November 9, 2008

• Interviewed

  My first interview was very relaxed and laid back, a practice run if you will. This is most likely because it was an interview for my school’s program, and as such I could be reasonably sure that I do not highly want to go there, and equally sure that I have a fairly decent chance of getting in if all else fails.

  That said, I got all suited up and entered the same hospital I have spent the last year working in not as a lowly grunt to be scutted out, but as a potential future employee to be woo-ed (kindly use shakespearean pronunciation, just for the hell of it). I went up to the medicine department office, picked up my itinerary for the day and proceeded to the conference room where I met the other two gentlemen interviewing that day with me.

  A brief glance at the sheet revealed the names of the faculty interviewing us, and I almost laughed at the irony. I was going to be interviewed by the same attending who had been in charge of my sub-internship team in september. What were the odds? I figured it might be someone I knew, but that exact attending, who not only knew my weaknesses intimately, but was well aware that my primary interest lay in a more competitive field and this was my backup plan?

  Well, poop.

  First thing he said upon entering the room was basically, hey what are you doing back here? He then directed the majority of the orientation to the other two interviewees, briefly telling them that if you had any questions, they could also ask Jason, who was well accquainted with the program.

  By Jason, he meant me. One month working with the guy everyday, and he still cant remember my name. It’s not like it’s a difficult name either. That aside, he actually was very cordial to me through the whole process.

  As for the actual interview, I didnt have too many questions to ask because I am familiar with the program, unlike with future interviews where I will have prepared questions I would like to know more about. This was mostly useful for the fact of revealing to me what aspects of my application could be brought up on future interviews- which I now know will include my reasons and time in the masters program, and my board scores.

  Beyond that, I went to noon conference and said hello to some of the other residents who I had worked with, and I skipped out early on the tour portion of the hospital given that I am quite familiar with the layout.

  All in all, this helped to make me feel far more prepared for future interviews. It wasnt as scary as I thought it would be with me sitting there and a good cop/ bad cop interviewing team with spotlights and interrogations. It was also good to have the behind the scenes view hearing one thing about the program from the hospital staff and knowing another from personal experience working there-It helps to remind me that just like me, the programs will be putting their best foot forward even if it means glossing over certain details that could change the other’s mind.

  Thanks for all the good wishes everyone-I will continue to keep you apprised as the process continues.

  • 6:46 pm
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