Peds Pre-interview gatherings?

[DocStretch]

---

Members do not see this ad.

So, with interviews starting to come up, I've had a few questions about the pre-interview gatherings I was hoping to get some feedback on. For one, when they say "bring a spouse or significant other", how significant do they have to be? Would it be legit to bring a non-spouse/fiancee but still pretty significantly significant other? And on that note, how dapper does one have to be for such an event. Obviously you wouldn't rock torn jeans and an Aerosmith t-shirt, but how fancy would you get?

Ps. My apologies if this belongs on a different forum, feel free to boot it somewhere more appropriate if necessary.

 

[BigRedBeta]

that's a good question.

I don't think it has to be a fiancee/spouse level relationship. But I also wouldn't use the occasion as a third or fourth date idea. I think if you're at the level of relationship where you're vacationing together, it's totally acceptable. And if this is possibly someone who is going to move with you to your new location, also very acceptable.

To be honest, I have one interview where an extremely close friend of mine (i was best man in her wedding) is an M2, and we've talked about the possibility of her joining me for the dinner.

As for how to dress...I think for at least the first couple (until I figure out what's the right level), I'll be wearing a nice pair of jeans, button up shirt, loafers and at least have a cotton, deconstructed sport coat available to bring. Obviously the weather is a factor as to what I ultimately choose - could easily throw on a V-neck sweater over the shirt. It might be over the top to have a sport coat, but I much prefer to be overdressed than underdressed for any occasion. (Hmm...maybe this is another excuse for me to buy some more clothes.)

 

[Amoeba]

As for how to dress...I think for at least the first couple (until I figure out what's the right level), I'll be wearing a nice pair of jeans, button up shirt, loafers and at least have a cotton, deconstructed sport coat available to bring. Obviously the weather is a factor as to what I ultimately choose - could easily throw on a V-neck sweater over the shirt. It might be over the top to have a sport coat, but I much prefer to be overdressed than underdressed for any occasion. (Hmm...maybe this is another excuse for me to buy some more clothes.)

Any more thoughts on this? Wasn't really planning on a sport coat...but I don't know...Also, do people agree that (nice) jeans are ok?

 

[twilburys]

My friend who applied last year told me that when she went to the pre-interview dinners, all the residents wore jeans but all the applicants wore business casual attire. She interviewed primarily in the Northeast, so it may be regional.

I was really hoping get away with wearing a nice pair of jeans, so if anyone who applied last year has advice, I would appreciate it.🙂

 

[Droopy]

There is really no need to overthink this. The attire depends on who is in attendance at the pre-interview gatherings. Remember that peds is a "laid-back" residency and the dinners are meant to be a more "laid-back" environment.

If it is just residents at the event (which is usually the case), then you can wear what you would normally wear to hang out with friends. This is an opportunity to see what the residents are like in an environment outside the hospital. I do not recall what people wore last year for our events - some dress-up and some dress-down. Sometimes, you may be coming right from the airport, suitcase in tow. No one will judge you based on what you are wearing. 🙂 (BTW, I wore a t-shirt, jeans, and tennis shoes to all the gatherings I attended when I interviewed).

I have heard of some dinners involving the program director - you might want to wear something nicer for this, perhaps business casual - no need for a sport coat.

By all means, please bring any significant others. The more, the merrier. Sometimes an outside perspective can also give you more insight about the program.

Overall, it is a great opportunity to hang out, relax and ask questions about the residency without wearing a suit. Interview days are long and very similar in structure - the gathering is something you will probably remember more than how many babies are delivered in the NICU at night. 😀

 

[drbetty]

For one, when they say "bring a spouse or significant other", how significant do they have to be? Would it be legit to bring a non-spouse/fiancee but still pretty significantly significant other?

I don't think it has to be a fiancee/spouse level relationship. But I also wouldn't use the occasion as a third or fourth date idea. I think if you're at the level of relationship where you're vacationing together, it's totally acceptable. And if this is possibly someone who is going to move with you to your new location, also very acceptable.

To be honest, I have one interview where an extremely close friend of mine (i was best man in her wedding) is an M2, and we've talked about the possibility of her joining me for the dinner.

I am bringing my S.O. to a handful of interviews. I thought the point was for he/she to get to know the people/area since the significant other may affect the applicant's ROL. Plus, if he/she is traveling with you, he/she will not be stuck dining alone. So, bringing a serious boy/girlfriend, fiance(e), or spouse definitely seems appropriate.

I have never heard of bringing a close friend/classmate/"date", but I have not been to a pre-interview dinner yet...

 

[MonkeyRalph]

I interviewed at Peds programs all over the place, Northeast, West Coast, Midwest and found that it was pretty much the same everywhere. Everyone wore something on the spectrum of jeans-nice jeans-khakis and t-shirt-buttondown-sweater. Personally, I was right in the middle. I wore nice jeans with a nice sweater. I bet no one remembers what you wore besides yourself.

 

[BigRedBeta]

I bet no one remembers what you wore besides yourself.

That's what I figured. I'm not a fashionista by any stretch, but my own personal sense of style (vanity? perhaps) makes me more apt to dress up a little bit.

 

[DocStretch]

I bet no one remembers what you wore besides yourself.

You underestimate the tuxedo's ability to make an impression

But on a serious note... thanks for the feedback ya'll. It seems like everyone's posts were echoing sort of what I had thought, but it's always good to get other opinions on the matter.