No interview with Program Directors?

[EMNewbie]

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I had two interviews on my trail where I did not have an interview with either program director. Do you think that this indicates that they are not serious about you as a canadate?

 

[iloveer]

what were the programs? big academic programs or smaller community ones? did you interview with the assistant PD?

 

[southerndoc]

I had two interviews on my trail where I did not have an interview with either program director. Do you think that this indicates that they are not serious about you as a canadate?

No, sometimes it's impossible to schedule an interview with the PD. I matched at my program and never interviewed with the PD. Since he has retired and we have a new PD, I think our new PD schedules "mini" interviews to meet with each applicant.

 

[WilcoWorld]

I think it does not reflect on how the program views you as a cantidate. PD's have clinical duties, and lives as well. We do 3 days of interviews a week for over two months. Our PD just can't interview each and every one of those days.

 

[EctopicFetus]

I agree I think its just the way the ball bounces. I didnt interview with the PD at only one place but I made a point of going up to him and saying how much I enjoyed the place etc.

 

[EctopicFetus]

if u r serious about the place go back for a second look and make sure you show up when the pd is there so u can meet with him/her and let them know u like the place.

 

[southerndoc]

Why stop there? Why not meet the section or department chair on your visit? After all, they're the person who has the ultimate final say in the rank list.

I'm being sarcastic because I don't think meeting the PD matters.

 

[corpsmanUP]

I think it is essential to at least meet the program director face to face even if it is not an official interview. You have to rely on this person for the next many years and you don't want to find out after 8 months that this person is someone you don't want to work for. You can usually figure this out within about 30 seconds of talking with someone. Of 16 interviews I went to, I interviewed with every program director. It's harder for programs that interview more applicants, but it is still very important.

 

[Egon]

I think it is essential to know who the PD is and the mission of the department. If you don't meet with him/her, I would say high or take a couple minutes at the end of the day if you're serious about a place.

With that said, I do interviews and a few people don't interview with the PD. It's actually random. If ten people interview they won't all get to interview with the PD. You should at the very least be meeting with an associate/assistant PD though, they usually have the same pull when it comes to rank list...