The USMLE Step 2 CK is the second part of the United States Medical Licensure Examination. It comprises a 9-hour-long paper divided into eight blocks of 60 minutes each. The purpose of this examination is to check a candidate’s medical knowledge, skills, and understanding of clinical science.

Although it is not considered to be as tough as Step 1, you still need to prepare well to pass this examination. If you’re preparing for the USMLE Exam Step 2 CK, you must be wondering what a good Step 2 CK score is, what is the passing score for USMLE Step 2 and what is a good USMLE step 2 score?

The structure of the paper

Before you concentrate on what the passing score for USMLE Step 2 CK is, it is important to discuss the structure of the paper at first glance. There are two parts to this exam – the first part consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) while the second part consists of viva and practical assessment of the candidate.

In the first part, you will have to answer approximately 350 questions across a span of nine hours. These questions are divided into eight one-hour sections consisting of 40 to 45 questions each. They mainly relate to clinical science, including surgery, gynecology, pediatrics, obstetrics, and internal medicine. In this part, you will score on a numerical scale similar to the USMLE Step 1 examination.

In the second part, you will need to travel to a testing center and perform a practical diagnosis of patients. Then, there will be a viva by the chief examination officer. The result of this part will be based on the pass or fail model.

When can you expect the results to be out?

After you’ve given your examination, you might get curious about when your results are going to be declared. Generally, it takes around three to four weeks after the examination date for Step 2 CK results to be out. 

The scores for Part 1 of the exam are calculated by the computer based on the number of right answers you chose. However, the result for Part 2 has to be evaluated manually based on your performance in the practical and viva tests.

What is the passing score for USMLE Step 2 CK?

To pass the USMLE Step 2 CK, you will need to score at least 209 out of 300. It means that you will need to get a minimum of two-thirds of the points to achieve a passing score.

As we have mentioned before, there are around 350 MCQs in the paper (although this number can change from one year to the next) but the weightage of every question differs. So, you will need to choose and answer appropriately to achieve the passing threshold score of 209.

What is a good Step 2 CK score?

Although the passing score is 209, your objective should not be to score only the passing marks. Instead, you should look to achieve a good score or at least an above-average score. But for that, you should know what is the average score on USMLE step 2?

It depends on the field you want to get into. If you’re planning to become an orthopedic surgeon, you should aim to score at least 251 or more. Similarly, if you wish to take up psychiatry, you should look to score a minimum of 233.

The final word

Although the highest possible score on the USMLE Step 2 CK is 300, no one has ever achieved that. A score of around 280 is considered the best. However, even if you score something between 240 to 260, you would be able to apply for the field of your choice.

Fellowship and residency are two important  keywords in clinical practice. Medical students can finish their clinical rotations at hospitals and other healthcare settings through a fellowship program. After completing their training, doctors spend their residency working in a hospital or similar healthcare facility. In terms of intent, they are pretty similar. However, other distinctions do exist between the two words. 

Let us evaluate how a fellowship and residency function, their similarities and differences, and what it takes to be a fellow or resident in a hospital or healthcare center.

Fellowship Vs. Residency — Know the Difference

As an aspiring doctor, you must know everything about a residency Vs. fellowship to have a clear idea of your future career path.

• What is fellowship?

In modern clinical practice, a fellowship refers to a training period that prepares the student for independent practice or to become a fully qualified doctor in the future. During this time, they are specially trained by seasoned physicians and work under the direction of a physician-in-chief. 

• What is residency?

The term residency refers to a training phase during which a doctor receives practical training from more seasoned medical professionals while being supervised by a physician-in-chief. The experience prepares them to develop their own practice.

• Program duration

The residency program often lasts longer than a year, while the fellowship program typically lasts two years or fewer. Therefore, despite fellowships being more official and longer than residencies, their purposes and objectives are essentially similar. Both programs occasionally have a maximum duration of four years and aim to prepare doctors for future full-fledged medical training or independent practice. You will be permitted to continue in the same hospital or healthcare facility for more than a year if you decide to become a resident there after your fellowship ends.

