One of the best things you can do to increase your chances of successfully matching into a residency program of your choice in 2025 is to go into interviews prepared with a list residency interview questions.
Program Structure & Education
What's the didactic schedule like? (Conference frequency, protected time)
How are rotations structured each year?
What's unique about your curriculum?
What percentage of residents pass boards on first attempt?
How much autonomy do residents have by PGY year?
What simulation resources are available?
How do you support residents interested in fellowship?
What research opportunities exist?
Are there opportunities for specialized tracks or concentrations?
How do you incorporate evidence-based medicine into training?
Clinical Experience
What's the patient demographics and case mix?
How many hospitals/sites do residents rotate through?
What's the trauma level designation?
Average patient volume and census?
What procedures will I be competent in by graduation?
How is night float/call structured?
What's the supervision model like?
Are there dedicated teaching attendings?
How much time is spent with medical students?
What's the relationship like with other departments?
Resident Life & Wellness
What's the call schedule like?
How many vacation weeks per year?
Is there paid parental leave?
What mental health resources are available?
How do you prevent resident burnout?
What's the camaraderie like between residents?
Are there resident retreats or social events?
How do residents balance work and personal life?
What's the moonlighting policy?
Health insurance and benefits details?
Program Culture & Environment
How would you describe the program's culture?
What type of resident thrives here?
How do residents and faculty interact?
How are resident concerns addressed?
What changes have been made based on resident feedback?
How diverse is your resident group?
What DEI initiatives exist?
How do you handle conflict resolution?
What makes your program unique?
Why do residents choose this program?
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of living in the area?
Where do most residents live?
Parking situation and commute times?
Family-friendly environment?
Local school systems (if relevant)?
Safety of the area?
What do residents do for fun?
Proximity to amenities?
Climate and weather considerations?
Partner/spouse job market?
Career Development
Where are recent graduates now?
Fellowship match rate and locations?
Career mentorship opportunities?
Alumni network strength?
Job placement support?
Leadership opportunities during residency?
Conference attendance support?
Publishing opportunities?
Teaching opportunities?
Long-term career outcomes?
Red Flags to Watch For
High resident turnover
Recent program director/leadership changes
Accreditation issues
Evasive answers about work hours
Unhappy-appearing residents
Poor board pass rates
Limited clinical exposure
Lack of resident input in program decisions
Poor relationships between departments
Financial instability of hospital
During Interview Day
Notice resident interactions
Observe facility conditions
Pay attention to program coordinator organization
Watch for transparency in answers
Note if current residents seem engaged
Assess if faculty seem invested in teaching
Observe staff interactions
Check technology and resources available
Notice general hospital atmosphere
Consider if you can picture yourself there
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