Interview preparation guide
Asking about orientation for incoming residents: residency interview preparation guide
AAMC's resident-written education questions open with whether there is an orientation program for incoming residents. Ask what it covers so your first weeks are structured, not guesswork.
How to prepare
- 1
Ask the question in its plainest form
The AAMC education list begins by asking whether there is an orientation program for incoming residents. Ask it that way first, then follow with a request for a recent example. The AAMC page says to ask administrators and residents for specific examples that give a true understanding of the program.
- 2
Ask what the first weeks contain
Once you know orientation exists, ask what it covers in practice. Request an example schedule or a recent account from a current resident so you can compare programs on what actually happens, not on a label.
- 3
Write down answers per program
Record who answered and what they said. Some questions are best answered by residents and some by program leaders, according to AAMC, so note the source of each answer before you compare programs.
A practical exercise
Question: [..]. Asked of: [resident or leader]. Orientation exists: [yes or no]. Example given: [..]. First-week content: [..]. Follow-up needed: [..].
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 begin with whether there is an orientation program for incoming residents.
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
- Asking only whether orientation exists, which invites a one-word answer.
- Comparing answers from different roles as if they were equivalent.
- Treating one resident's account as formal policy.
Check your preparation
- Did I ask for a recent example?
- Did I ask what the first weeks actually contain?
- Did I note who answered?
Questions for your practice review
- What does the first week look like for a new resident?
- Who runs orientation, faculty or senior residents?
- Are new residents paired with anyone during orientation?
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 coordinator or leader whether orientation exists, then ask residents what it actually covered.
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.