Mandatory pre-interview dinners?

[SilverCat]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I've always thought that pre-interview dinners were simply to get acquainted with residents and get a feel for the general personality/vibe of the program. However, on several of my interviews, the interviewers' first question is, "Did you attend the pre-interview dinner?" Is this just an ice-breaker, or are you judged negatively for not attending a dinner?

 

[IM2GI]

Unless you can't make it for logistic reasons, go to the dinner.

 

[Crayola227]

I've always thought that pre-interview dinners were simply to get acquainted with residents and get a feel for the general personality/vibe of the program. However, on several of my interviews, the interviewers' first question is, "Did you attend the pre-interview dinner?" Is this just an ice-breaker, or are you judged negatively for not attending a dinner?

Mostly an ice breaker. Of course, anyone can judge you for anything.

 

[GastriqueGraffin]

You should make every effort to go. When I interview applicants who don't go I really listen to their answer for the sincerity of their reason. Not going often implies to us that we are not high on your list or that you are not the most social person.

 

[rokshana]

I've always thought that pre-interview dinners were simply to get acquainted with residents and get a feel for the general personality/vibe of the program. However, on several of my interviews, the interviewers' first question is, "Did you attend the pre-interview dinner?" Is this just an ice-breaker, or are you judged negatively for not attending a dinner?

its really the start of your interview.

i tried to go to every pre interview dinner, but there were a couple of interviews where the weather made it difficult and i missed the dinner. At one, everyone was talking about things that were said or happened at the dinner before...felt a bit left out and i'm sure i look a bit of being the outsider because of missing the dinner (but it was january and sometime, planes just don't fly in the snow and ice).

 

[jdh71]

I've always thought that pre-interview dinners were simply to get acquainted with residents and get a feel for the general personality/vibe of the program. However, on several of my interviews, the interviewers' first question is, "Did you attend the pre-interview dinner?" Is this just an ice-breaker, or are you judged negatively for not attending a dinner?

I think it's just an easy way to start some interview small talk. "How was the food?" Etc.

I don't see the dinner as some kind of interview myself. But I love a free meal so I don't think I missed. I also think it's good to see if you like or get a long with the residents that are there. I mean if they are all weirdos . . .

 

[rokshana]

I think it's just an easy way to start some interview small talk. "How was the food?" Etc.

I don't see the dinner as some kind of interview myself. But I love a free meal so I don't think I missed. I also think it's good to see if you like or get a long with the residents that are there. I mean if they are all weirdos . . .

on the extreme side, but know an applicant that was DNR from the interview...basically said she wanted anesthesia and IM was her back up....and how superior european FMGs were in comparison to going to a caribbean or a DO school...to the chiefs...one was DO the other went to...you guessed it...a caribbean school...

 

[jdh71]

on the extreme side, but know an applicant that was DNR from the interview...basically said she wanted anesthesia and IM was her back up....and how superior european FMGs were in comparison to going to a caribbean or a DO school...to the chiefs...one was DO the other went to...you guessed it...a caribbean school...

Sure. The current program residents can use the dinner to torpedo any given candidate who is being a *******. But that is a bit different I think than it's a literal part of the interview. In a way it kind of is, to your point. But I don't think it's intended that way. I think it's intended to give the candidate a chance to socialize with residents.

 

[1Cor1557]

its for your benefit, you can mingle with housestaff without PDs/faculty breathing down their necks and can probe for the info you really want out of them (are they truly happy?). residents will let their program know and they can nuke your app if you go off the rails for whatever reason, why on earth would you be foolish to do so, but otherwise its meaningless for their ranking

 

[FutureInternist]

Go.
Don’t drink

 

[wjs010]

Go.
Don’t drink

I’ve had drinks at all my dinners. As have residents. It’s not a big deal. In any event, it’s Normal


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[rokshana]

I’ve had drinks at all my dinners. As have residents. It’s not a big deal. In any event, it’s Normal


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

If the residents drink then drink...1 drink, maybe 2...if the residents don't drink, then don't drink.

 

[toastee]

I’ve had drinks at all my dinners. As have residents. It’s not a big deal. In any event, it’s Normal


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

x2

 

[Shazam243]

It's free if you don't count the travel and hotel cost...

Also, bottomless margarita at one of the dinners I went to was absolutely heavenly.

 

[CatFactorial]

I heard of some interviewees at Vanderbilt really hitting it off, hitting the sauce hard, shacking up, oversleeping and showing up late/hung over to interview and not matching.

Moral of the story is if you don’t have skills wooing the fairer gender, probably safe to get smashed.

 

[GoldenFish]

Go.
Don’t drink

this

except drink

 

[Shazam243]

this

except drink

LOL!

Most residents drink. The most common social event for resident programs is happy hour. Most conferences/symposiums offer alcoholic beverages. I feel drinking is the norm, and by not drinking, well you may be saying something about yourself that you wouldn't say otherwise. In other words, you should drink if you feel comfortable drinking; if you don't like drinking then don't drink.