Staying with residents the night before an interview?

[grEMreapin]

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Hey guys...just looking for some advice regarding being hosted by a resident the night before an interview. Financially it sounds great but I'm wondering what peoples' prior experiences were like...thanks!

 

[traumamonkey]

Hey guys...just looking for some advice regarding being hosted by a resident the night before an interview. Financially it sounds great but I'm wondering what peoples' prior experiences were like...thanks!

my 2 cents:
i think people have had mixed experiences, but it is definitely the cheapest way to go and can give you good insight into a resident's life and what they think of their program. you will have much more time to speak candidly about the resident's personal experience and you can also give them a better impression of yourself.
that being said, you have to remember that you are sort of interviewing all the time too. and you may have to sleep on a couch and you may not get the best resident to stay with. but that information alone can mean a lot as the other residents can make or break your residency experience. and can i mention again how much it would cost to pay for hotels everywhere?

i'm using alumni office info to find residents who graduated from my med school. i think that gives you a different perspective and also common ground with the resident even before you meet them...but obviously that doesn't work everywhere.
good luck

 

[medivac]

I have hosted 2 students in last year's interview season and plan to host again this year.

Use your common sense--don't make a mess, don't run up the phone bill, make nice with the spouse or roommate if there is one. A very little something for your host would be nice but not required, and then a follow up thank you card. That would go a long way to having that resident root for you at the end of the season with the PD.

Oh, and offer to wash the resident's car and do their laundry, and come bearing good wine.....i kid, i kid.

 

[traumamonkey]

... and come bearing good wine......

seriously, i would love to bring wine except then i have to check a bag, thus risking a lost suit and more hassle at the airport. sigh. instead you get chocolate (unless i can buy wine at the airport...)!

 

[EM_Rebuilder]

I have hosted 2 students in last year's interview season and plan to host again this year.

Use your common sense--don't make a mess, don't run up the phone bill, make nice with the spouse or roommate if there is one. A very little something for your host would be nice but not required, and then a follow up thank you card. That would go a long way to having that resident root for you at the end of the season with the PD.

Oh, and offer to wash the resident's car and do their laundry, and come bearing good wine.....i kid, i kid.

I second the thank you card and a small gift (even $10 from starbucks) is almost a requirement. I am one that is largely against thank you cards for programs/people that interview us as I strongly believe that such an interview is in the job title of an academic physician, and I don't know that a thanks is needed when someone if fullfiling their position.....no where is a stranger staying in my home mentioned in any residency contract nor is it an implied duty if a resident...therefore, it certainly is above and beyond, and no after stay thank you is poor form.

PS: Careful with liquor, some people are STRONGLY against such a thing and would be upset if you showed up with it....obviously that is unlikely, but you dont want to step on anyones toes. If you come to my place, please wine, tequila, homebrew whatever is ok...