Interview Trail 2005

Hey Kids,

Thought it might be about time to kick this topic off for the new season, albeit a bit early, just so we didn't forget about this board.

Below is my (helpful?) take on the Emory interview, which I did not b/c I am in any way, shape, or form awesome, but b/c I was down here on a rotation and they interview rotators while they're here.

Emory
As stated, my interview was bundled in with my rotation, so the actual interview days will by necessity be different. I did hear them discussing their 2 interview date plans, which will be dinner one day, followed by interviews and tours the next. The residents are excited for the food.


I could not imagine more laid-back interviews. As a rotator, you get to pick attendings to talk to and I think you can pick as many as you want. There was no set date or time. Many were 5 minute talks in scrubs between cases. The only questions asked were those getting-to-know-you types about where you were from, what your interests (in and out of ortho) are. Then, they just made themselves available to answer any questions you may have.

I would guess the formal interview days would be run in a similar manner as these are great folks with a very approachable manner. The only "secret" or "tip" is that the residents here have a great deal of pull in the process, so you interaction with them is of obvious importance.

Okay y'all. Good luck to us all, and see you on the trail (I hope).

-Grizzle-

Grizz -

Thanks for gettting this topic going...have you heard anything about Rush?..goodluck and hope to see you all on the trail.

J

The only thing I heard about the Rush interview is that there is supposed to be some sort of film (xr, mri, ct) that we are supposed to interpret. It is supposedly basic (what view, what dx?, etc).

that's all I "know"

Can't imagine it's helpful, but I couldn't hold out on y'all when I have such primo, first-class, killer, insider information like that. (In case self-deprecating sarcasm is lost in this medium, that was a joke)

-Grizzle-

p.s. J, check your pm

Grizz -

Apreciate the help brother - I am sure everyone does as well.

Let us know how it works out for you.

P.S. Check your PM

J

last year i was aksed to interpret a hip film for the chairman, and the spine guy threw me a vertebra and asked my which one it was, within 1 or two

that was it for pimping at rush

So, just had my Rochester interview and thought folks who are interviewing on the other 2 dates might like some heads up. I hope other folks who were there will correct me if they feel I'm wrong on anything.

1) As you know they put interviewers up in a hotel in town which is strong work on their part (other programs take notice). They ferried all of us to a restaurant and fed us a pretty good meal w/ drinks and we got to meet each other and some of the residents (mostly chiefs, b/c many were at an AO course this wknd).

2) the next AM, we all packed the short bus again and went to their outpatient place. Very nice set-up. Continental breakfast, breathmints, etc. Welcome speech from Their PD and from the Department chair. Very friendly and balanced sales pitch.

3) each of us had 3 interviews w/ attendings and 1 chief res all selected randomly. If you apply for the research slot, they make sure one of the people is a researcher. All interviews were mild to medium intensity getting-to-know-you affairs. Typical questions: strengths/weaknesses; tell me about yourself; why Rochester (i.e.--are you actually seriously considering moving to the tundra, or are we a safety?)

4) this was then followed by lunch at the nursing school and a hospital tour.

TAke home points: Very strong and well-rounded program with depth in all subspecialties (except joints, though this will be changing soon). Great facilities (Rochester has more money than God and ortho dominates the hospital). Strong research. FAmily-friendly program, with understanding dept chair, good schools, low cost of living.

These folks present a very fair and compelling case. They are justifiably proud of their program and are appreciative of your time and effort in coming out to see them. Other programs could learn a lot from the respect and courtesy they show to us lowly med students.

Comments? Questions?
-Grizzle-