Questions about Second Looks

[MiesVanDerMom]

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Some of the programs I've interviewed at have mentioned I should schedule a second look if I'm interested. One invited my husband to come while another thought it eas odd when I mentioned bringing him and advised against it. So....

1. What happens at a second look?
2. How many should I schedule?
3. If a program mentiond it and I don't schedule one, am I out of the running?

I'm burnt out on interviews as it is. I didn't realize there was more beyond interviews....

 

[Newbie212]

I was wondering about this as well. If a program suggested I do a second look, do I wait for them to email me about it or should I be emailing them in the near future about setting this up?

 

[mlw03]

Again, don't over-read stuff, guys and gals. I don't think not doing a second look if invited burns you. Don't get me wrong - they can definitely help, but they can hurt too if you come back and are a jackass. If you really want to do one, schedule one or two at the programs you're most interested in and can't decide between. Expect a fairly chill day. By this point everyone is sick of being "on." But if you can't because of time, money, or just don't wanna, then I wouldn't sweat it.

 

[PMPMD]

Some of the programs I've interviewed at have mentioned I should schedule a second look if I'm interested. One invited my husband to come while another thought it eas odd when I mentioned bringing him and advised against it. So....

1. What happens at a second look?

These are usually less formal than the interview day. In my field (anesthesia), we would have the applicant work with a few residents throughout the day so they could see what typical cases are like, and get a better feel for our program.

2. How many should I schedule?

I would reserve these for a few of your top picks. Like interviews, they're expensive, plus you'll get burned out if you do 10+ interviews plus a bunch of 2nd looks.

3. If a program mentiond it and I don't schedule one, am I out of the running?

Not at all. We would invite lots of people to do 2nd looks, and only a small number came. We understand it's hard to fly around the country 20 times.

I'm burnt out on interviews as it is. I didn't realize there was more beyond interviews....

I would view the 2nd look as a micro-away rotation: it gives you more info about the program, and it can bump you up a small amount by showing the program you're interested. Obviously, it can backfire if you make a bad impression, which is why you shouldn't try to do a ton of these.

I would think it would be a little logistically awkward to have a SO with you for a 2nd look - again, I don't know what other fields do, but it would be weird in anesthesia.

 

[Fatherdoc]

During an interview I was encouraged when the PD and Asst. PD supported my request for a "second look" since I could not schedule an away rotation at this program. However, all second looks, if any, are apparently routed to the Residency Coordinator who emailed that it is not likely due to liability concerns. Should I worry about ths? Or is this too much 4th year freedom? I really want this program.

 

[Buzz Me]

I did second looks at my top two programs (for fellowship)...met up with attendings again (ones that I had already interviewed with), went into OR to watch a case, met up with current fellows to really get the nuts and bolts of the program. Didn't hurt!