Most residency programs offer an online event to get to know the residents around the time of the interview. Make every effort to attend! Some programs offer multiple opportunities. You may attend as many as you want (and they allow), but you should absolutely go at least once, and once is probably enough.
This is a great opportunity to interact with residents away from the residency leadership! Often, they will have icebreaker activities or games. Be an active participant and have fun! Try to have casual and genuine conversations.
Most interviewers and the residents are truly interested in getting to know you, so be yourself! Show interest in the other person and be sure to listen.
Remember:
- Conversations are bidirectional! You can ask the residents real and hard questions about their program. During all interactions with a residency program, treat everyone you encounter as though they are a rank-list decision-maker. This includes coordinators, program leadership, and residents—everyone!
- The Golden Rule and treat others how you want to be treated. They all likely have a voice in the final rank-list decisions!
