September 26, 2011
What Goes Around Comes Around
After two weeks of conducting medical school admissions interviews, I will be sitting on the other side of the desk tomorrow. It's my first residency interview! From the applicants I have interviewed thus far, I have learned a tremendous amount about body language, humility, and poise, and I'm looking forward (albeit a little bit anxiously) to tomorrow's opportunity to practice what I preach. I hope this experience will make me an empathetic interviewer and also give me the opportunity to self-assess my own strengths and weaknesses as an interviewee so that I can regroup for my next interviews in October. Updates to come.
September 21, 2011
Theme and Variations
My school's Admissions Committee convened for the first time this week, and what an interesting experience! I am pleased to say that my gut feeling about the applicants I interviewed was nearly identical to that of the other committee members who interviewed the same applicants. That's not to say the process is perfect (it's not!), but it's reassuring to know that my advice to you is on target.
Below are some of the themes that consistently emerged when interviewers discussed interviewees who did not receive the highest marks.
Below are some of the themes that consistently emerged when interviewers discussed interviewees who did not receive the highest marks.
The applicant:
- spoke at a volume that was too loud or soft to comfortably hear.
- was disorganized in the way he or she spoke about experiences well known to him or her.
- was unable to recapitulate concepts that had been eloquently described in the written application.
- passed blame to someone else for low grades in courses, missed opportunities, etc.
- Speak at a comfortable volume. Ask the interviewer if you're unsure.
- Be organized in your discussions, and in particular, be able to fluently discuss your application. (An applicant I interviewed had incredible leadership experiences listed in her application, but when I asked her to describe a time when she had demonstrated leadership, she could not think of an example.)
- Don't ever lay blame in an interview, even if it's true. Past circumstances are a superb way to demonstrate personal growth.
September 18, 2011
Sunday Funny
This is Why We Knock
Once in medical school, you will learn all sorts of reasons why doctors knock on patients' doors before entering their rooms in the hospital, although certainly common courtesy seems the most compelling to me.
Last week, I knocked my a patient's door (a mid-40's female) before entering her room, and when I did not hear a response, I wondered, "Could something be wrong?" I knocked again, paused to listen for a response, and then entered. And there she was, lying in her hospital bed with her hospital-issued gown wide open in the front, no sign of undergarments anywhere, and her boyfriend lying in the bed right next to her!
That is why we knock. Loudly.
Once in medical school, you will learn all sorts of reasons why doctors knock on patients' doors before entering their rooms in the hospital, although certainly common courtesy seems the most compelling to me.
Last week, I knocked my a patient's door (a mid-40's female) before entering her room, and when I did not hear a response, I wondered, "Could something be wrong?" I knocked again, paused to listen for a response, and then entered. And there she was, lying in her hospital bed with her hospital-issued gown wide open in the front, no sign of undergarments anywhere, and her boyfriend lying in the bed right next to her!
That is why we knock. Loudly.
September 16, 2011
The (Body) Linguist
Unfortunately, I am decidedly less enthusiastic about the candidate I interviewed yesterday compared with the young man from Tuesday. After pretty much devouring her written application, I was eager for our conversation but left with a sour taste in my mouth. However, I am going to withhold most details for now because my Admissions Committee meets next week, and I want to determine whether my evaluation of the applicant is similar to that of other Committee members.
For now, my thoughts on body language.
The applicant from Tuesday had some of the best body language I have ever observed. He made excellent eye contact throughout the interview, resisting the temptation to look at the floor or to the windows for inspiration during difficult questions. Similarly, when I responded to his questions, he continued to maintain eye contact and appear sincerely engaged. His hands were folded in his lab or on the armrest of the chair for the entire interview except for his firm, reassuring handshakes at both the beginning and ends of the interview. All of this is worth taking note of and attempting to emulate, although certainly a difficult task. In a similar way, the applicant from Thursday had very appropriate body language when she was speaking. She used her hands somewhat more while talking, but I found this to be tasteful and acceptable because it was appropriate in context. However, during the time when I answered her questions, she became extraordinarily fidgety. It was as if she thought I would be so wrapped up in my own responses that I might not notice her ongoing presence in the room. She fluffed her hair (fairly dramatically), adjusted her glasses, straightened her skirt, etc. It was so distracting! Given her sincerity, I am positive she did not mean to be disrespectful, but I was struck by the suggestion that things she said were important and things I said were simply an obligatory part of the interview.
