Questions to ask a residency program
Resident teaching responsibilities: questions to ask at a residency interview
Ask how residents teach medical students and other learners, and how the program helps them develop as teachers. Teaching opportunities and teaching support are different questions.
How to explore this topic
- 1
Identify whom residents teach
Ask about students, junior residents and other learners in the relevant setting. Distinguish bedside teaching from planned sessions. Read published descriptions first so the question explores how teaching works rather than repeating the website.
- 2
Ask how residents learn to teach
Ask about preparation, observation and feedback on teaching. Request a general example of support for a first teaching task. Do not infer that clinical knowledge automatically produces effective teaching, or that teaching time is protected because a brochure says teaching is valued.
- 3
Explore the balance with clinical work
Ask how expectations vary across years and rotations and how competing duties are handled. Clarify what is required and what is optional. If you want an education-focused career, explain that genuine interest without promising expertise you have not developed.
A question to adapt
What teaching responsibilities do residents have, and how are they trained and given feedback on teaching students or junior learners?
This is editorial sample wording, not a quotation or a question every applicant must ask. Adapt it to your interests and the information the program already provides.
What the source guidance supports
AAMC's Research Opportunities section also asks about teaching responsibilities, time spent with students and formal training in teaching and feedback.
AAMC recommends specific examples from administrators and residents and honest reflection on your preferences. The wording here is editorial preparation, not a required interview checklist, a compliance assessment or a statement of any program's policies.
Mistakes to avoid
- Confusing a teaching requirement with teacher training.
- Assuming all rotations offer the same opportunities.
- Treating a formal lecture as the only teaching work.
Check what you learned
- Are expected learners and tasks clear?
- Is feedback on teaching described?
- Are optional roles separated from required duties?
Useful follow-up questions
- How are new residents prepared to teach?
- Who observes or reviews teaching?
- How does teaching time fit clinical duties?
Common questions
Can I ask about teacher training?
Yes. AAMC includes formal training to teach effectively and provide feedback in its suggested questions.
Is protected teaching time universal?
Do not assume so. Ask what the phrase means at this program and on the rotations that matter to you.
What if teaching is not my main career goal?
You can still ask what is expected and how residents are supported. Be honest about your interests.
Related guides
Sources
This page is general editorial guidance based on the sources above. It is not a prediction of any program's questions or a statement of its current policies.