I'm a resident, but I would say each program director has an idea of who they like more than other interviewees based on the application itself. Now, that can change based on the interview.
I am sure residency directors are looking for ppl with a sincere enthusiasm for pathology. That would be my #1 selection criteria. There are applicants out there who did a year of surgery, medicine or whatever and decided to apply for pathology. As a program director, you have to screen these applicants to make sure they have a sincere interest in the field. My second criteria would be the applicant's fit into the program.
There is no right answer for those questions. Just be yourself and answer these questions sincerely. If you can't come up with an answer, then you have a problem. Make sure you like the program you are going to and the other residents. This is sooooooooo important. If you don't feel like the program is for you, then please don't rank it. Four years is a long time and you really need to get along with the other residents.
First, if they called you for an interview, probabilities are you passed their minimum paper requirements. Seconds, and it varies from institution to institution, I would like to think that in a regular program what they look for is that the candidate likes pathology and not because he/she wants an 8-5 job. (Show enthusiasm)
That the candidate has an idea of what he/she is getting into. (So you dont leave the program to do FP at the end of the year)
The candidate does not look crazy. (Self explanatory)
Last, the candidate seems easy to work with and hard working.
I have interviewed people that failed miserably in all of the above. You can pick up on that quickly in an interview.
Why do they ask the same questions all the time? Be cause its like an HPI, three questions tell you everything you need to know.
Why this place, do you have family/friends in the area? Answers do you need to be here? Are you going to leave after I train you? I am a state institution with 2 spots, why would I train you if you are going to leave?
Why this program? Answers did you just marked this program in the ERAS by accident (I did one). Are you going to like it here or are you applying here as a back up? What are the probabilities that if I rank you, you are going to let me hanging? If you come, are you going to hate it because it was not your first choice?
Things that you should pick from the program, are you their back up plan? Its better to go to a not so good place where they want you than to a good place that doesnt want you.
