While making it through medical school is a major accomplishment, the journey is not over just yet. The next step is matching with a residency program. This process is often just as complex as applying to medical school, but knowing what these programs are looking for can make a big difference. Here are some ways that can help you enter your interviews with confidence.
Know What You Want
Before you are ready for CARMS Residency Matching, you need to decide what you are looking to get out of your residency program. Know what you want your subspecialty to be, and find a program that fits your needs. Be ready to show your interviewer that you have a set path in mind. This will help show that you are decisive, which can be a highly attractive quality in candidates. Just because you know which program you want to go to doesn't mean that you will necessarily end up there. Keep an open mind and interview at numerous different programs. This can potentially increase your chances of being matched.
Be Prepared
The old saying practice makes perfect comes into play here. Speak to people who have been through this process before and find out what kind of questions you may be asked. Have answers prepared for as many questions as possible. Do practice interviews with a classmate. The more you practice saying your responses aloud, the better off you will be in the interview.
Do Your Research
It is important to research the program you are interviewing for ahead of time. This helps to show that you have a real interest in doing your residency there. When you are answering questions, try mentioning ways that you would be a good match for their program. Be as specific as possible to show that you've done your research. Lastly, have a list of questions ready for them as well. Just make sure that the questions you ask are not already listed on their website.
As you've probably realized by now, preparation is key. In order to get the results that you want, you'll have to put in quite a bit of work, but remember that it will pay off in the long run. Don't stress yourself out too much during this time. Reach out to people who have been through this before and ask them for help. Once you get through this you'll be one step closer to achieving your dream of being a doctor.