How To Succeed on Interviews

BE YOURSELF

• The worst thing that could happen is that you don't act like yourself and then end up at a program that you don't mesh with personality-wise. 

Be confident, but not cocky

• Know your limits, especially when it comes to patient care. Obviously never put a patient at risk, but if you want to get your hands on a procedure or take the lead on an interview, then be confident when you ask! Also be ready to receive constructive criticism as each attending and resident has their own tricks that they'll want to impart on you to help you succeed!

Prepare your questions

• This means have your answers to standard and expected questions ready, but also make sure you have a list of questions to ask to make sure what is important to you is covered and you are able to make the best decision for you as well!

Bring extra copies of your CV

• Physicians are busy and sometimes they don't have time to print it out, though they've looked at it on their computers it's a nice gesture to have it prepared for them. Also make sure that you study your CV ahead of time so that you are able to speak well about anything that is on there and aren't left searching for words to describe experiences.

Take initiative and realize you are already a part of the team

• There is no reason for you to sit back and not do anything just because you can't order medicines or labs. In fact, there isn't a lot you can't do (too many negatives?). You can look up labs, vitals, nurses notes, write notes, update notes, look up plans on UpToDate, educate families (obviously run this by your intern first, but it can be a huge help!), and so much more. To let you in on a little secret, you actually can order medicines, labs, and imaging on an outpatient visit, since your attending will end up signing over it anyway (and can cancel what they don't agree with)- do this only with your attendings approval. But the more you step into your role as a part of the team now, the more they will see you as a good addition to their residency. 

Bring your entire service specific, dress uniform

• And put it together with a resident, intern, or another student with experience. Showing up sharp and put together is a huge part of the first impression, and shows the program that you are responsible and capable of being a military officer. Along these lines, pass your PT test, show up for residency PT if they have it, and maintain all your customs and courtesies while on active duty. HPSP friends, you can no longer say, "the military thing will start later" -- it starts now, and it's important to programs that they accept people who are on top of their game. It's okay to mess up once, it is not okay to mess up after you've been corrected. So prepare to the best of your ability, ask your residents to look at your uniform, and be confident but teachable.