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From the original EM Gurus library

Residency Interview Guidelines

Know your story: Be comfortable with your CV, electives, research, and experiences. The panel will likely ask about them.

1 min read

Before the Interview

  • Know your story: Be comfortable with your CV, electives, research, and experiences. The panel will likely ask about them.

  • Revise your medicine: Be ready to discuss common emergency and ward cases, not just textbook answers but how you would approach them.

  • Understand AKUH: Read about the residency program, its strengths, and why you want to train here.

  • Practice out loud: Mock interviews with a colleague or mentor can really help settle nerves.

How You Present Yourself

  • Dress the part: Professional and neat — first impressions do matter.

  • Body language counts: Sit upright, maintain eye contact, and speak with calm confidence.

  • Be on time: Arriving a few minutes early shows respect and composure.

Inside the Interview Room

  • Answer with structure: Use clear examples (think STAR: Situation, Task, Action, Result).

  • Show who you are: Highlight your teamwork, communication, and resilience — qualities residency demands.

  • Stay genuine: If you don’t know something, it’s okay. Explain how you would think through the problem.

  • Expect ethical questions: They want to see your judgment, not just your knowledge.

  • Commitment check: The panel often asks, “Will you complete your residency at AKUH?” They’re looking for loyalty and long-term dedication. Be clear that you see yourself finishing the journey here.

Topics They Often Explore

  • Your clinical skills and reasoning in emergency/ward settings.

  • Previous experience: Rotations, electives, internship learning points.

  • Exams: Any licensing exams you’ve passed or are preparing for (FCPS, USMLE, PLAB, AMC).

  • Courses and certificates: ACLS, BLS, PALS, ATLS, or other training workshops.

  • Research and teaching: Publications, audits, conferences, teaching roles.

  • Future plans: Where you see yourself in 5–10 years, and how AKUH fits into that vision.

Wrapping Up

  • Say thank you: A simple, respectful thanks to the panel goes a long way.

Contributors

Mohsin Mushtaq

Resident, Emergency Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital