Interview preparation guide
Asking about the call schedule: residency interview preparation guide
AAMC's resident-written question list asks about the general call schedule and supervision. Ask for specifics so you can compare programs on the same terms.
How to prepare
- 1
Ask the question in its plainest form
The AAMC list asks, "What is the general call schedule?" Ask it that way, 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
Pair call with coverage and balance
The same list asks about provisions for back-up or sick call coverage, whether residents feel service and education are balanced, and whether they are involved in too much non-educational activity. Ask these next so one answer is not read in isolation.
- 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]. Example given: [..]. Coverage answer: [..]. Balance answer: [..]. 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 resident-written list includes the general call schedule, back-up or sick-call coverage and supervision among its clinical-duties questions.
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 call is "heavy", 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 also ask about coverage and balance?
- Did I note who answered?
Questions for your practice review
- What does a typical call week look like?
- How is sick call covered?
- How do residents describe the balance between service and education?
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. Use faculty and residents for different parts of the answer.
Can this tell me how many calls I will take?
No. Only the program can tell you its schedule. Ask for the current one in writing if you need it.
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.