Interview preparation guide
Preparing for a panel interview: residency interview preparation guide
Practise answering one question while several people listen. Knowing the number of interviewers helps you prepare, but it does not tell you which person controls the assessment.
How to prepare
- 1
Confirm the format
Check whether the meeting is with one interviewer or several, live or recorded and virtual or in person. Read the names or roles supplied by the program without assuming everyone will attend. AAMC recommends gathering the number of interviewers and interview protocol in advance.
- 2
Answer the person who asked without excluding others
Listen to the complete question and respond clearly. In person, remain aware of the group; virtually, position the camera so your head and shoulders are visible. These are practice suggestions, not fixed rules about where to look every second. Avoid trying to read scoring from facial expressions or job titles.
- 3
Practise interruptions and handovers
Ask peers to take turns posing follow-ups. Pause when someone speaks and clarify which question to address if two prompts overlap. Do not abandon the original question to impress the most senior person. Practise a short, accurate answer that leaves space for the group to continue.
A practical exercise
Practice round: [first interviewer asks], [answer the actual prompt], [second interviewer follows up], [pause and respond], [check whether the original question was completed].
This is an editorial exercise to adapt to your own interview, not a script or a program requirement.
What the source guidance supports
AAMC recommends confirming interviewer numbers, protocol and format, and practising in the expected interview format. The panel exercise is an editorial application.
The exercises and checklists are editorial applications of the cited guidance, not required program procedures or predictions of interview scoring. Follow your actual invitation and program instructions.
Mistakes to avoid
- Assuming the senior person is the only audience.
- Speaking over a follow-up.
- Guessing scores from reactions.
Check your preparation
- Is the expected format clear?
- Can you handle a handover?
- Did you answer the question before adding another example?
Questions for your practice review
- Would you explain that decision?
- What was your role?
- What would you change next time?
Common questions
Is a panel always used?
No. Confirm your own invitation; formats differ.
Should I research interviewer roles?
Use program-supplied and public professional information where useful, without assuming it predicts questions or scoring.
How do I practise?
A peer mock with different people asking follow-ups can test listening and turn-taking. It does not predict the actual panel.
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.