When interviewing for a residency, standing out is important.
The residency stage in your medical journey is indeed a pivotal point in your career. As the Uslmestep website points out, this is not the time to relax. The interview for the residency, the last step before you become a physician, requires much preparation. You must place travel plans into your budget, as well as prepare for what questions the residency committee may ask you or for what you wish to ask them.
Research
Research the residency program in which you are interested. In so doing, you will find it easier to prepare for the part of the interview that allows you to ask questions about the program. The committee for the residency program is more likely to have an interest in you as a candidate if you ask your questions in a way that suggests that you are knowledgeable about the program, rather than merely conducting what the American Medical Association website terms a "generic interview."
Stay abreast of the latest developments in your field. As the AMA website points out, these programs are seeking specific types of doctors. Different specialties have different emphases. One program may place emphasis on leadership or community involvement, while others may see research and/or clinical abilities as paramount.
Watch Body Language
During the interview your body language should exude confidence. The Uslmestep website suggests that you sit with your back straight, avoid behaviors such as finger or thumb twiddling or playing with your tie. Also, avoid behaviors such as chewing at your lower lip or licking your lips after every spoken paragraph during the course of the meeting.
Sell Yourself
One key question the committee asks when it considers you is how you are different from all the other candidates they've interviewed. As a candidate, your task is to convince them of your skills, strengths and talents. Your job is to demonstrate to the committee of the qualities you have that might set you apart from the other applicants.
Moreover, say positive, heartfelt things about their program. If you especially liked its website, mention that you thought it was informative, and that the web designers did a professional job of designing the site. If you notice that the residents seem pleased to be part of the program, make that observation.
Ask Intelligent Questions
Ask questions that are specifically relevant to the core of the program into which you are seeking entrance. The AMA website suggests you ask such questions as whether or not the program requires publication in order to remain in good standing. Ask about the overall philosophy, or vision, of the program. It is perhaps an excellent idea to ask which hospitals participate in the program. Asking such questions will let the interviewers know that you are thinking about what the ones who govern the residency expect of their residents.
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