Residency Advice: Dr. Jeffrey Ponsky | St. George's University

The interview is only a small part of the whole process of selecting residents.

Residency programs want candidates with 'bright eyes and full hearts' - desire and enthusiasm.

Candidates must have passed their USMLE and have good letters of recommendation.

Requesting letters of recommendation from people who will write bad letters is an intelligence test that many candidates fail.

Candidates should only ask reliable people to write letters of recommendation.

During interviews, candidates should make eye contact and look interested in what the interviewer is doing.

Programs want a partner in education - someone who actively engages and participates.

Interviewers want to know that candidates are willing to invest in their own education.

Candidates should give interviewers a plan for their future and a vision for their career.

Candidates should tell interviewers what they want to do and what their dreams are.

A candidate who is 'electric' and engaging can be preferred even if their grades were just OK.

During interviews, candidates should not be shy but also should not be a jerk.

The interview is an important opportunity for candidates.