Be cautious. Body language is too important to put on autopilot. Think about your actions and how they appear. If need be, practice answering questions in front of a mirror or with someone you trust. Become aware of your tendencies. As my grandmother said to my (occasionally bickering) siblings and I siting in the back of her car, "Be still."
For now, my thoughts on body language.
The applicant from Tuesday had some of the best body language I have ever observed. He made excellent eye contact throughout the interview, resisting the temptation to look at the floor or to the windows for inspiration during difficult questions. Similarly, when I responded to his questions, he continued to maintain eye contact and appear sincerely engaged. His hands were folded in his lab or on the armrest of the chair for the entire interview except for his firm, reassuring handshakes at both the beginning and ends of the interview. All of this is worth taking note of and attempting to emulate, although certainly a difficult task. In a similar way, the applicant from Thursday had very appropriate body language when she was speaking. She used her hands somewhat more while talking, but I found this to be tasteful and acceptable because it was appropriate in context. However, during the time when I answered her questions, she became extraordinarily fidgety. It was as if she thought I would be so wrapped up in my own responses that I might not notice her ongoing presence in the room. She fluffed her hair (fairly dramatically), adjusted her glasses, straightened her skirt, etc. It was so distracting! Given her sincerity, I am positive she did not mean to be disrespectful, but I was struck by the suggestion that things she said were important and things I said were simply an obligatory part of the interview.
Be cautious. Body language is too important to put on autopilot. Think about your actions and how they appear. If need be, practice answering questions in front of a mirror or with someone you trust. Become aware of your tendencies. As my grandmother said to my (occasionally bickering) siblings and I siting in the back of her car, "Be still."
September 13, 2011
The Conversationalist
"Interview" is really a misnomer for the conversation that occurs between an applicant and Admissions Committee member. Interview seems to imply that one person is asking the questions, really grilling the other person, while the applicant spitfires rehearsed, trite, and long-winded answers. An interview does not at all describe what transpired between me and the first applicant with whom I spoke today. (Yes, I was scheduled for my first "interview" on Thursday, but a physician interviewer canceled, and I was recruited to take his place.)
Have a conversation with your interviewer. In fact, having a conversation is precisely what my Dean of Admissions instructed interviewers to do - to coax a conversation out of the applicant, to assess the genuineness and spontaneity of his or her answers, and to discern whether the applicant responds to the interviewer's facial expressions and body language, particularly when explaining potentially challenging topics such as research endeavors.
Today's applicant did a fantastic job embodying the conversationalist approach to interviews. I was impressed by his consistent eye contact, lack of fidgeting, and natural intuition regarding my level of interest in the things he described. In truth, the young man I interviewed today was far from the most outstanding applicant with whom I will speak this season, but his poise, sincerity, and articulateness were more than enough to impress me. "Two thumbs up."
Have a conversation with your interviewer. In fact, having a conversation is precisely what my Dean of Admissions instructed interviewers to do - to coax a conversation out of the applicant, to assess the genuineness and spontaneity of his or her answers, and to discern whether the applicant responds to the interviewer's facial expressions and body language, particularly when explaining potentially challenging topics such as research endeavors.
Today's applicant did a fantastic job embodying the conversationalist approach to interviews. I was impressed by his consistent eye contact, lack of fidgeting, and natural intuition regarding my level of interest in the things he described. In truth, the young man I interviewed today was far from the most outstanding applicant with whom I will speak this season, but his poise, sincerity, and articulateness were more than enough to impress me. "Two thumbs up."
