Ranking Programs

I've only done 2 interviews so far, and I am already continuously thinking about pros/cons of each particular program.  It is difficult because outside of the actual environment and teaching of the hospital there are other things to consider such as family, significant other, and lifestyle.

Residency Interview

First off all, it's just exciting to be in the position to have one interview, especially with the uncertainty of whether there were even any interview spots available by the time I applied.   I was fortunate enough to get 5 interviews, all in California, after I ended up applying to 36 family medicine programs.

This past week, I had two interviews, two days apart.  Both places seemed like programs that prepared their residents well. They both seemed great and similar on paper, but they both had a different "feel." Throughout my short interview trail, I've been hearing "gut feeling" as a term used to describe where a resident choose to work at. I've been starting to understand what they mean by gut feeling, as one program just seemed like a better fit for me despite both programs appealing in similar ways.

During my first interview, I made the mistake of leaving to the destination to arrive 10 minutes early.  The night before, I was sure to iron and lay out my clothes, but I still left a little later than planned.  I ended up making a wrong turn, despite directions from my GPS, and had issues finding the main lobby.  This accumulated in me arriving just in time for interview.  I was further delayed by these sweet elderly women volunteers who took a while to print my nametag.  My poker face was not up to par, as one of them stated, I know you guys think we're inefficient old women.  (She must have saw a look of concern on my face, because of my late arrival.)  I assured her that was not the case and was preoccupied about being late to the interview.  In retrospect I should have left at least 30 minutes before.

The actual interview went well. I had a great time discussing the program with the residents and program directors. The interviews were much more laid back than I was expecting.  Not many difficult questions, just a question about a time I had overcome a failure.  Mainly, it was just us two having a discussion and getting to know each other better.  After interviews, we had lunch with the resident, this is usually a way to get more informatoin about lifestyle, the city, and how well you would fit in with the group. We were then taken on a tour of the city and to the local clinic.  The interview was really fun, but also tiring, probably from the anxiety and anticipation of what the interview is going to be like and how well they will like you.