Are you gearing up for pediatric residency interviews and nervous about the questions you might be asked? Fear not! Pediatric residency interview questions aren’t meant to be a test—instead, they offer you an opportunity to shine and showcase your strengths that might not appear on your application. 💡
Here are a few common pediatric residency interview questions, plus some tips for how to approach your interview. Let’s dive in!
Why are residency interviews important?
The reason behind doing residency interviews is to allow you to stand out as a candidate. This is your chance to highlight the leadership skills, character, integrity, altruism, generosity, resilience, perseverance, and grit that will make you a wonderful pediatrician.
Additionally, if you had any time off or faced any setbacks, interviews give you an opportunity to discuss your ability to persevere and any activities, extracurriculars, or research you engaged in during hard times.
In short, pediatric residency interview questions give you the opportunity to showcase your strengths, highlight important experiences, and stand out as a candidate.
What are the most common pediatric residency interview questions?
Let’s take a look at some pediatric residency interview questions you can expect to be asked.
First, you should be prepared to answer standard questions you’d come across in any other interview, including (but not limited to) “Can you tell me about yourself?” “Why should we select you over other candidates?” and “What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?”
For practice and guidance answering general residency interview questions, take our FREE guided mock residency interview with a Blueprint residency counselor!
Now, let’s take a look at some more pediatrics-specific interview questions.
1. “Why pediatrics?”
Of course, one of the most common pediatric residency interview questions is, “Why pediatrics?”
To get ready for this question it can be helpful to prepare a “bank” of a few memorable patient encounters or experiences, which will be at your disposal throughout the interview. You can practice these beforehand, but don’t memorize your answers or over-rehearse to the extent that you sound robotic. If you’ve been interested in medicine and pediatrics for a long time (since high school for instance) you can briefly include earlier experiences and activities as well.
In addition, you should be prepared to answer, “Why pediatrics and not other specialties?” In the setting of a growing primary care shortage and historically lower compensation of pediatricians compared to other specialties, this is a particularly important question. (If you’re interested in primary care, be prepared to answer, “Why primary care and not fellowship?”)
2. “Can you tell me about your research?”
Be prepared to discuss your research experiences and your research interests in detail. If you didn’t do research, this can be an opportunity to mention any departments or individuals at the residency program you’d like to work with and why.
Rather than simply summarizing your experiences already included in your application, try and highlight what skills you bring to the table. For example, you could say “Throughout my research project, I gained valuable skills in data analytics, statistical analysis, applying for IRB, and producing a manuscript.”
3. “Why do you feel you would be a good fit for our peds program?”
To answer this question, you should do your research beforehand and review the residency program’s website and social media page.
If possible, try to talk to other residents before your interview to get a better, more personalized sense of the program. If graduates of your medical school matched at programs you’re interested in, reach out to them and see if they’re willing and able to speak with you. Try to get a sense for the values and priorities of the program and see how well you align with them.
4. “Where do you see yourself in this field over the next five, ten, and fifteen years?”
Do you see yourself pursuing a fellowship or perhaps entering academic medicine or pursuing entrepreneurial ventures? Be prepared to discuss your future career goals at length.
Furthermore, be prepared to discuss why this residency program is well-equipped to help you achieve your future aspirations. Do they have a strong match to the fellowships you’re interested in? Do they have robust research funding and opportunities? Do they focus on resident wellness?
5. “Can you tell me about a mistake you made, or a challenge you faced?”
When asked “Can you tell me about a mistake you made, or a challenge you faced?”, remember to focus mainly on the positives. In other words, the strengths and skills you developed as a result of the experience.
If you have any educational gaps on your resume, make sure to briefly describe the reason and focus on any activities or extracurriculars or volunteering that you did during that time.
What are some tips for pediatric residency interviews?
1. Don’t simply summarize your resume.
During the interview, don’t simply reiterate or summarize your resume. Instead, highlight your experiences as well as the qualities and characteristics they showcase.
For instance, if you were president of the Pediatrics Interest Group, instead of simply stating that you were the president, you can highlight how you developed valuable time management, leadership, and organizational skills.
2. Don’t forget to have some questions of your own!
Remember, they’re interviewing you, but in a way, you’re interviewing them as well, so pediatric residency interview questions should go in both directions. Be sure to research all your interviewers beforehand and have specific questions for each of them. If any of their research or clinical work aligns with your interests, this can be a great discussion point.
You can also ask about their own career trajectory, particularly if it aligns with your own individual career aspirations and goals. Try to have at least four or five questions prepared for each of your interviewers.
When it comes time to rank your top pediatrics programs, we’re here to help! Check out this other post on the blog about what to consider when ranking pediatric residency programs 💡
3. Post-it notes can come in handy during a virtual interview.
If your residency interview is virtual, you can place a Post-it next to your camera so you know where to focus your eyes during the interview.
4. Don’t fidget like a kid when answering pediatric residency interview questions!
If your interview is virtual, be sure to sit in a sturdy chair that doesn’t swivel, so you’re less likely to move or fidget when you’re answering questions.
5. Don’t be late.
Lastly, be sure to arrive early for all your interviews. Don’t put yourself in a position where you have to rush to get there on time. And, of course, don’t be late!
Remember, interview questions can be your chance to shine!
Be ready for the pediatric residency interview questions we’ve reviewed here, and you’ll be ahead of the curve. And remember, while it’s normal to be a bit nervous about your interviews, viewing them as opportunities to highlight what you’ve done and explain why you’re going to be a great pediatrician can help you stand out as a candidate.
Best of luck with the interview process!
For more (free!) tips to help you through residency interview season, check out these other posts on the Med School blog!
