pre-interview dinners

[Southern Hick]

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there's a bunch of these, including cornell and ucla. would you folks say that these are highly recommended, or even "mandatory"? it's supposedly optional, but i might have difficulty getting to one of the dinners because of scheduling...and i really don't want to give the impression that i'm not interested or a social pariah...i'm guessing these dinners are an essential part of the selection process for some of the smaller programs such as those found in derm, ENT or rad onc, but the group being interviewed for IM is so big maybe they won't notice my absence...

any comments appreciated. thanks!

 

[roldgold]

Don't worry, attendance is not taken at the dinners. Nevertheless, they're beneficial for several reasons. First, you can get an impression of what the residents are like. Take note of how many show up. Second, you have the opportunity to ask questions that you might not want to ask your interviewer. For example, you can find out details about the call schedule, work hours, etc. Finally, it's hard to pass up a free meal (and don't feel shy about ordering a beer).


Rold

 

[ckent]

I agree, these dinners are for your benefit only. If you don't want to attend, then don't attend. However, if you are in town, I'd highly reccomend that you attend even if you have nothing to ask the residents and interns since usually the food is outstanding. At one place, we were allowed to order whatever we wanted to off the menu, and at another place, they ordered us crab cakes and steaks for dinner. At least you feel like you got something out of your trip if you go all that way and find out that you don't really like the program if you eat their dinner.

 

[rajvosa]

Do you have to dress up for these? I have 3 of those coming and I have no clue what to wear. How do you dress for these diners? Suit Vs. not suit (for men)????

 

[GO_MEDPEDS]

rajvosa-

In general, it appears that a "business casual" attire is just fine- khakis and a nice button shirt for men is totally appropriate. If possible, find out where you are going to eat... if it's ultra-fancy or involves anything like a martini bar or the like, you may need to throw on a shirt & tie (but I would really doubt this as most of the residents don't want to have to get dressed up either). Although I would not want to go too casual (blue jeans and a T-shirt), residents have commented to me that previous interviewees had actually come dressed in their suits, and they found this to be a major turn-off!

😉


Southern Hick-

Unless you really can't make it, I think it's a good idea to make it to these pre-interview dinners for the reasons listed above as well as the fact that many of the programs don't really seem to set aside enough time to know you as an individual. It would be really nice to have some residents in your corner saying- Hey, he/she seemed really nice and interesting... Also, for the amount of money you're probably paying for traveling expenses and hotels, its nice to get a little something back from the programs!


😉

Good luck on your interviews!
😀

 

[nymed32]

I came back an hour ago from my first pre-interview dinner. I was the only jack-ass who went with khaki's, shirt and tie. Everyone else at most went with pants and button-down or pants and sweater. A number of people wore jeans. All the residents/interns went casual (jeans, sweatshirts). Regardless, I guess it's better to be overdressed than underdressed. Just my two cents.

 

[sanfilippo]

do not dress up for these events unless you're told explicitly that they require formal attire. mine so far have been at local pubs/grills/sports bars, so don't show up in your preppie best. it's a great time to mingle especially if you have a premonition that your access to residents vis-a-vis during the interview day will be limited. moreover, it's free food and so far the fare has been quite good. highly recommend going if you can make it to the city the night before or sticking around if the dinner is scheduled the evening of your interview day. don't be overly concerned if you miss out on your RSVP because of flight delays (as happened to me for one of my interviews).
-s.

 

[texas_ute]

When you talk/e-mail to the people doing the interviewing scheduling, I would ask them about the atmosphere/dress for the pre-interview dinner. I also found that most pre-interview dinners were at very casual, brew-pub type places.

 

[nimboo]

anyone go to the northwestern thing at the bar? i decided not to go b/c the weather sucked today and i didn't feel like being out in the rain. i hope it didn't hurt me too much..😛

 

[Hop Toad]

My 1st dinner was a fixed prix menu and I literally had to stop at Subway on my way home. I was starving! So, they are not all feasts. It was not a dressy affair. Only one resident per 8 interviewees and he was not very enthusiastic. I found it a big waste of time. I did not attend the next dinner, but plan to start again with the big NE programs. I imagine if the program director knew what a turn off the "night before" was he would not be happy.