residency interviews... what's a good answer for why you chose a certain program?

[nobeldds]

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Aside from the answers: "Because this is the cheapest program" and "because this is one of the few programs that doesn't require abcd... to be elligeable" what are good answers to this question? Often, in selecting a program I/we are coming from a place of insecurity and just looking to get accepted anywhere. During interviews, the program directors often ask why you applied to this program and I don't quite know what to say... most programs of a certain type (endo) are largely the same (24-27 months for a certificate, accept 3-5 residents, have an optional MS degree, and follow the CODA requirements). Is it ok for me to say, "because I want to live around here when I'm done" ?

 

[DocMon16]

This is where looking up the programs beforehand really comes in handy, this helps to see the dynamics of the program and if you're drawn to them. Externships are invaluable. If you can go to a program to check them out and spend time really helps, not only do you get to see the program itself but it will help you on interviews compare different programs to your own experiences.

On the interviews make sure you have 3-4 bullet points as to what drew you to the program. It always helps!

 

[GimmeTheScalpel]

Aside from the answers: "Because this is the cheapest program" and "because this is one of the few programs that doesn't require abcd... to be elligeable" what are good answers to this question? Often, in selecting a program I/we are coming from a place of insecurity and just looking to get accepted anywhere. During interviews, the program directors often ask why you applied to this program and I don't quite know what to say... most programs of a certain type (endo) are largely the same (24-27 months for a certificate, accept 3-5 residents, have an optional MS degree, and follow the CODA requirements). Is it ok for me to say, "because I want to live around here when I'm done" ?

You should do your homework for every place you interview. They can 100% tell when you’re bullshi**ing.

 

[setdoc7]

If you go in blind to any interview, you are literally rolling the dice. Preparation, as with anything else, will serve you well. Luck comes to the most prepared. An applicant once said that to me at an interview. She became a resident in my program.

 

[BYU4you]

The hardest question for me was “Why not stay at your home program? They are a very well respected program, why leave and come out here?”

 

[nobeldds]

This is where looking up the programs beforehand really comes in handy, this helps to see the dynamics of the program and if you're drawn to them. Externships are invaluable. If you can go to a program to check them out and spend time really helps, not only do you get to see the program itself but it will help you on interviews compare different programs to your own experiences.

On the interviews make sure you have 3-4 bullet points as to what drew you to the program. It always helps!

Thank you! Externships would be ideal, but it's not always practical or possible to do with all the programs that I'm applying to (especially now). Information found on program websites don't seem to differ much from one another.

You should do your homework for every place you interview. They can 100% tell when you’re bullshi**ing.

I believe it!

If you go in blind to any interview, you are literally rolling the dice. Preparation, as with anything else, will serve you well. Luck comes to the most prepared. An applicant once said that to me at an interview. She became a resident in my program.

Thank you, that is a great quote.

The hardest question for me was “Why not stay at your home program? They are a very well respected program, why leave and come out here?”

This has been my experience as well. Interviewers spoke so highly of my home program that I started to feel like I was being unreasonable to want to go anywhere else, and I think that they picked up on it. Coming from a school with a well-regarded, yet relatively expensive program in a great area makes the answer to this question difficult. I don't feel like it's appropriate to say anything bad about my home program... My honest answer is that I actually do want to attend my home program but the outcome of my education will really be determined by my own efforts (not the program) and as an adaptable person with no particular ties to anywhere in the US, my primary goal is to go somewhere that will cost me less than $140k. I don't know how well my honesty would be perceived. Is it viable to say: "I think your facilities and faculty will be a good fit for me and conducive to learning, I would like to one day live in this location, and I am attracted to the lower cost of this program"? I have a lot of struggle with this because I have a hard time embellishing things and I see myself as someone who can make-do with any situation and my goal is really to just to learn as much as I can and become an asset to the community as a specialist. What I've found actually draws me to a particular program (when practicalities like tuition and location weren't a factor) is really just a feeling. It's the feeling I get based on how organized their website/clinic/application is and how positive my interactions were with the faculty and residents. Is it appropriate for me to say that the program has generated a good feeling? or am I overthinking?

 

[setdoc7]

First, do not underestimate PD's. They know the facts about their program and other programs. They know your home program is expensive, and you are looking for training at a reduced expense. Business is business. Be upfront and honest. Also be positive not only in the pluses you see in their program, but what you will bring to their program that makes you not only invaluable, but motivated, conscientious, and open to learning. This is what they are looking for. Few know how to verbalize it during an interview.

