Evelyn V.Gopez M.D. Professor of Pathology Assistant Dean Office

Evelyn V. Gopez M.D.
Professor of Pathology
Associate Dean, School of Medicine
Inclusion and Outreach
Medical School Applicant
Interview
Do’s and Don’ts
Goals
• Be Prepared!
• Be Confident!
• Be Yourself!
Be Prepared!
Mock Interviews
• Prepare for questions
– Know your application
– Rehearse your answers
• Prepare your interview outfit
– Wear IT!
• Sit in it
• Stand in it
• Walk in it
Before You Arrive
• Make sure they have received your:
– Personal Statement
– References
– Transcripts
• Make sure you know:
– Where to go
– Where to park
– Name and Number of a contact person
Personal Statement
Present information in chronological order
Why do you want to be a doctor?
What do you know about medicine?
•
Include personal experiences
How have you explored your interest in
medicine?
What unique qualities would help you succeed?
Have at least 3 people read your 1st draft
(at least one physician)
Personal Statement Checklist
• Have as many people critique it as possible
(especially physicians)
• List information in chronological order
• Be original and specific –
• Include personal experiences, activities, and
inspirations
Social Media
• .
Appearance
Hair “Don’ts” for Men
Hair “Do’s” for Men
Hair “Don’ts” for Women
Hair “Do’s” for Women
Make-up Errors
(Keep It Simple!)
Apparel
Don’ts For Men
Do’s for Men
Don’ts for Women
Do’s For Women
Appearance Check List
• For Men:
For Women:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Neat hair away from face
Low–med heel, close-toed shoes
Neutral stockings
Simple jewelry
No low-cut blouses
light make up
Well-groomed hair (long hair tied back)
Good, polished shoes
Dark, coordinating socks
No flashy jewelry
Solid white or light-colored shirt
Coordinated tie
For Everyone:
• Remove piercings (1 earring in each ear ok)
• Pay close attention to personal hygiene!
The Bottom Line
• Stand out from the crowd.
• BE YOURSELF.
• Be your BEST self.
The night before the interview
Too late for last minute #@*#&%$*#
Do NOT go out partying!
Make sure your wardrobe is ready
Relax..Relax..RELAX!
Get a good night’s sleep
Night Before Checklist
•
•
•
•
•
•
It is too late to worry.
Relax!
Don’t party
Prepare your wardrobe and documents
Get a good night’s sleep
Set the alarm. Set 2 alarms. (just in case).
INTERVIEW DAY
Have a good breakfast
Scrupulous Personal Hygiene
Take a GOOD look in the Mirror
Leave plenty of time to arrive
• .
“On time” = 15 minutes early
Take Everyone Seriously
• Medical students are often asked to interview
applicants.
• Their opinions count.
• EVERYONE is watching and listening, including:
– Other students
– Office staff
– Escorts
Before the interview Checklist
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Eat a good breakfast
Pay careful attention to hygiene & wardrobe
Check yourself in a full length mirror
Know where you are going and where to park
Leave plenty of time to arrive
Plan on being 10-15 minutes early
Have confident body language
THE INTERVIEW
Be Prepared
Stand until the interviewer sits
or asks you to sit
Shaking hands
(optional)
.
Don’t make comments about the office or
personal effects of the interviewer
Be Confident – NOT Arrogant
Be sincere in your answers
Be prepared to discuss what you’ve
written in your application
– Research
– shadowing
– other meaningful experiences
– Be enthusiastic – not over-eager
– Be positive – not desperate
– Be memorable
– Be YOURSELF
NO BAD LANGUAGE!!!!
Challenge Questions
Used to discover your thought processes –
There are
NO RIGHT OR WRONG ANSWERS
ASK QUESTIONS:
• Show the interviewer you are interested.
• Ask about:
– The school
– Board pass rates
– Residency positions
– Community service activities
– Research opportunities
Leaving
• Leave on a positive note
Lasting Impression
• Make eye contact
• Shake hands
• Say “Thank You” to everyone!
It’s OVER!
Congratulations!
Now What?
•
•
•
•
•
What did you learn?
How will you answer in the future?
How did you feel in your clothes?
What worked? What didn’t?
How can you improve “you”?
FOLLOW UP
Website:
• WWW.MEDICINE.UTAH.EDU/OUTREACH