• Eligibility requirements

Depending on the kind of program you choose to pursue, fellowship and residency programs have varied eligibility requirements. For instance, fellowship programs demand that you hold both a Ph.D. in your chosen discipline and a medical degree. However, you are typically not required to hold a doctorate or a medical degree to enroll in residency programs. However, they do demand that you have at least one year of specialized training in your chosen subject.

The criteria for entry into a fellowship program are often quite similar to those of medical school. However, you might be qualified to apply for the fellowship program if you have at least one year of residency training.

• The kind of work that fellows and residents can expect

In most fellowship programs, fellows and residents are expected to perform work similar to that of a medical student. For instance, you might need to perform some fundamental laboratory tests or other clinical work. Nevertheless, you will be expected to take on more duties as you advance through your program’s ranks.

Furthermore, compared to fellows and medical students, residents in hospitals or healthcare centers are expected to perform many more tasks. For instance, you might be asked to look after patients, perform surgery, use laboratory equipment, or analyze test data.

• Career possibilities after the program completion

After the program is over, fellows and residents are not promised employment. However, they often have the chance to apply for work at hospitals or other healthcare facilities where their preferred field of expertise is needed. The fellowship program typically allows you to do research that could result in publication. This is good for the long term if you want a more secure job.

On the other hand, residents of a hospital or healthcare institution are typically compelled to work as long as they are qualified to do so. However, after finishing your residency training, you might be able to advance in your program and work toward becoming a professor or researcher.

An Overview of Medical Fellowship Vs. Residency

A medical student must finish two different forms of training: residencies and fellowships. These courses will help you become ready to specialize in a particular branch of medicine, including Radiology, Paediatrics, or Cardiology.

A residency is necessary if a medical student wants to concentrate on a specialty and gain the knowledge and skills needed to treat patients, as opposed to a fellowship, which is needed to enter academia.

Fellowship and residency are two important  keywords in clinical practice. Medical students can finish their clinical rotations at hospitals and other healthcare settings through a fellowship program. After completing their training, doctors spend their residency working in a hospital or similar healthcare facility. In terms of intent, they are pretty similar. However, other distinctions do exist between the two words. 

Let us evaluate how a fellowship and residency function, their similarities and differences, and what it takes to be a fellow or resident in a hospital or healthcare centre.

Fellowship Vs. Residency — Know the Difference

As an aspiring doctor, you must know everything about a residency Vs. fellowship to have a clear idea of your future career path.

• What is fellowship?

In modern clinical practise, a fellowship refers to a training period that prepares the student for independent practice or to become a fully qualified doctor in the future. During this time, they are specially trained by seasoned physicians and work under the direction of a physician-in-chief. 

• What is residency?

The term residency refers to a training phase during which a doctor receives practical training from more seasoned medical professionals while being supervised by a physician-in-chief. The experience prepares them to develop their own practise.

• Program duration

The residency program often lasts longer than a year, while the fellowship program typically lasts two years or fewer. Therefore, despite fellowships being more official and longer than residencies, their purposes and objectives are essentially similar. Both programs occasionally have a maximum duration of four years and aim to prepare doctors for future full-fledged medical training or independent practice. You will be permitted to continue in the same hospital or healthcare facility for more than a year if you decide to become a resident there after your fellowship ends.

• Eligibility requirements

Depending on the kind of program you choose to pursue, fellowship and residency programs have varied eligibility requirements. For instance, fellowship programs demand that you hold both a Ph.D. in your chosen discipline and a medical degree. However, you are typically not required to hold a doctorate or a medical degree to enrol in residency programs. However, they do demand that you have at least one year of specialised training in your chosen subject.

The criteria for entry into a fellowship program are often quite similar to those of medical school. However, you might be qualified to apply for the fellowship program if you have at least one year of residency training.

