Preparing Residents for Fellowship: A Novel Mock Interview Program

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Graduate Medical Education
• Surgical Training

Background:

• High-stakes interviews are crucial for residents securing competitive fellowships.
• Formalized programs to enhance fellowship interviewing skills are scarce.
• Previous research indicates mock interviews benefit medical students and professionals, but less is known about residents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of a mock interview program on resident confidence for fellowship interviews.
• To prepare residents for common fellowship interview questions and scenarios.
• To evaluate the feasibility and resident perceptions of a mock interview program.

Main Methods:

• A voluntary mock interview program was implemented for 103 internal medicine residents over three years.
• Faculty interviewers used a standardized tool and provided feedback on communication, professionalism, and virtual interview readiness.
• Resident surveys were used to gather perceptions of the program's effectiveness.

Main Results:

• 96% of residents pursuing fellowship enrolled in the program.
• 51% of participants completed a survey, with 92% finding the mock interviews helpful or confidence-boosting.
• The program demonstrated feasibility with dedicated interviewer time and standardized processes.

Conclusions:

• Residents perceived the mock interview program as effective preparation for fellowship interviews.
• The program is feasible, sustainable, adaptable, and scalable for broader adoption in graduate medical education.
• Mock interviews can enhance resident preparedness during critical career junctures.