Interview preparation guide
Asking about supervision and autonomy progression: residency interview preparation guide
AAMC's clinical-duties questions ask what structure for supervision is in place, whether residents feel there is an appropriate balance between independence and supervision, and how autonomy changes as residents progress.
How to prepare
- 1
Ask for the supervision structure
The AAMC list asks what type of structure for supervision is in place. Ask it directly, then ask how the structure looks on a typical day and night, and request a specific example as AAMC recommends.
- 2
Ask how autonomy grows by year
The same list asks how the resident's autonomy changes as they progress through the program. Ask for a year-by-year example so you can see the progression rather than hear a slogan.
- 3
Ask residents about the balance
The list asks whether residents express an appropriate balance between independence and supervision. AAMC says some questions are best answered by residents, so put this one to residents and note who said what.
A practical exercise
Supervision structure: [..]. Day and night example: [..]. Autonomy by year: [..]. Resident view: [..]. 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 clinical-duties questions cover the supervision structure, the balance between independence and supervision and how autonomy changes as residents progress.
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 graded responsibility as a complete answer.
- Not asking how supervision changes at night.
- Skipping the resident view of the balance.
Check your preparation
- Did I get a concrete supervision structure?
- Did I hear a year-by-year autonomy example?
- Did residents describe the balance themselves?
Questions for your practice review
- Who supervises first-year residents day to day?
- How does autonomy change from first to final year?
- Do residents feel they can reach a supervisor at night?
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 supervision structure, then ask residents about the balance they experience.
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.