• The kind of work that fellows and residents can expect

In most fellowship programs, fellows and residents are expected to perform work similar to that of a medical student. For instance, you might need to perform some fundamental laboratory tests or other clinical work. Nevertheless, you will be expected to take on more duties as you advance through your program’s ranks.

Furthermore, compared to fellows and medical students, residents in hospitals or healthcare centres are expected to perform many more tasks. For instance, you might be asked to look after patients, perform surgery, use laboratory equipment, or analyse test data.

• Career possibilities after the program completion

After the program is over, fellows and residents are not promised employment. However, they often have the chance to apply for work at hospitals or other healthcare facilities where their preferred field of expertise is needed. The fellowship program typically allows you to do research that could result in publication. This is good for the long term if you want a more secure job.

On the other hand, residents of a hospital or healthcare institution are typically compelled to work as long as they are qualified to do so. However, after finishing your residency training, you might be able to advance in your program and work toward becoming a professor or researcher.

An Overview of Medical Fellowship Vs. Residency

A medical student must finish two different forms of training: residencies and fellowships. These courses will help you become ready to specialise in a particular branch of medicine, including Radiology, Paediatrics, or Cardiology.

A residency is necessary if a medical student wants to concentrate on a specialty and gain the knowledge and skills needed to treat patients, as opposed to a fellowship, which is needed to enter academia.

There is often a lot of misinterpretation around whether “pre-med” is a real major available in the college course catalogue. To explain it in the simplest way, a pre-med is not really a major. It is more akin to a curriculum or track.

In other words, the pre-med track is a series of core coursework that must be taken to meet the requirements for entrance to a medical school. So, if pre-med is not a major, what should pre-med students major in? Read on to know more.

How to Choose the Best Pre-Med Major?

As an aspiring medical student, choosing pre-med courses may seem challenging. We assure you that following these five steps will help you choose your ideal major.

• Pursue your passion

We cannot emphasize enough that you must choose a major that complements your character and interests. Medical school advisors often spot unique and interesting candidates who can make their student body more diversified and well-rounded. Biology, Neuroscience, and Physiology are just a handful of the many life science degrees you can choose to pursue

Consider exploring your other interests, even if they may lead you down an unconventional career route.

• Complete your pre-med requirements

Most medical schools require you to complete one year or one semester of biology, English, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, or biochemistry.

Taking these classes early on in college will also help you prepare for the MCAT. Many scientific requirements will also satisfy your major’s requirements if you opt for biological sciences. Consult your school counsellor for a list of classes that will satisfy the prerequisites for medical school if you are confused about and wondering ‘what major should I choose for pre-med?’ 

Make sure to verify the prerequisite courses for medical school applicants at the schools you are already interested in as soon as possible.

• Consider a second major or minor

Explore new interests and strengthen your academic application by choosing a second major. You will have a wider range of experiences to showcase on your application, demonstrating to the admissions panel that you can handle a heavy workload.

If choosing a second major is not possible without negatively affecting your grades, consider a minor. Additionally, it may strengthen your application and help you stand out as a candidate. Even if they do not fit the stereotype of a pre-med student, pursue your other academic interests because medical school admissions committees value applicants who stand out from the crowd.

• Use decision-making techniques

If decision-making seems challenging, utilising certain techniques will enable you to choose your pre-med major confidently.

Making wise decisions requires effort, research, and introspection. One of the many significant choices you will have to make on your path to becoming a doctor is selecting your pre-med major.

• Believe in the process

Choosing a major at the onset of college can be daunting. However, this is a journey of self-discovery as you take your time and deeply consider your options to choose a major you genuinely enjoy and are passionate about.

Use your first few semesters to get your medical school prerequisites as listed above out of the way, and do not be afraid to explore various courses to determine what you like and dislike. However, ensure your major is decided by the end of your sophomore year.

What Are the Best Pre-Med Majors in Medical School?

You have access to all of your school’s major field of study possibilities, at least in theory. Nevertheless, most pre-med students choose from a relatively small pool of majors when they think about what is the best major for pre-med? Some of the most sought-after majors that you, too, can choose from are:

• Biological Sciences
• Physical Sciences
• Math and Statistics
• Social Sciences
• Humanities

To conclude, you must choose your major based on these considerations. Do not feel compelled to select a major only because you believe it will ‘look good’ on your application to medical school. Your choice of major does not really matter. In the end, what matters most is how you use your major to demonstrate your competence while applying to medical school.

If you’re a medical student wondering which specialty to choose, one of the things to consider is how long the medical residency in the USA will be. How many years a medical residency is depends on the specialty you choose. Primary care residency programs are the shortest, while surgical residencies are longer. With each year in training, your level of independence and autonomy increases so that by the end of the residency, you are able to practice medicine independently, without supervision. All residency programs offer further training under their respective fellowship program. Give this article a read to find out exactly how many years residency programs take.

Length of Residency by Medical Specialty

In the US, the first year of residency, after graduating from medical school — postgraduate year 1, or simply PGY1 — typically focuses on general clinical acclimation, and residency in a broad field like Internal Medicine or General Surgery. The second year onwards, programs begin to focus more on the specialization.

Residency programs that lead to board certification are called categorical residency programs, while those that are one year and do not lead to board certification are called preliminary or transitional programs. Some programs start training in the second year, and are called advanced positions. However, for such programs, residents must complete a one year transitional program in the first year.

If you plan to pursue fellowship training, bear in mind that it can take an additional 1-3 years after you complete residency.

Here’s an overview of the length of different medical residencies in the US:

• Transitional/Preliminary Year – 1 year
• Family Practice – 3 years
• Internal Medicine – 3 years
• Pediatrics – 3 years
• Anesthesiology – 3 years plus PGY-1 Transitional/Preliminary
• Dermatology – 3 years plus PGY-1 Transitional/Preliminary
• Neurology – 3 years plus PGY-1 Transitional/Preliminary
• Ophthalmology – 3 years plus PGY-1 Transitional/Preliminary
• Physical Medicine – 3 years plus PGY-1 Transitional/Preliminary
• Emergency Medicine – 3-4 years
• Obstetrics-Gynecology – 4 years
• Pathology – 4 years
• Psychiatry – 4 years
• Diagnostic Radiology – 4 years plus PGY-1 Transitional/Preliminary
• Radiation Oncology – 4 years plus PGY-1 Transitional/Preliminary
• General Surgery – 5 years
• Orthopedic Surgery – 5 years (includes 1 year of general surgery)
• Otolaryngology – 5 years (includes 1 year of general surgery)
• Urology – 5 years (includes one year of general surgery)
• Plastic Surgery – 5-6 years (includes 1 year of general surgery)
• Neurological Surgery – 6 years (includes 1 year of general surgery)

Residency Structure By Specialty

The structure of a medical specialty also determines how long a residency is for doctors. Below is an overview of the structure of some common residency programs:

• Anesthesiology

Anesthesiology incorporates multiple subspecialties, such as pharmacology, emergency medicine, and physiology. Anesthesiology residencies last 4 years, with training beginning in the first year of post graduation.

• Cardiac Surgery

Like most surgical specialties, cardiac surgery residency takes several years. Cardiac surgery residency involves 5 years of general surgical training, followed by 3 years of cardiac surgical training. Multiple programs offer an integrated residency involving cardiac and thoracic surgery.

• Family Medicine

Family medicine residencies are typically short in comparison to other specialties. Family medicine programs last 3 years with a basic clinical block in the first year and a possible fourth year for fellowship training.

• Neurology and Neurosurgery

Neurology residency programs usually are 4 years long, with the first year focusing on internal medicine, and the remaining three years focusing on neurology.

Neurosurgery, on the other hand, is one of the longest residency programs. Neurosurgery is a complex field, demanding a lot of focus, knowledge and effort. Residency programs last 6-7 years, with the first two years focusing on general surgery, and the remaining years focusing on specialized rotations. Check with the program director of the hospital to know how your rotations will be spread.

