Top tips for IMGs to navigate the typical USMLE Residency Interview day 

(Since the season 2021 will have virtual interviews, many of the tips we mention below like physical tours of the hospital will not be applicable this season)

Here we discuss the basic format of the interview days at most programs. Of course there may be differences.

For example, some programs may have different schedules and protocols, an itinerary may be emailed generally (but not always) in advance to the applicants, some University programs may also include the names of your interviewers in the itinerary.

Tip: In such cases we highly recommend you research about them prior to the interview.
 
As we tell all our students here at USMLESarthi “Your interview begins from the time you land in that city” we expect every applicant to maintain professional etiquette at all time, you may never know the person sitting next to you on the train/Bus will be the person interviewing you tomorrow." This actually happened to one of our student in the previous matches at one of the most prestigious programs).

The typical residency interview day

Most programs start the interviews by 8:00 am, if not earlier. Some programs may schedule you for the afternoon. Regardless of the start time the interview process is similar in most programs.
 
Some programs may offer hotel accommodation for the night before the interview. In such cases the program will likely also arrange for your transportation from the hotel to the hospital.
 
If not, you will be expected to reach to the residency program coordinator’s office directly. You will then be guided to a conference room with other applicants. Typically, programs will provide you with basic continental breakfast

Tip: Don’t bank on the quality and if you are a breakfast person, make sure you have a plan B.
 
Most programs have the Program Director come in and give you an overview of the program and the hospital. If the PD is not available, the presentation may be handled by the Associate PD or a Chief Resident. You will be given the opportunity to ask questions regarding the program as well.

Tip: It is best to ask questions that are not available on easy research. Do not ask irrelevant questions.
 
If your group is large you will be divided into two groups
One group may head for the interviews and the other group for the hospital tour.
 
The hospital tour is usually conducted by one of the PGY1 or PGY2 residents they will take you to all the wards and show you the hospital. This is the best time to learn about the hospital so be curious and sound inquisitive and interested.
 
Tip: If your interview is after the hospital tour this can be a pretty good icebreaker to talk about, during the interview.
 
The tour is may involve a lot of walking so wear formal but comfortable shoes.

Tip: try to retain your energy you don’t want to sound exhausted during the interview.
 
In most instances you will have more than one interview. One of the interviews is likely to be with the Program Director or Associate Program Director. Other interviews may be with faculty, attendings or Chief Residents. Some programs conduct panel interviews as well.
 
Tip: Needless to say, present a professional and cheerful demeanor during the interviews, even if it has been an exhausting day.
 
At some programs you may be expected to join the noon conference/ seminar with other applicants and current residents.
 
That should be the end of the day (for the morning interviews).

Tip:  Meet the program coordinator and convey your thanks. If they give you specific instructions (like to send thank you card and emails, follow that advice).
 
Best wishes from our team at USMLESarthi for your interviews!

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