Residency Interview Suits and Watches

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johnnydrama said:
Haha, don't worry, I have.
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I'm at a very Cush TY; we have an army of midlevels and support staff between us and patients. Our interactions are limited to brief conversations, cursory 2-3 min physical, occasional sterile procedures, and lots of reviewing labs, imaging, and documentation. I see my patients less on average than a Step 2 cs encounter. If the patient's epic could urinate on us, we'd be in trouble though.
 
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drizzt3117 said:
I'm at a very Cush TY; we have an army of midlevels and support staff between us and patients. Our interactions are limited to brief conversations, cursory 2-3 min physical, occasional sterile procedures, and lots of reviewing labs, imaging, and documentation. I see my patients less on average than a Step 2 cs encounter. If the patient's epic could urinate on us, we'd be in trouble though.
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LOL. Is it public info where you're doing your TY? If not, would you be willing to PM?
 
It looks like I'm very late to this flame fest. I think that any of those suits would be fine. I also like the Tag, but it's a little busy.

I don't have a ton of money, but I found a company who does bespoke suits for pretty cheap (in comparison). Two piece suits start at around $500 and go all the way up to $4k depending on what you get. I got measured for a three piece last week and it was $667 with a custom shirt as well. The nicer blends cost more obviously, but you can get a really nice suit for a little more than an off the rack suit. I plan on wearing my stainless/black submariner.

The submariner was my dad's. He dropped it, shattered the crystal and let it sit for a few years because he bought a panerai that he prefers (which I detest). He told me that I could have it if I got it fixed. I did some homework, found a guy in PA who fixes them and had it fixed/serviced for $250.

The real question for me though, is bow tie or not? I only wear bow ties, and have for some time. I've got mixed feedback. Personally, I don't really care to go to a program with people who get upset about a tie. On the other hand, I don't want to get cut because of a tie. In any event, it would be a very simple and tasteful stripe or solid. No crazy patterns.

Thoughts?
 
I don't think a bowtie would be a good idea for interviews. While they can be awesome if done well and in the right setting, interviews aren't the time or place, IMO. Pretty sure a lot of people would have a harder time taking you seriously.
 
airplanes said:
No one is going to be "upset" at a bowtie, but there's a good chance they'll look at you funny. Why take the risk?
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1) nice watch

2) you shouldn't wear a bow tie

3) you shouldn't wear a three piece suit
 
johnnydrama said:
Captions please for the il-watch-erate.

And approx price tag would be appreciated too.

And seriously, no DREs at your TY?!?
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Nope. We barely touch the pts at all and have attending length interactions with them. That's called a cush TY (not to be found in NYC). We are also off the day before and after call.

It's a IWC big pilot (msrp ~15k for a new one)
 
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Eloise said:
Soooo is your money why you are a chick magnet? 😵
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I am pretty good at screening for golddigging behavior, (GDQ-8 is pretty sensitive and specific). That said, having money is probably better than the alternative.
 
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Do you think that a three piece is too pretentious? Any other reasoning for the bow tie other than those previously mentioned?
 
What about shoes? I'm planning on my brown AE wingtips.
 
drizzt3117 said:
I am pretty good at screening for golddigging behavior, (GDQ-8 is pretty sensitive and specific). That said, having is money probably better than the alternative.
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What do I know, all I own is a Calvin Klein and a Swatch.
 
lomia said:
Do you think that a three piece is too pretentious? Any other reasoning for the bow tie other than those previously mentioned?
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A three piece is not recommended for a conservative job interview. As for the bowtie, what other reason do you need? You run the chance of looking like an idiot with a bow tie. If you are going into peds or gas, then maybe some programs would like your extra "flair."

lomia said:
What about shoes? I'm planning on my brown AE wingtips.
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Not with charcoal. Grey - possible if done right, with the correct accessories like a brown belt, watch strap, etc.
 
airplanes said:
A three piece is not recommended for a conservative job interview. As for the bowtie, what other reason do you need? You run the chance of looking like an idiot with a bow tie. If you are going into peds or gas, then maybe some programs would like your extra "flair."

Not with charcoal. Grey - possible if done right, with the correct accessories like a brown belt, watch strap, etc.
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Agree with the medical student's assessment and plan.
 
airplanes said:
a three piece is not recommended for a conservative job interview. As for the bowtie, what other reason do you need? You run the chance of looking like an idiot with a bow tie. If you are going into peds or neurology, then maybe some programs would like your extra "flair."
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Fixed.