Residencies are highly competitive and intensive. You may be interested in one specialty, but keep in mind the intensity of the program before applying, to avoid burnout. It’s best to check each residency program’s website, and their fellowship programs if available, to see which suits you best.

After completing med school, aspiring doctors have to complete a residency in a specialisation of their choice. Residency involves working in a hospital or clinic under the supervision of attending doctors, gaining actual work experience in the field. Residency helps new doctors gain hands-on experience, from diagnosing to intubating patients, which allows them to apply for a medical license. Once residents earn their license, they can practice medicine independently, without supervision.

After many years of your medical education, you might be wondering when it will all pay off, so you can start repaying loans. You might have even wondered, do doctors get paid during residency? If so, how much do doctors get paid during residency? The short answer is that doctors do get paid. The long answer involves considering other factors, such as job location, specialization and years of experience, among others. In this article, we delve into the factors that affect how much doctors are paid during residency.

How Much Money Do Doctors Make During Residency?

As resident doctors work at entry-level, their salaries are obviously lower than that of more experienced doctors. The starting salary of a resident doctor starts at approximately USD 53,000 per year, and increases by about USD 2000 – USD 3000 every year. The average salary for a resident is around USD 63,000.

What Factors Affect Salaries of Resident Doctors?

How much you get paid during residency depends on multiple factors, such as the training you received, if the hospital you’re working with has generated enough revenue for the year, if the hospital is in a high-rent area, etc.

On average, hospitals in the Northeast of the country pay the highest, followed by hospitals in the West, followed by hospitals in the Midwest, and last of all, hospitals in the South. Although resident salaries are not determined by the state or region, they’re determined by the individual residency program. You can find salary information on each residency program’s website and compare them before applying.

Most residencies pay the same across specialties, unless there’s a specific agreement between a resident and the hospital, which would affect the amount. So you would basically get paid the same amount irrespective of whether you choose a residency in neurosurgery or family medicine.

But if your specialty has many years of training, then your salary as a resident doctor would be higher than those specialties with fewer years for training. Here are some residency specialties and how long the training for each one lasts:

• Neurosurgery – 7 years
• Plastic Surgery – 6 years
• Orthopedic Surgery – 5 years
• General Surgery – 5 years
• Otolaryngology – 5 years
• ENT – 5 years
• Radiation Oncology – 4 years plus PGY-1 transition year
• Diagnostic Radiology – 4 years plus PGY-1 transition year
• Obstetrics/Gynecology – 4 years
• Pathology – 4 years
• Psychiatry – 4 years
• Emergency Medicine – 3-4 years
• Physical Medicine – 3-4 years
• Anesthesiology – 3 years plus PGY-1 transition year
• Dermatology – 3 years plus PGY-1 transition year
• Neurology – 3 years plus PGY-1 transition year
• Ophthalmology – 3 years plus PGY-1 transition year
• Internal Medicine – 3 years
• Family Medicine – 3 years
• Pediatrics – 3 years

Resident Salaries Are Low

Considering the fact that resident doctors spend as much time working as attending doctors, which is around 60 hours per week, and perform all the same duties as doctors, residents are paid quite poorly.

One of the reasons for the low salary of resident doctors is Medicare, which funds the graduate medical education (GME). Medicare was introduced in 1965 to provide funding for residency programs across the country. Over time, this funding was capped by Congress. Although salaries do increase every year, they do not match up with inflation costs. Some hospitals may raise funds through other sources, like fundraising and donations, so they may be able to spare more money for residents’ salaries than hospitals that solely rely on Medicare. Check each hospital’s funding sources before applying.

However, it’s not all bad. Average resident salaries have increased by about USD 8000 between 2015 and 2020. While that’s not an ideal amount, it’s still moving in the right direction. The increase in demand for doctors is expected to speed up the growth of the average salary for residents.

The MCAT administered by the AAMC and the USMLE, sponsored by the FSMB and the NBME, are the most noteworthy exams that aspiring physicians must pass. But what is the difference between USMLE and MCAT? This is a big question for aspiring medical students who are just starting to work on their dream of becoming a doctor.

