What to do after the interview?

[DoctorWannaBe]

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I had my first interview and am wondering what steps I should take after each interview. I know that I should write thank you notes, but do I write one to each of my interviewers or just the PD? I met with the PD, Dept. Head, and two interviewers. Do I write a note to all four of them? Also, should I send a letter of interest to my top programs (and if so, when do I send it)? After I send thank you notes, do I need to contact the other programs for anything before the match?

Thanks, and good luck to everyone this year!

 

[hatfielj]

I have been wondering the same things recently. Please someone help!

 

[mlw03]

i highly doubt that anything we do post-interview, short of being a total jerk, is going to affect our position on the rank list one way or the other. if they want you, sending a thank you note probably isn't going to make a difference, nor would it matter if they decide there are stronger candidates. personally, i send them because i think it's the classy thing to do. these people have taken time out of their clinical schedule to interview me and answer my questions about their program, and i feel it's appropriate to thank them for that with a short note. but i don't expect it to affect my candidacy. i can't think of anything to contact programs about, other than any new questions you think of post-interview. as to letters of interest, i may send one to my top few programs in mid-january. this may affect how a program ranks us, but in theory it shouldn't. however i don't see the harm in doing it, so i probably will.

 

[raspberry009]

i highly doubt that anything we do post-interview, short of being a total jerk, is going to affect our position on the rank list one way or the other. if they want you, sending a thank you note probably isn't going to make a difference, nor would it matter if they decide there are stronger candidates. personally, i send them because i think it's the classy thing to do. these people have taken time out of their clinical schedule to interview me and answer my questions about their program, and i feel it's appropriate to thank them for that with a short note. but i don't expect it to affect my candidacy. i can't think of anything to contact programs about, other than any new questions you think of post-interview. as to letters of interest, i may send one to my top few programs in mid-january. this may affect how a program ranks us, but in theory it shouldn't. however i don't see the harm in doing it, so i probably will.

We had a little discussion board meeting at my school where all the program directors were asked to attend. I was shocked as to how many of them really enjoyed the thank you cards. All of them felt that it was beneficial. Not only is it curtious but it is also a reminder as to who you are. I personally stuck with the handwriten thank you cards over the formal typed letter because they're unique.