Interview preparation guide
Asking about informal learning opportunities: residency interview preparation guide
AAMC's education questions ask what informal learning opportunities exist, such as bedside rounds, alongside the formal curriculum. Ask for examples so the teaching that happens outside conference is visible.
How to prepare
- 1
Ask the question in its plainest form
The AAMC education list asks what the informal learning opportunities are, and names bedside rounds as an example. Ask it that way first, then follow with a request for a recent example, since AAMC says specific examples give a true understanding of the program.
- 2
Ask what happens on a normal ward day
Informal teaching is easiest to judge through a typical day. Ask a resident to describe who teaches at the bedside, how often it happens on a normal week and whether it survives busy stretches.
- 3
Compare like with like across programs
Write each answer down the same way so you can compare programs later. A named example from a resident is worth more than a general claim that teaching happens on rounds.
A practical exercise
Informal learning example: [activity], led by [who], about [how often]. Resident account: [..]. Survives busy weeks: [yes or no, with example].
This is an editorial exercise to adapt to your own interview, not a script or a program requirement.
What the source guidance supports
AAMC's education questions ask what informal learning opportunities exist, such as bedside rounds, alongside the formal curriculum. Ask for examples so the teaching that happens outside conference is visible.
The exercises and checklists are editorial applications of the cited guidance, not required program procedures or predictions of interview outcomes. Costs and formats vary by program, so follow your actual invitation and school guidance.
Mistakes to avoid
- Accepting a general claim without a recent example.
- Asking only about conferences and missing bedside teaching.
- Comparing a named example from one program with a slogan from another.
Check your preparation
- Did I ask the question plainly?
- Did I get a recent, specific example?
- Did a resident describe a normal ward week?
Questions for your practice review
- What informal learning opportunities exist, such as bedside rounds?
- Can you give a recent example from this month?
- Does informal teaching continue on busy weeks?
Common questions
Is this an official list of required questions?
No. AAMC describes it as a list created by residents and students to help you assess fit, and says to build your own more specific questions from it.
Who should I ask?
AAMC says some questions are best answered by residents in the program. Ask residents what informal teaching actually happens on their wards, and ask a program leader how the formal and informal parts fit together.
Is this current for the 2027 ERAS season?
AAMC publishes this question list as current guidance for applicants interviewing in the 2027 ERAS season. Program answers change year to year, so ask each program for its own current answer.
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.