nolagas said:
I was talking to an anesthesiology resident recently, and he brought up things about his program that I would never have thought to ask. That's made me wonder, what are some important questions to ask when you go for an interview?
What (apart from location, prestige, case loads) separates one program from another?
The most helpful information will be from the residents. Pull one aside that you get a good vibe from and ask:
What the major weaknesses with this program?
Are the residents here happy with their education or do they feel something major is lacking?
Are you happy with this program or do you wish you would have went elswhere...where else did you check out?
Does the faculty take an active role in preparing residents for board review?
Is the majority of staff dedicated to teaching OR?
Is the program an advocate for residents issues or are you a service monkey who is advised to just keep his mouth shut?
Are any major deficiency in any cases and if so how is that being delt with?
How is call schedule, is there night float?
How burned out are you?
How many weeks do you get off?
Where are the grads going and does the program have good connections for job networking?
Are you prepared?
How the hell do you like living here? What if you are single? Would you recommend it?
Thats about all I can think of. Sometimes it is hard to get an honest opinion at the "lunch." Staff is floaten around and perhaps one wouldn't want their comrads/higher ups to overhear them being candid. My opinion anyways.