Difference Between the MCAT and USMLE?

Aspiring medical students must understand the difference between MCAT and USMLE. Let us gain clarity on this by analysing different aspects.

• Definition

The MCAT is a standardised computer-based test that medical school applicants in the US, Canada, Australia, and the Caribbean must pass to enrol.

The USMLE, on the other hand, is a test required for medical licensure in the US and must be passed by doctors who desire to practise medicine in the United States.

• Purpose

The MCAT can be attempted following an undergraduate science-based, pre-med course to assess a student’s preparation for medical school by examining their understanding of scientific principles and concepts under biology, physics, and chemistry.

A student must take the USMLE after being accepted into medical school. It comprises three steps completed at various stages during the physician’s residency and medical schooling, to evaluate their readiness to practise safe medicine in the US.

In contrast to the USMLE, which is taken both during and after medical school, the MCAT is taken before.

• Exam Structure

The MCAT presents MCQs, consisting of four sections scored individually, each having 50 to 60 questions, allotted between 90 to 95 minutes. The exam lasts approximately 7.5 hours, including the break time between sections. 

The USMLE is extremely fragmented as candidates must take it at different points during medical school and residency. The 3-part series includes both computer-based examinations and practical exams. Step 1 is an eight-hour sit-in exam, while Step 2 is a two-part exam. The first component, Clinical Knowledge (CK), is a demanding 9-hour MCQ exam with computer-based case simulations. The second component, the Clinical Skills exam, is a practical test. Lastly, Step 3 is a two-day test comprising both computer-based case scenarios and MCQs.

• Content

The MCAT and the USMLE have very distinct topics covered on the exams. The MCAT’s three main subject areas are reasoning abilities, biological sciences, and physical sciences, including chemistry. Notably, the content does not focus much on medical science.

Contrarily, the USMLE content is heavily focused on medicine. The first step covers subjects including pharmacology, biochemistry, and anatomy. Step 2 CK exam tests candidates’ knowledge of specific medical procedures, such as internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics, paediatrics, and psychiatry. The second component of Step 2, CS, focuses on the aptitude and expertise in obtaining patient data, making a diagnosis, and communicating their results. Step 3 includes questions on pathophysiology, organ systems, patient management, diagnosis, and prognosis.

• Scoring

The overall MCAT score is revealed 30 to 35 days after the exam date and ranges from 472 to 528, with a typical score of 500, which is the sum of the scores from these four sections. Since the MCAT score is intended to compare an applicant’s knowledge to that of other applicants, there is no actual pass or fail score.

On the other hand, a three-digit number is used to represent the USMLE scores for Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3. Step 2 CS is evaluated solely on a pass-fail basis. The student must pass all three of the test’s sub-components in order to continue practising medicine in the US.

• When to Take the Exams

The MCAT must be taken in April or May of the year before one intends to start medical school.

The multiple-step USMLE exam spans the course of the candidate’s medical education. Step 1 is taken upon completing the second year of medical school, while Step 2 is often taken upon completing the fourth year. Step 3 is commonly taken following the physician’s first year of residency.

For those looking forward to pursuing a medical program, understanding the difference between USMLE Vs. MCAT is crucial to making apt preparations and getting good scores.

The National Eligibility cum Admission Examination (NEET) is a nationwide entrance test that all candidates, who want to enrol in an MBBS program or another medical course, must pass.

The answer to the question ‘why NEET exam is needed’ is simple. With a good NEET score, students can gain admission to any medical school in the nation including the most prestigious ones, such as the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER). Moreover, colleges and universities in numerous nations across the globe accept the NEET test score.

Why is NEET important for entering the medical world?

For those who aspire to be part of the medical world, it is crucial to understand why NEET is necessary. Let us observe some factors that make NEET crucial when entering the medical field.

• It is Mandatory test

This medical assessment test is now required for medical institutions before granting admission to any applicant under the National Medical Council Act, 2019.

