Fellowship Interviews
The interview is important
• First impressions are lasting
• It’s the only chance they will have to meet
you
• Small problems can become magnified
– Treat everyone well – including staff
– The worst thing you can do is to stand out in a
bad way – so try to fit in.
Survey: Qualities important to
(cardiology) fellowship PDs:
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Negative comments in letter written by IM PD
Personal comments by the IM PD
The personal aspect of the interview
Letter from a cardiologist known by the fellowship PD
Performance during an elective at the fellowship site
Rank order in the residency class
Genuine interest in research
Being a graduate of a US medical school
Letter from a nationally known cardiologist
Doing a residency program at an institution with a well known cardiology
division
Participation in research prior to the fellowship program
Assessment of medical knowledge during the interview
Publications prior to fellowship
Performance on the ABIM certifying examination if available
US citizenship
Performance on the USMLE
Tips for the interview
• You need to appear confident and
professional
– Be rested (as much as possible)
– Dress professionally – better safe than sorry
– Avoid overpowering colognes, perfumes
• Carry a portfolio or briefcase
– Bring extra copies of your CV and PS
Prepare in advance
• Know your stuff
– Be prepared to answer questions about anything on
your CV
– Interviewers can tell if you have really done the
research – or have gone along for the ride
• Know the program you are interviewing at
– Read everything you can on their website
– Know whom in the program shares similar interests
– Recognize faculty member expertise – interviewers
Prepare in advance
• Do be ready to ask questions
– It shows that you are interested in the program; ask
about specifics. No questions = not interested.
– Stock questions:
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What changes do you anticipate?
Where have graduates gone?
How much research productivity is there?
What is supervision like? Number of procedures?
• Don’t ask certain “stupid” questions
– Duty hours, etc
– About services you should know they don’t have
During the interview
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Shake hands
Maintain eye contact
Remember the interviewer’s name
Ask for their card or contact information
– Take notes on the back of card as reminder
• Concentrate on being concise and
coherent
• Be sure you are expressing enthusiasm –
it’s catching
Prepare your answers
to common questions
1. What are your career goals?
2. How can this program help you meet
those goals/ what are you looking for?
3. What are your strengths and
weaknesses?
4. Give an example of a great case you’ve
recently been involved with.
5. What questions do you have for us?
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Make sure you have some!
Practice being interviewed
• Ask a friend with whom you feel safe
• Make a list of questions you think you
might be asked (specific to your
application)
• Consider audiotaping your answers so you
can hear how you sound
Follow up
• Thank you notes
– If you write them, be very specific about what
makes them and you a great match
– Include at least one specific comment from
each interview
– Email only if invited to do so
– Don’t go overboard
Comments from
experienced residents