Also agree in general that a bowtie to an interview is a bad idea (but then again, I tend to think that a bowtie other than a black one worn with a tux looks silly). Every time I have ever seen a young-ish person in a bowtie - especially a medical student - I immediately think "oh great, he's trying to be that guy". Might as well wear a pinstripe fedora and carry a wizard's staff.

The fact of the matter is that wearing a regular necktie will rub no one the wrong way (and in fact is "expected" of you). Wearing a bowtie might appeal in particular to a scant few attendings who try to rock that look (and usually flounder while doing so), but why handicap yourself in the first place? No program is going to actively discriminate against bowties when you're a resident there, but the visceral/gut reaction many people have to bowties is "uh....really?" and this in and of itself should be enough to avoid it. The places that may subconsciously dock you for the bowtie look aren't necessarily hostile towards bowtie wearers and would almost certainly not be during residency; however, you still run the risk of identifying yourself as "the guy who can't follow simple instructions" (as unfair and silly as that may seem) when going on interviews.

Edit: and before the obligatory "but it depends on your location, people in the south wear them more often!!!!!" post pops up, the above still applies to any region, even if only slightly less so down south.
 
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It actually has nothing to do with that. It's a matter of personal preference. My dad has been wearing bow ties for the last 15 years, and I started wearing them a while back kind of off and on. My necktie dragged through a patient's cellulitis when I was performing a dressing change and that sealed the deal.

Mock if you like. Y'all have convinced me not to wear a bow tie to interviews. I'm going to have to buy a new neck tie as I don't own a suitable one anymore. Solids, or a repp?
 
Point taken. I'll be wearing a necktie for interviews. As soon as I get there though...
 
If I was going to buy just one necktie I'd go for a grenadine in a solid navy or maroon. Solid color makes it versatile while the texture adds some character without being too informal...
 
Drivers: Ferragamo or Tod's?

Edit: this is more for day to day casual... nothing to do with residency interviews lol.

a0c187a6717d999eb01c805b1cd7ca7a_best.jpg

501437474


Haha, I actually saw a resident w/ this exact pair of Tod's on this afternoon. Pretty nice. I've heard Ferragamo>>Tod's in durability/comfort though. The ferragamos I have now are spectactular.
 
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I'd say drivers to the casual interview dinner, oxfords to the interview. Loafers are a no-no with a suit at interviews IMHO.
 
Not a big fan of drivers. I have only one pair and they're LV.

louisloafer2.jpg


today:
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RadicalRadon said:
Drivers: Ferragamo or Tod's?

Edit: this is more for day to day casual... nothing to do with residency interviews lol.

a0c187a6717d999eb01c805b1cd7ca7a_best.jpg

501437474


Haha, I actually saw a resident w/ this exact pair of Tod's on this afternoon. Pretty nice. I've heard Ferragamo>>Tod's in durability/comfort though. The ferragamos I have now are spectactular.
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LV drivers? sounds uncomfortable... i'd get their luggage or wallets though.

Are you a loafer/oxford guy then? Also, you've sold me on applying to your TY... mind PMing the program info to me too? haha

drizzt3117 said:
Not a big fan of drivers. I have only one pair and they're LV.
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RadicalRadon said:
LV drivers? sounds uncomfortable... i'd get their luggage or wallets though.

Are you a loafer/oxford guy then? Also, you've sold me on applying to your TY... mind PMing the program info to me too? haha
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I usually wear gucci loafers or tramezza oxfords. I have a couple other nice leather loafers I bought in Italy that are very comfortable.
 
drizzt3117 said:
I usually wear gucci loafers or tramezza oxfords. I have a couple other nice leather loafers I bought in Italy that are very comfortable.
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Haha, it seems you and I definitely fit the radiologist mold. Can't wait to finally get to R1...
 
consider a nice old vintage watch from the 40's or 50's. very distinctive looking and classy, not too busy.
Clinton took the oath of office wearing a classic Timex. look at old omegas, walthams, elgins, and hamiltons. good selection on ebay.
 
emedpa said:
consider a nice old vintage watch from the 40's or 50's. very distinctive looking and classy, not too busy.
Clinton took the oath of office wearing a classic Timex. look at old omegas, walthams, elgins, and hamiltons. good selection on ebay.
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need pics of said vintage watches
 
emedpa said:
consider a nice old vintage watch from the 40's or 50's. very distinctive looking and classy, not too busy.
Clinton took the oath of office wearing a classic Timex. look at old omegas, walthams, elgins, and hamiltons. good selection on ebay.
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The problem with vintage watches is that they're way too small. They look like little toys on my wrist. Even my sub looks a little dainty at 40mm. If you want a vintage look but not a small watch, this is pretty sweet.