The National Testing Agency (NTA), an autonomous organization established by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Government of India (GOI), administers the exam. The NEET’s primary eligibility requirements stipulate that applicants must be at least 17 years old when attempting the exam.

Additionally, the students must have a combined grade in physics, chemistry, and biology of at least 50%.

• It provides a uniform knowledge base

Given that the NEET exam is the only exam that allows students to enrol in any medical school or institute around the world, it gives all applicants a common foundation.

Additionally, it gives all students who take the NEET an equal chance to enrol in medical schools across the nation. It supports merit- and rank-based admissions.

As a result, the test, in its unique way, democratizes the medical profession while attempting to eliminate any form of bias.

• It saves time and resources

Other private medical colleges are forbidden by NEET from holding parallel entrance exams that divert students’ time, resources, and effort.

Additionally, it prevents private colleges from taking advantage of students who have failed the exam by offering them paid seats under the guise of direct admission. Moreover, since there is only one registration fee, taking just one exam saves the student money.

• Helps in advance planning

Numerous students take the NEET exam each year. Because of how competitive NEET is, students sometimes start preparing for it years in advance. When it comes to the core preparation, aspiring medical students must have clarity on the fundamentals of physics, chemistry, and biology in order to emerge successful in the NEET examination.

The negative marking policy in the NEET exam deducts points for each incorrect response, which makes it the most dangerous feature of this exam. 

Candidates must improve their speed and attentiveness in addition to their understanding of the concepts in order to complete 180 questions within the allotted three hours.

By giving them a peek into this competitive and challenging industry that necessitates pupils to possess immense grit, patience, and tenacity, the NEET exam indirectly prepares students for life ahead as medical students and professionals.

• Promotes openness and consistency

The NEET exam gives the admission process a dependable framework and regularity. It keeps everything open and transparent, with no secret rules or outside interference.

Therefore, the procedure for enrolling in any government, private, or deemed medical institute or college is uniform and widely known. No one is eligible for admission based on anything other than their NEET rank.

NEET: The Stepping Stone

The only way to fulfill your goal of attending the most prominent universities and becoming a doctor is to pass the NEET exam, one of the most challenging and significant entrance exams for medical students. Although it might seem challenging, there are countless opportunities that arise because of it, which makes the importance of NEET for MBBS quite evident.

Residency is that part of your medical education where you work under the supervision of experienced doctors and gain practical experience in a specialised field of medicine. It takes place after medical school and is essentially additional clinical training in a specialised field of medicine that takes place in a hospital or clinic. 

Getting into a good residency program depends on various factors—an important factor being the residency interview. The interview is important because it allows your potential supervisors to assess your skills and see if you would be a good fit on their team. After all, if they like you, they may hire you full-time in the future after you complete training. Most residency programs have similar interview questions. In this article, we’ll go over some common residency interview questions and how to stand out from other interviewees.

General Medical Residency Interview Questions

• Tell us about yourself.
• Why do you want to be a doctor?
• Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
• What are some of your strengths?
• What are some of your weaknesses?
• What are your hobbies?
• Who is your role model, and why?
• If you couldn’t become a doctor, what career would you choose instead?

Questions About Your Professional Experience

• Why does our residency program interest you specifically?

• Do you have any experience in leadership roles?
• Why did you choose this medical specialty?
• What will be the biggest challenge you will face as a doctor?
• What makes you different from other applicants?

Descriptive Questions

• Describe a difficult situation in the past and how you overcame it.
• Give an example of a time you had to deal with conflicts.
• Describe a time in your past where your efforts were outstanding.
• Describe a situation where you could have performed better.
• How do you think your past experience has shaped you into the kind of doctor you will be?

How to Answer Common Residency Interview Questions

Q: Tell me about yourself.

How to answer: Before going over your medical experience, briefly describe your personal history, such as where you grew up and what your hobbies are, to show the interviewer what makes you unique.

