Interview preparation guide
Asking about resident teaching responsibilities: residency interview preparation guide
AAMC's list asks what teaching responsibilities for medical students are expected of residents, how much time per week is spent with students, whether that time is protected and whether residents get formal training in teaching.
How to prepare
- 1
Ask what teaching is expected
The AAMC list asks what teaching responsibilities for medical students are expected of residents and how much time per week is spent with students. Ask for the expected load, not just whether teaching happens.
- 2
Ask whether teaching time is protected
The same list asks whether teaching time is protected. Ask what protected means on a busy service, and ask for a specific example, which AAMC says gives a true understanding of the program.
- 3
Ask about training to teach
The list also asks whether there is formal training for residents on how to teach students and other learners effectively and how to provide feedback. Ask it if teaching matters to you, and note who answers.
A practical exercise
Expected teaching: [..]. Hours per week: [..]. Protected: [..]. Training to teach: [..]. 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 research questions cover teaching responsibilities for medical students, time per week with students, whether that time is protected and formal training on how to teach and give feedback.
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 residents teach, which invites a one-word answer.
- Not asking whether teaching time survives busy rotations.
- Skipping the training question when you want teaching skills.
Check your preparation
- Did I get an expected time figure?
- Did I ask whether the time is protected?
- Did I ask about formal training in teaching?
Questions for your practice review
- How many hours a week do residents teach?
- Is teaching time protected on busy services?
- Is there a workshop or course on teaching?
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 expectations, then ask residents what the load feels like.
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.