Residency interview answer guide
“What do you see yourself doing in the future?” Residency answer guide
The AAMC list includes several versions of this question: future plans, goals, fellowship and academic or clinical interest. Programs want to know whether their training fits what you hope to do.
How to approach it
- 1
Describe your current direction
Say what you are most interested in now and the experiences behind it. A current interest is a fair answer at this stage.
- 2
Be honest if you are undecided
It is fine to say you are exploring options. Name what you are curious about and how residency could help you decide. Do not invent a fixed plan to sound certain.
- 3
Link it to the program
If a track or opportunity in the program connects to your interest, explain why. Ask how residents explore other interests.
A fill-in outline, not a script
Right now I am most interested in [area] because [experience]. I also want to learn more about [other area] before deciding. I hope residency helps me [specific growth]. In your program, I am interested in [verified feature].
This is an illustrative outline. Replace every bracket with something true from your own experience. The AAMC advises applicants to prepare rather than rehearse, so you can answer the question you are actually asked.
What advisers and program directors say
The AMA's interview guide says that if you hope to subspecialize after residency, you can express that interest thoughtfully. The expert it cites suggests keeping the focus on your ambitions as a soon-to-be resident and showing that you are open-minded about your career options.
Mistakes to avoid
- Giving a rigid ten-year plan that sounds rehearsed.
- Sounding like the program is only a stepping stone to something else.
- Contradicting what you wrote in your application.
- Treating a fellowship or track position as guaranteed.
Check your answer
- Is your answer true even if your plans change?
- Does it show interest in the training itself, not just the next step?
- Is there something you want to learn before deciding?
Follow-up questions to expect
- What would help you decide between those paths?
- Which parts of our program would help most?
- What do you want to avoid in your career?
Common questions
Is it bad to say I am undecided?
Not if you explain what you are exploring. A thoughtful, honest answer usually reads better than false certainty.
Should I say I want academic medicine?
Only if it is true and you can point to experiences that support it, such as teaching or research.
Will saying I want a fellowship hurt me?
Plans for fellowship are a normal thing to discuss. Explain how residency builds toward your goals and show interest in the full training, not just the next step.
Related guides
Sources
- AAMC, Questions Frequently Asked of Applicants During Interviews
- AMA, Guide to interviewing with residency programs
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.