Interview preparation guide
Asking about mentoring for new residents: residency interview preparation guide
AAMC's education questions ask whether there is a formal mentoring program for new residents and whether faculty serve as mentors.
How to prepare
- 1
Ask whether mentoring is formal
The AAMC list asks whether there is a formal mentoring program for new residents and whether faculty serve as mentors. A named program with assigned mentors is a different answer from an open door.
- 2
Ask how mentoring works in practice
AAMC says to ask administrators and residents for specific examples that give a true understanding of the program. Ask a current resident who their mentor is and how often they meet.
- 3
Note who answers
Some questions are best answered by residents and some by program leaders, according to AAMC. Record the source of each answer so you compare like with like across programs.
A practical exercise
Formal program: [yes or no]. Faculty mentors: [..]. Resident example: [..]. Meeting pattern: [..]. Source: [resident or leader].
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 whether there is a formal mentoring program for new residents and whether faculty serve as mentors.
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
- Treating an open-door remark as a mentoring program.
- Not asking residents whether the program functions.
- Comparing programs without noting who answered.
Check your preparation
- Did I ask whether mentoring is formal?
- Did a resident describe their actual mentor relationship?
- Did I note who answered?
Questions for your practice review
- How are mentors matched with new residents?
- How often do mentors and residents meet?
- Can residents change mentors if the fit is poor?
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 a program leader about the formal structure, then ask residents whether it works.
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.