Child psych interviews

[Michael Spiker]

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Anybody go on any child psych interviews? Where? Impressions? What kinds of questions did you get?

Also, anybody else getting the impression that there is a sudden rampage of residents going into child psych (about half of the 16 residents in my class are, and I've heard that about a few other programs too).

 

[RustNeverSleeps]

Anybody go on any child psych interviews? Where? Impressions? What kinds of questions did you get?

Also, anybody else getting the impression that there is a sudden rampage of residents going into child psych (about half of the 16 residents in my class are, and I've heard that about a few other programs too).

What year of residency are you in? The PD of the psych progrm at my med school says that a lot of people will start out interested in child psych, but by the end of residency, only a few people are still interested. If you are actually applying for fellowships and that many people are interested in child, that's something.

 

[MBK2003]

I'm a PGY-3 in psychiatry and applying for child and adolescent programs currently. There is significantly more interest in our program over the last 3 years. In the PGY-4 class 1/2 of residents are applying to child training and in my class 1/4 of residents are applying for entry after PGY-3 and another 4-5 are likely going to apply for entry following PGY-4. It's creating a problem for the fellowship programs who prefer to keep their internal candidates, not having enough spots to keep everyone.

Regarding where I'm applying, I'm mostly applying to Northeast/NewEngland programs. The question I get asked by everyone - PDs, interviewers, current fellows - is "where else are you applying?" People are dogged in trying to determine where else you are applying, it's rather disconcerting the amount of self-disclosure regarding your thoughts about other programs they push for. My last interview had all 6 applicants sitting around table with chair of department, who then turns to each applicant in turn, asking "where are you applying" and then summarily making comments about program's future, weaknesses, negative comparisons, etc with each of the other programs people admitted to considering. Needless to say, it was very uncomfortable.

That said, I'm not so keen on revealing details of where I'm currently applying. However, I've noticed programs generally tend to believe you will want to remain at your current institutition for fellowship. Other questions that I got asked were
"why consider our program vs. home program?"
future career plans
"how do you think you can make an impact in Child and Adolescent Psych?"
And my very favorite, "do you have any questions for me?"

Good luck

 

[Michael Spiker]

I appreciate everyone's comments. It's really helpful. I am actually a third year resident and I'm in the process of applying now, and when I said half my class, it is the people applying this year plus the people who are definitely planning to apply after 4th year. So I guess it's true that there are many more people going into child psych. I wonder why now - I don't think the shortage of child psychiatrists is a new thing. Geez, I'm glad I'm applying now, before it gets too competative!