Researching residency programs is a crucial step not only in preparing for medical residency interviews but also in ranking residency program. By gathering comprehensive information about potential programs, you can make informed decisions, demonstrate your genuine interest during interviews, and increase your chances of securing a residency position that aligns with your career goals and aspirations.
Minimum Information to learn about a residency program:
Program Specialty and Focus
Curriculum and Training Structure
Program Size and Location
Program Culture and Values
Program Accreditation and Success Metrics
Sources of information
Program Websites
Residency Directories and Databases (ERAS, AAMC, U.S. News & World Report, Doximity, or FREIDA Online)
Networking and Personal Connections
Program Rankings and NRMP Reports
As you gather information about each residency program, develop a systematic approach to organize and evaluate the data. Create a spreadsheet or document to record essential details such as program name, specialty, location, key features, and notes from your research. Learning residency programs not only equips you with valuable information but also allows you to demonstrate genuine interest during interviews. Use your findings to formulate thoughtful and specific questions for the interviewers. This shows that you have taken the time to understand the program and are invested in exploring how it aligns with your career aspirations. Remember that researching residency programs is an ongoing process.
As you progress through the application process and receive interview invitations, continue gathering information and updating your knowledge about each program. This will help you make informed decisions when ranking programs during the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) Match.
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