a5ef2417_breitling_transocean_chronograph_01.jpeg
 
preguntas:

1. recommended color of suits: any opinions on the standard navy blue, black, charcoal? i have had a long running argument with a friend about color of shoes that go with navy?
2. 2 or 3 button jacket
3. pleats? what?
4. kind of shoes? - please separate into cheap/mid/expensive
5. kind of belt?
6. color of shirt?
7. thoughts on ties - plain/stripe/pattern/whatever

It would be great, if, instead of arguing over who is a jerk, we just answer the above (or any other questions).

thanks guys
 
andon said:
preguntas:

1. recommended color of suits: any opinions on the standard navy blue, black, charcoal? i have had a long running argument with a friend about color of shoes that go with navy?
2. 2 or 3 button jacket
3. pleats? what?
4. kind of shoes? - please separate into cheap/mid/expensive
5. kind of belt?
6. color of shirt?
7. thoughts on ties - plain/stripe/pattern/whatever

It would be great, if, instead of arguing over who is a jerk, we just answer the above (or any other questions).

thanks guys
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1. Navy or charcoal, your call. Both look good. No black.
1a. We've talked at length about shoe color with suits. The safest and most "professional" bet with either charcoal or navy is black (cap toe balmoral is the best bet). Brown or burgundy are an ok choice with navy (and arguably much superior in a non-interview setting), although again for interview formalities a pair of black shoes will never really rub anyone the wrong way.
2. 2 buttons (unless you're like 6'6" or taller in which case maybe 3.
3. No pleats on the pants (pleats are not the same as creases)
4. Leather cap-toe balmoral shoes. We've discussed the shoe issue ad nauseum on here so do a little reading. Bottom line is that you can find some "ok" shoes for the $75-90 range but in that range you usually run the risk of ugly plastic square-toed monsters. My blanket recommendation for people wanting to look great and not break the bank is the Johnston & Murphy Meltons used on ebay for ~$30-50 (instead of >$150 retail). They're corrected grain level which isn't the most beautiful leather, but it does polish up really nicely.
5. Leather belt that matches the shoes' color. Understated, not too thick, and with an understated buckle.
6. White or light blue with no pocket is the best idea here, regardless of suit color (if light blue shirt with a navy suit, try to avoid a too-blue tie). Definitely stay away from "vibrant" colors, even a vibrant blue like french blue. They look pretty terrible with suits (and usually terrible in general). Moderate spread collar (the point of the collar should just disappear under the lapel of your suit).
7. Silk tie, pindot style is ideal, as stripes can be done extremely well or extremely poorly and way too often people end up in the "extremely poorly" category. Four-in-hand or half-windsor knot.

This is a quick rundown, but you're asking us to summarize 5 pages of this thread and 23 pages on the other thread. Do yourself a favor and get to reading to expand on the above ideas.
 
thank you for your reply, but i read all 5 pages and it was mostly about who was a douche or not.
 
I just got this watch for interviews! I like it, and it goes well with my suit. Don't like it? I don't give a ****, I love it.


818dJ7SocPL.png
 
WashMe said:
I just got this watch for interviews! I like it, and it goes well with my suit. Don't like it? I don't give a ****, I love it.


818dJ7SocPL.png
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It's sporty and modern, at the very least. It's not a dress watch though... That said, at the end of the day, it doesn't matter for interviews. No one will care. Wear what you like.
 
RadicalRadon said:
It's sporty and modern, at the very least. It's not a dress watch though... That said, at the end of the day, it doesn't matter for interviews. No one will care. Wear what you like.
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😎👍

Yeah, I'm not much for leather bands. Just a preference thing. This slips nicely under my sleeve, is light and unobtrusive, is relatively uncommon, and can be worn on the floor and in the OR without looking out of place so it'll get years of use.
 
WashMe said:
😎👍

Yeah, I'm not much for leather bands. Just a preference thing. This slips nicely under my sleeve, is light and unobtrusive, is relatively uncommon, and can be worn on the floor and in the OR without looking out of place so it'll get years of use.
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It should be fine; it's not an optimal dress watch but it's not overtly offensive.
 
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