage of applicants do NOT match into fellowship?"

 

[drrockstar140]

1. What should we wear to pre-interview dinner?

2. Is it fair game to ask "what percentage of applicants do NOT match into fellowship?"

I'd say tie versus no-tie at pre-interview dinner depends on where it is. My only one so far was at a brewery and was meant to be casual. Being said, there were a few guys in jeans, one in a polo shirt, and one wearing dress pants + shirt and tie (both the polo guy and the guy rocking the tie came across as a little douchy but I just call it how I see it). I'd vote for khaki pants and a nice shirt.

When all else fails, I'm going to shoot an email to the interview coordinator to get the low-down if it doesn't clearly say "casual" in the dinner invite. To me, casual = no tie and "business casual" = tie.

 

[raj007ml]

Hi friends
I'm a FMG and was trying to organize some places based on the opportunities to secure a competitive fellowship and work environment. Was wondering if someone could help me with these. Thanks
1. Wayne State Uni
2. Creighton
3. UTMB, Galveston
4. University of Arizona
5. Uni of Arkansas
6. Uni of Louisville
7. SUNY Upstate
8. SUNY Buffalo
9. Albert Einstein, PA
10.NYMC Westchester
11.Washington Hospital Center

 

[gutonc]

Hi friends
I'm a FMG and was trying to organize some places based on the opportunities to secure a competitive fellowship and work environment. Was wondering if someone could help me with these. Thanks
1. Wayne State Uni
2. Creighton
3. UTMB, Galveston
4. University of Arizona
5. Uni of Arkansas
6. Uni of Louisville
7. SUNY Upstate
8. SUNY Buffalo
9. Albert Einstein, PA
10.NYMC Westchester
11.Washington Hospital Center

The order you have them in seems pretty good to me. Your order may change after interviewing at these places though.

 

[jdh71]

1. What should we wear to pre-interview dinner?

2. Is it fair game to ask "what percentage of applicants do NOT match into fellowship?"

NO TIE!!!! 😡

Don't be a douche-bag

Go casual, but not sloppy. No base-ball hats, or jerseys. If you were going to take a first date to the movies, what would you wear?

 

[jdh71]

I'd say tie versus no-tie at pre-interview dinner depends on where it is. My only one so far was at a brewery and was meant to be casual. Being said, there were a few guys in jeans, one in a polo shirt, and one wearing dress pants + shirt and tie (both the polo guy and the guy rocking the tie came across as a little douchy but I just call it how I see it). I'd vote for khaki pants and a nice shirt.

When all else fails, I'm going to shoot an email to the interview coordinator to get the low-down if it doesn't clearly say "casual" in the dinner invite. To me, casual = no tie and "business casual" = tie.

I wore dark-blue dressy jeans, sneakers (addidas), button up shirt or polo (not tucked in), and sport jacket if it was cold

 

[gutonc]

1. What should we wear to pre-interview dinner?

2. Is it fair game to ask "what percentage of applicants do NOT match into fellowship?"

1. Agre with jdh here. Think "dinner and a movie" date where you're going to drop $40-50 on him/her. Dress like that.

2. You CAN ask that question. But it's not one that anybody other than the PD will have the answer to and it's a fairly meaningless statistic. You would learn just as much about the strength of the program by asking how many of the residents wear blue socks on odd numbered Tuesdays.

 

[raj007ml]

The order you have them in seems pretty good to me. Your order may change after interviewing at these places though.

Thanks for your response. I didn't put them in any specific order. Would you consider Wayne State to be better than the rest? I have heard that Louisville is also a pretty strong program academically.

Creighton, UTMB and University of Arizona- I have no idea regarding these. Please provide your valuable inputs on these programs. Thanks

 

[gutonc]

The 2011-2012 season is now over. Closing and unsticking thread.