Questions to ask Chairman

[txlonghorns]

What are some questions to ask the chairman?

I would think things like faculty retention and the state of the department would be appropriate, but what else is good to know?

I dread the "do you have any questions?" part of the interview.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[maceo]

they are ****ing posturing. You are either qualified or not. If you are qualified you like the hours and you are interested who the **** are they not to offer you the job. geez what bull****. anyway the job market is getting really really tight

 

[txlonghorns]

As a resident candidate. Sorry I should have specified.

 

[Depakote]

As a resident candidate. Sorry I should have specified.

There's the standard small talk fair. You can ask about mentoring, how you'd be supported if you were to pursue a fellowship, research if you're interested in that.

I make sure to get an explanation for any accreditation cycle that's 3 years or shorter. You can find out which programs have that here:
http://www.acgme.org/adspublic/

I also try to ask how they're going to handle the new work hour restrictions. If they've got any other plans for changing the program in the future.

Hopefully you already know about board pass rates, resident case numbers and all that good stuff by the time you're meeting with the program chair but it's info you should have by the time you leave.

 

[leaverus]

I also try to ask how they're going to handle the new work hour restrictions.

?? What new work hour restrictions?

 

[Depakote]

?? What new work hour restrictions?

http://www.acgme.org/acWebsite/newsReleases/newsRel_9_28_10.asp

 

[Masseter Spasm]

Pick one of the common thread topics that reappear on this forum:

(No I don't mean: "What Salary Can I Expect to Earn in Private Practice?")

How do think the recent health care reforms will affect the field of anesthesiology?

How will the field of anesthesia be different in 10 years?

Are you concerned about the expanding role of non-physicians in medicine?

Remember, you are also interviewing the residency program. Does the chair seem hopelessly aloof of impending challenges facing your future field? Does the chair seem like someone who has personality skills? An incompetent and unpopular chair will lower the morale of the faculty, which will diminish the quality of your medical education.

 

[wine thief]

this is the easiest part of the interview. the chair wants to sell the program to you. do NOT pimp the chairman in any way including asking about the call schedule, board pass rates, or weaknesses of the program.

-what are the strengths of the program?
-what research projects are your faculty/residents working on?
-any new changes in the near future?
-where do you see the program in 10 years?
-do most grads do PP or academics?
-what types of fellowships do your grads do?

this is also your time to show that you know about the program. "i read about your research focus on X / new simulation center / etc. can you tell me more about that?"