 

[setdoc7]

"In a perfect world I would love to stay at my home school and be admitted to their program. It is well regarded in the specialty and the training there is considered excellent. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee in this highly competitive environment that I will be admitted. Therefore, I have done my research and applied to other excellent programs like yours. Every program to which I applied, including yours has strengths that I find appealing in an effort to further my career and become the type of exemplary clinician I aspire to be. The fact or coincidence that I come from an institution with a good program should not preclude me from applying to other good programs. My objective, once admitted to this program, or any other program, is to exert my best effort, learn from the faculty, and care for the patients entrusted to me."
Can you say something like that earnestly?

 

[DocMon16]

First, do not underestimate PD's. They know the facts about their program and other programs. They know your home program is expensive, and you are looking for training at a reduced expense. Business is business. Be upfront and honest. Also be positive not only in the pluses you see in their program, but what you will bring to their program that makes you not only invaluable, but motivated, conscientious, and open to learning. This is what they are looking for. Few know how to verbalize it during an interview.

"Few know how to verbalize it during an interview." --> Couldn't have said it better. Your ability to articulate these above mentioned aspects during your short time with the attending docs is difficult. You have to be creative, innovative, and have a sense of urgency about yourself in an interview that shows the interviewer that you want to be there and that not only will you be a fantastic surgical resident but a great person to have in the program.

With that being said, this takes practice - mock interviews. I was very fortunate that one of my upcoming chiefs and I got very close as he did a non-cat year himself, he offered to do serious sit down mock interviews with me after I went to him for advice for the upcoming application cycle. That is leadership and mentorship at its best in my opinion along with many other fantastic attributes he has. Aside of that, you must PRACTICE these interviews. You can't sit down and just have a convo about the interview, its best to literally reenact the interview.

 

[setdoc7]

Spot on! When I was a GPR PD we did mock interviews with the residents applying for specialty. They would sit with me, the chair, and another attending. Interview etiquette and technique can be learned and refined. In my handout booklet “Residency Selection “ I discuss this. That document was meant for dental students. It’s here on SDN somewhere.

 

[OMSDoc]

First, do not underestimate PD's. They know the facts about their program and other programs. They know your home program is expensive, and you are looking for training at a reduced expense. Business is business. Be upfront and honest. Also be positive not only in the pluses you see in their program, but what you will bring to their program that makes you not only invaluable, but motivated, conscientious, and open to learning. This is what they are looking for. Few know how to verbalize it during an interview.

I think this is the best thing I have read on the forums.

They also want to know if you will fit in well and carry yourself.

 

[PatsMan1]

Aside from the answers: "Because this is the cheapest program" and "because this is one of the few programs that doesn't require abcd... to be elligeable" what are good answers to this question? Often, in selecting a program I/we are coming from a place of insecurity and just looking to get accepted anywhere. During interviews, the program directors often ask why you applied to this program and I don't quite know what to say... most programs of a certain type (endo) are largely the same (24-27 months for a certificate, accept 3-5 residents, have an optional MS degree, and follow the CODA requirements). Is it ok for me to say, "because I want to live around here when I'm done" ?

Research programs, talk to residents before interview ask them what they think the strengths are of that program. In another post I wrote 16 ways how programs differ look at that post it will help guide your research. Part of your answer will be location no doubt but you need to do your research. If you don’t show proper interest, program may think you’re not interested then rank you low.

 

[nobeldds]

Spot on! When I was a GPR PD we did mock interviews with the residents applying for specialty. They would sit with me, the chair, and another attending. Interview etiquette and technique can be learned and refined. In my handout booklet “Residency Selection “ I discuss this. That document was meant for dental students. It’s here on SDN somewhere.

Thank you, I found it in the "GPR in NYC. Some info to share." thread. it was helpful. Looks like I need to do some mock interviews.

 

[nobeldds]

Research programs, talk to residents before interview ask them what they think the strengths are of that program. In another post I wrote 16 ways how programs differ look at that post it will help guide your research. Part of your answer will be location no doubt but you need to do your research. If you don’t show proper interest, program may think you’re not interested then rank you low.

I found it, thank you. It gave me some ideas on what to look for.

 

[setdoc7]

I think this is the best thing I have read on the forums.

They also want to know if you will fit in well and carry yourself.

Thanks. After 15 years as a GPR PD I want to put the truth out there. The applicants deserve a reality check.

 

[setdoc7]

I once put a document on this site. "Residency Program Selection". Wrote it when I was a PD. Gave it out at residency fairs. Has some info that might be interesting.

 

[OMSDoc]

That’s awesome. I think that it is great that you care about this. Your mentees don’t know how good that they have it.