Ah, the interview process. Well, in general, you get there sometime in the AM. Some programs have you come in really early to go to the pre-OR conference, if they have one. Some have you change into scrubs, walk around the OR's and into rooms for a few minutes at a time, and you take turns on interviewing during that time. Other programs skip this and just keep you in your suit and interview turn by turn. My advice is to try to see the OR's because this will give you a chance to talk to more residents.
Interview questions - only one program pimped me. One of my interviewers at UPenn asked me to devise an anesthestic plan for a straightforward case. Then he asked me about various scenarios and what I would do. Basic stuff, but the fact that they pimped me led me to rank this program lower than I would have.
Most of the questions will be expected: Why are you interested in anesthesia? What do you like to do for fun? What questions do you have about our program? What do you look for in an anesthesia residency? Do you plan to do a fellowship? What exposure have you had to the field? Why are you interested in this part of the country? The only way to prepare is to read up on the program, have some questions ready, get good sleep, and don't make a fool of yourself.
Most of the interviews were good - they just want to see if you can have a conversation and that you are normal. Some questions I got that were unexpected were: What was the last non-medical book you read? If the rank lists were due today, our program excluded, what would you rank #1 and why? How do you feel about not having long-term patient followup?
If they offer dinner, eat and drink a lot and enjoy! It's free.