September 10, 2011
Start Your Engines
For the most part, I applied to be on my school's admissions committee because of my interest in medical education. Ultimately, I hope to conduct research and teach medical students and residents at a large, academic institution, and as a result, most of my extracurricular activities in medical school have related to medical education in some way - curriculum development task forces, institutional accreditation committees, teaching and tutoring, etc. A year on the admissions committee seemed very consistent with my endeavors and sounded like a fun and educational way to give back to my school. Nonetheless, a portion of my motivation for joining the admissions committee was my desire to get a insider's look at the admissions process. Along with the other student committee members, I met with my school's Dean of Admissions yesterday to discuss the beginning of interview season. I have to tell you, I am absolutely giddy with excitement about the whole process getting underway.
Of course, I cannot share with you the specific rubrics we use to assess applicants or the voting procedures themselves. But, what I can do is continue to provide nuggets of information that will hopefully demystify the process and help you in your pursuit of the right school. Most importantly, what I learned at the meeting yesterday is that there is no "formula" for the perfect applicant. MCAT scores, GPAs, research, extracurriculars, and many other components are intimately interweaved and make each applicant very different. As my Dean of Admissions explained, every applicant we interview is qualified to attend our institution. In fact, about 1,000 of the applicants who don't get interviews are also qualified. Interviews go a long way toward distinguishing candidates, and ultimately the committee's gestalt coupled with some good luck leads to the creation of another diverse and immensely talented group of future physicians.
Stay tuned in. I'm conducting my first applicant interview on Thursday, and I can't wait to share with you what I learn about the process so that I can continue to provide with you honest and reliable advice.
Of course, I cannot share with you the specific rubrics we use to assess applicants or the voting procedures themselves. But, what I can do is continue to provide nuggets of information that will hopefully demystify the process and help you in your pursuit of the right school. Most importantly, what I learned at the meeting yesterday is that there is no "formula" for the perfect applicant. MCAT scores, GPAs, research, extracurriculars, and many other components are intimately interweaved and make each applicant very different. As my Dean of Admissions explained, every applicant we interview is qualified to attend our institution. In fact, about 1,000 of the applicants who don't get interviews are also qualified. Interviews go a long way toward distinguishing candidates, and ultimately the committee's gestalt coupled with some good luck leads to the creation of another diverse and immensely talented group of future physicians.
Stay tuned in. I'm conducting my first applicant interview on Thursday, and I can't wait to share with you what I learn about the process so that I can continue to provide with you honest and reliable advice.
September 5, 2011
Policy Prep
The state of American health care. This is a topic that terrified me when I was in your shoes four years ago (Fall 2007 - the 2008 election was just a year away, and "the health care debate" was all the rage). Even now, after almost four years of studying the health care system, reading about it, attending lectures, and observing as patients and physicians alike navigate though it, I admit to being confused. It is nearly impossible to master this ever-changing system, and luckily no interviewer is going to expect that of you.
That said, some interviewers will be more eager than others to talk shop. It simply can't hurt to have a few comments to contribute. The best way to do this is to keep up with current events. I recommend making a point to spend about 10 minutes each day reading about health care policy in the national paper of your choice. For me, that's the New York Times (click the Health link), but the Wall Street Journal also has great relevant pieces, as do other papers and news outlets with which I'm less familiar. Having an "issue" oriented approach to preparing rather than trying to learn the nitty-gritty of the health care system will prove much more fruitful (and much more fun). While you're at it, you may find interesting articles unrelated to policy but very relevant to the topics discussed on the interview trail. Here and here are two of my recent favorites.
That said, some interviewers will be more eager than others to talk shop. It simply can't hurt to have a few comments to contribute. The best way to do this is to keep up with current events. I recommend making a point to spend about 10 minutes each day reading about health care policy in the national paper of your choice. For me, that's the New York Times (click the Health link), but the Wall Street Journal also has great relevant pieces, as do other papers and news outlets with which I'm less familiar. Having an "issue" oriented approach to preparing rather than trying to learn the nitty-gritty of the health care system will prove much more fruitful (and much more fun). While you're at it, you may find interesting articles unrelated to policy but very relevant to the topics discussed on the interview trail. Here and here are two of my recent favorites.
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