Sample Answer: I grew up in Chicago, Illinois, and am the eldest of four siblings. Growing up in a full household has made me work effectively with all kinds of people. And as the eldest child, I’ve had to be the responsible one, often babysitting my younger brothers and sisters. I feel my childhood has shaped me into an excellent leader, which can be seen in my experience as class president in University.

Q: Why did you choose this specialty?

How to answer: Think about why you chose this specialty and what your personal statement reflects. Also consider your past experience, like what memory or event triggered an interest in this specialty? When you imagine yourself being a doctor in this field, how does it make you feel? What about this field excites you?

Sample Answer: I’ve always loved going to my pediatrician as a kid. He helped me feel at ease, and was great with kids overall. As I got older, I realised the impact a good pediatrician can have on a child’s health. I want to be that doctor who helps make children feel at ease when they visit me. I believe I can have an impact on improving the quality of children’s lives.

Q: What are your strengths and weaknesses?

How to answer: Describing your strengths is the easier part of this question, which is all the more reason why you should be careful how you answer it. Think of specific instances you’ve performed well and the skills you possess that helped you perform well. This allows you to back your answer with strong evidence.

Talking about your weaknesses is the trickier part of this question. Identifying a weakness that won’t hinder your chances of bagging the opportunity is key. It’s okay to talk about a weakness or an instance you failed in, but make sure to cover it up with how you’ve learned from it and are working on turning it into a strength.

Sample Answer: One of my strengths is the ability to work under pressure. In the second semester of med school, I was working on a group project when one of the group members suddenly fell sick. While it would’ve been easier to ask for an extension on the deadline, I took up the additional responsibility of finishing what my group member was supposed to do. I remained calm and methodically finished the tasks. I believe that my ability to keep my composure under stress helped me and my teammates score well on that group project.

One of my weaknesses is that I struggle to say ‘no’. I love helping people and sometimes that makes it hard to say ‘no’ when I’m asked for help, and I end up taking on more than I can handle. I’m trying to fix this by giving people who need my help a realistic timeline of when I’ll be able to help them with the task, rather than immediately offering to help.

Q: Describe your working style with patients.

How to answer: Interacting with patients is an essential part of being a doctor. It’s important to be patient and clear when communicating with your patients. Think about the ways in which you have interacted with patients in the past and how they responded to you. You can also think about the times you’ve noticed a doctor talking to a patient and the patient’s reaction. Was the doctor being clear and empathetic? Did the patient feel comforted or confident in the doctor’s abilities? You can also support your answer with examples from your past.

Sample Answer: I believe I can communicate effectively and patiently which allows me to interact with patients well. As an empathetic doctor, I can provide the reassurance and confidence that patients seek in doctors. During my clinical rotations, I worked with a patient who had a complicated medical issue. I explained to them their condition and the treatment options in detail. When the treatment was over, the patient came and thanked me personally for being so kind and answering all their questions clearly.

Q: Why do you want to join our residency program?

How to answer: List out reasons why you think you’d fit into the program well, as well as reasons why you applied to the program in the first place. Also think about why you chose this program. Was it the doctor you get to work under? Was it the opportunities the hospital has to offer? Does the hospital require someone like you?

Sample Answer: What got my attention about this program is the hospital’s focus on research. As a person interested in research, I believe this program provides me with the opportunity to be at the forefront of the latest developments in medicine. My experience with lab research in medical school makes me a strong candidate for this program.

Tips for Nailing the Residency Interview

Research the program thoroughly before your interview. Knowing the values and vision of the institution will help you tailor your answer for each program.

Do mock interviews with a peer or a mentor. Don’t be afraid to ask your professor to ask you interview questions and help you with your answers.

At the end of the interview, don’t hesitate to ask the interviewer questions. You can ask questions about specific opportunities, or ask them advice on navigating residency. It’s also okay to ask them to give anecdotes about their experience as a resident.

Don’t forget to send a thank-you email to the interviewer. It’s always nice to thank them for their time and show them that you’re grateful for meeting them.