How to ask about call schedule without asking it?

[belle54321]

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As an applicant to a residency, I expect myself to work hard for the next 3 years. At the same time, I want to know approximately how many hours I will be working. Many programs have listed some vague call schedules on their website, and FREIDA has data from some programs. But I want to know the real story.

During our interviews, what is the best approach to getting this information, without coming across as a lazy person? Some residents (from my school) complained that some applicants have asked about the call schedule.

 

[gutonc]

As an applicant to a residency, I expect myself to work hard for the next 3 years. At the same time, I want to know approximately how many hours I will be working. Many programs have listed some vague call schedules on their website, and FREIDA has data from some programs. But I want to know the real story.

During our interviews, what is the best approach to getting this information, without coming across as a lazy person? Some residents (from my school) complained that some applicants have asked about the call schedule.

"So, how has the program adjusted to deal with the new work-hour rules?" Then read between the lines if they don't just tell you.

But quite frankly, this is part of the job, it's something they should tell you up front. I don't remember going to an interview where I wasn't told the call schedule either verbally or in writing.

Also, keep in mind that the call schedule they have right now will probably be different next year (maybe even next month). So while call schedule should be something you consider, I wouldn't put all that much emphasis on it.

 

[Doctor Bagel]

During our interviews, what is the best approach to getting this information, without coming across as a lazy person? Some residents (from my school) complained that some applicants have asked about the call schedule.

Those residents are lame. It's a perfectly reasonable thing for an applicant to want to know about. My view is that if people are reluctant to share, it probably sucks. If residents are annoyed by people asking, they either pride themselves on working all the time (meaning it's a workhorse program), or they're trying to cover something up themselves. Psych is a buyer's market -- ask about what's important to you. Call also takes away from other educational opportunities (especially psychotherapy), so there's a legitimate, non-lazy need to know about it.

Anyway, most programs should give you the call schedule on your interview.

 

[Law2Doc]

...

Also, keep in mind that the call schedule they have right now will probably be different next year (maybe even next month)...

agreed. I know plenty of people who got surprised that the schedule they encountered on interviews had little resemblance to the one implemented when they started residency. Particularly so with duty hour changes and places still flailing around to try and figure out what works best. Maybe the short call pattern used someplace this year gets thrown out in favor of a night float pattern next year. Or maybe 6 weeks of night float over the course of the year didnt quite get the coverage done so next year they are moving to 8 weeks. Maybe they are trying something new with midlevels or maybe they lost a few. Lots of balls in the air. I wouldnt put much stock in it. Best you can do is ask vague questions about schedules and hope the residents take the bait. Most places will try not to exceed 80 hours per week, so you at least have a ceiling.

 

[mlw03]

Strongly agree with this. Asking about call is legit, and if an applicant didn't ask about it, I'd wonder what was up. And I come from a call-light specialty. Work hour expectations are always a fair question to ask on any job interview, which is what this is (albeit in a weird form).

Those residents are lame. It's a perfectly reasonable thing for an applicant to want to know about. My view is that if people are reluctant to share, it probably sucks. If residents are annoyed by people asking, they either pride themselves on working all the time (meaning it's a workhorse program), or they're trying to cover something up themselves. Psych is a buyer's market -- ask about what's important to you. Call also takes away from other educational opportunities (especially psychotherapy), so there's a legitimate, non-lazy need to know about it.

Anyway, most programs should give you the call schedule on your interview.

 

[45408]

I asked at pretty much every place I went to. Try not to phrase it as "We don't have to work weekends, do we?" but it's a pretty valid question.

 

[Buzz Me]

Anyway, most programs should give you the call schedule on your interview.

...though it won't always accurately reflect how many hours the residents actually work.