Interview Questions?

[wolfiemd]

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anyone have sample interview questions for the anesthesiology programs? Aside from the standard "why our program, why anesthesia etc" I feel like there probably is a list somewhere. Thanks!

 

[Libertas]

95% of the questions I was asked were things like....tell me about yourself, your interests, your hobbies, what you do for fun outside of work, what drew you to apply to this program, what interests might you have down the road for your career, tell me about xyz thing from your application, etc. Some 'why do you want to be an anesthesiolgist' stuff. Pretty conversational. There were a few programs that nitpicked small things, why did you get this grade in that class, or discussing board scores, or whatever. Strangely enough, only the weakest programs I interviewed at were interested in discussing that sort of thing.

 

[Stellar Clouds]

95% of the questions I was asked were things like....tell me about yourself, your interests, your hobbies, what you do for fun outside of work, what drew you to apply to this program, what interests might you have down the road for your career, tell me about xyz thing from your application, etc. Some 'why do you want to be an anesthesiolgist' stuff. Pretty conversational. There were a few programs that nitpicked small things

+1

In addition, if you did research make sure you can explain it and what you learned from it.

 

[HollywdAnesth]

That being said, I had several interviewers ask me "How do you see the field of anesthesiology changing in the next 10 years?" I would not be surprised if interviewees are asked about ACA or CRNA independent practice.

While I feel that one's views on Obama and politics do not have a strong correlation to how good of a fit you would be at a particular program, these would be fair game in an interview.

That being said, I would try to get a surface knowledge of Obamacare and other large scale issues relating to health care. Most programs will have a website that flouts their academic achievements and quirks about the program itself. I spent 30 minutes the night before interviews combing through the program's website looking for things to ask questions about.

 

[leigh83]

This is all quite helpful. Thank you. I have two follow-up questions:

1. In terms of questions to ask interviewers, are these typically people who will know a lot about the various training opportunities, didactics, general atmosphere? I realize we might be interviewing with the PD (who would know) but also faculty who play a more tangential role in training. If we end up with the latter, what sorts of questions, other than how do you like living in xyz, would be appropriate?

2. I have gotten a few interview invites from programs known for their research. How important is it to highlight your own research experience when interviewing at these places? Are faculty at top institutions looking to recruit residents to help with projects, for them to conduct independent research, or stay out of the way so they can run the lab on their own?

Thanks in advance!

 

[HollywdAnesth]

This is all quite helpful. Thank you. I have two follow-up questions:

1. In terms of questions to ask interviewers, are these typically people who will know a lot about the various training opportunities, didactics, general atmosphere? I realize we might be interviewing with the PD (who would know) but also faculty who play a more tangential role in training. If we end up with the latter, what sorts of questions, other than how do you like living in xyz, would be appropriate?

2. I have gotten a few interview invites from programs known for their research. How important is it to highlight your own research experience when interviewing at these places? Are faculty at top institutions looking to recruit residents to help with projects, for them to conduct independent research, or stay out of the way so they can run the lab on their own?

Thanks in advance!

You answered your own question. The interview is every bit as much for you to find out if the program is a good fit for you as it is for the program to size you up.

If you want to do research in residency, then ask about it. If you don't want to do research, then ask about other things.

What are you looking for in a program? Make a list of those things, and then formulate questions about them.

At it's core, an interview is just a conversation. While the stakes aren't as high, you wouldn't want to come off as crass or stupid in a conversation in the subway either.