Medical Student Ratings of a Mock Interview Program: Preparing for Success in the Match℠

Abstract

The imbalance resulting from an increasing number of medical school graduates combined with a relatively stable number of residency spots is creating a challenge for U.S. medical students attempting to secure postgraduate residency training. This trend increases the stakes for medical students in their applications to residency training programs and places much higher importance on performing effectively during residency interviews. With little to no formal training in interviewing skills, U.S. medical school graduates may be ill prepared to face challenges presented during both formal and informal residency interviews. In order to better prepare fourth-year medical students at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, faculty mentors constructed and implemented a comprehensive residency interview practice performance initiative entitled BMock Interviews^. The mentors enlisted available faculty from within the learning communities to conduct these interviews and provide immediate feedback to students in advance of their actual residency interviews.Collected data show that this program has been progressively well received and quite successful in helping students achieve an increased level of perceived preparedness in their residency interviews. Requiring minimal cost and little infrastructure, and utilizing available resources within most medical schools, this program appears to serve as a logical next step in the training of medical students for securing postgraduate residency spots.