PM&R Interview Advice

[Nicholaus]

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Got my first interview invite for a PM&R program in the midwest! Any advice, suggestions, or recommendations regarding what questions to expect on interview day?? Obviously, I plan on researching the program, the residents, and any other info I can gather online.

Also, I had applied to their Categorical and Advanced. However, I do not know which one I am being interviewed for. Should I ask them, or how should I go about this?

Thanks in advance 🙂

 

[Taus]

Congrats

There are some very good examples in the FAQ section. I would really concentrate on "why PM&R", given that you are also applying for surgery and IM (per your other posts).

 

[Ludicolo]

Also, I had applied to their Categorical and Advanced. However, I do not know which one I am being interviewed for. Should I ask them, or how should I go about this?

Thanks in advance 🙂

You are being interviewed for both. Sometime during the interview day simply let the PD or PC know that you are interested in both programs. Presumably if they like you, you will be ranked on both lists. You may (and should) rank both options as well.

 

[Nicholaus]

You are being interviewed for both. Sometime during the interview day simply let the PD or PC know that you are interested in both programs. Presumably if they like you, you will be ranked on both lists. You may (and should) rank both options as well.

Thanks for the info! I was under the impression that when you apply to Cat/Adv or Prelim/Cat programs that they notify you for which position you are being interviewed for. But I guess that isn't the case. So obviously I would want to rank Cat higher than Adv at this particular program because the Prelim year is "built in" to the Cat position?

 

[Ludicolo]

For prelim/categorical programs, like for IM or general surgery, yes - it is important to clarify which option you’re interviewing for. And there are instances where one would need to clarify that they would only be interviewing for an advanced position: a DO student who needs to complete a traditional rotating internship, or someone already in an intern year looking to switch into an advanced specialty. But for your case, let the program know that you are interested in both advanced and categorical PM&R options.

For the most part, most people do rank the categorical program higher than the advanced. One less moving hassle, time to get acclimated to the hospital, etc. But as always, there can be exceptions. If you think you’d get a much better experience at a different prelim over this particular program’s intern year, for example.

 

[Nicholaus]

For prelim/categorical programs, like for IM or general surgery, yes - it is important to clarify which option you’re interviewing for. And there are instances where one would need to clarify that they would only be interviewing for an advanced position: a DO student who needs to complete a traditional rotating internship, or someone already in an intern year looking to switch into an advanced specialty. But for your case, let the program know that you are interested in both advanced and categorical PM&R options.

For the most part, most people do rank the categorical program higher than the advanced. One less moving hassle, time to get acclimated to the hospital, etc. But as always, there can be exceptions. If you think you’d get a much better experience at a different prelim over this particular program’s intern year, for example.

Thanks for the clarification Ludicolo! As always, your sage advice is appreciated 🙂