cpe residency interview questions

If you are looking to gain a residency position in the clinical, professional, or educational track of the medical field, then the residency interview is one of the most important steps in the application process. Preparing for this interview is essential to show your knowledge and experience to the selection committee. Interviewers want to know your motivations and commitment to the field and will ask a variety of questions to determine your readiness. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of residency interview questions that you may encounter, so that you can be well prepared for your interview. We will discuss what these questions may be, how to prepare for them, and other advice on how to best present yourself during the interview. With this information, you can be confident and ready to take on your residency interview and have the best chance of landing your desired position!

CPE Interview with Erica Wiggenhorn

~ Chaplaincy & CPE in NYC Search:

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I thought I would share some guidance because many seminary students are interviewing for summer CPE placements. Although every supervisor/y student approaches interviews differently, this is just my personal opinion. Heed and proceed with caution.

First, the title of the post is a blatant misnomer. There’s no way to ace this. Sorry. That’s the first thing to let go of. Most CPE interviews are unlike any other interview you’ll ever have. I have a colleague who refers to CPE as “Bizzaro World.” When interviewing for most internships and jobs, one tries to be polished and project your best persona. In CPE land, I want to cut through that facade and see your truest self.

The Application

I know it seems super long with lots of essays. It is especially difficult to answer the question, “Give a reasonably full account of your life.” However, reading helps me to picture you and gives me information.

  • Be reflective. This is good practice for the writing you’ll be doing in the program.
  • Be thorough. I don’t want to read a novel (keep it under 5 pages) but if you’re leaving out a major life event, I’m going to wonder about that.
  • Don’t just report the facts. I can tell what year you started seminary by looking at your resume, instead tell me what it was like to make that transition with all your family and friends thinking you’re the craziest person on earth. Throw some feelings in there.
  • Write neatly. If you can submit the application online, do it that way. If not, make sure your first page with your contact info is written legibly. I have a hard time telling handwritten 5’s and 3’s apart. Don’t get me started on 7’s and 1’s.
  • Appear professional. Have a normal email with some semblance of your name. This is an obvious tip that most seminary students people already know. Please do not make me email you at [email protected] or [email protected].
  • The Interview

    If you can conduct interviews at your preferred location, you should. You can schedule a proxy interview at a nearby CPE center if you’re enrolled in school and intend to relocate for the summer.

  • Acknowledge what’s going on. Are you sweating profusely and really nervous? Tell me. Are you confused as to why I’m asking you a particular question? Tell me that too. The interview is good practice for what CPE is like. When you’re in a group, you are going to be encouraged to point these types of things out. If you can be self aware during the interview – bonus points!
  • Give me an actual weakness. People-pleaser and working too much don’t count. I’ll admit I’ve used them and they’re probably great go-to’s in the corporate world. In CPE, it is important to have an idea of your weaknesses, because that may be what you use to craft your learning goals. Admit that you’re afraid of hospitals, confess that you might not be the best listener. I’ll be impressed by your honesty and then we have something to work with in your first unit.
  • Expect to be caught off-guard. At the end of the interview, I usually ask, did you expect to be talking about your relationship with your father/your biggest fears/ your unresolved grief, etc. today? The answer is always No.
  • You’re interviewing me too. While I’ll probably ask the majority of the questions, this time is also to see if you’d want to work with me. There are lots of ACPE Centers with different supervisors. If you’re not sure about working with me, for whatever reason, there are other folks you might learn from/get along with better. You will not hurt my feelings.
  • Good Luck!

    Do you have any additional advice, embarrassing stories, or suggestions?

    Including Sample Answers and Expert Analysis!

    I’ll go over both typical and unexpected residency interview questions in this blog and explain each question’s purpose. I’ll discuss the same techniques we use to prepare our own students for residency interviews. You must get ready for your residency interviews by becoming familiar with these questions, whether you’re a local applicant or an international medical graduate applying to residency positions through CaRMS or ERAS. In this manner, you’ll be able to comprehend how to successfully respond to various types of questions. Additionally, you can further hone your interviewing abilities by practicing with our list of questions.

    Review these questions to make sure you are prepared for whatever is coming your way, whether you are preparing for an ERAS interview or a CaRMS interview.

    Note: Schedule a free strategy call if you’d like our assistance with your applications, interviews, or standardized tests. Visit our partnerships page if you represent a university, company, or student organization and would like to collaborate with us.

    Residency Interview Question #1: What do you do for fun?

    This might be regarded as an odd query during a formal residency interview. I wasn’t surprised by this question in and of itself, but I was taken aback by how frequently interviewers inquired about my interests and hobbies outside of medicine. Although the residency personal statement was read by the program committees, everyone wanted to learn more about me personally and gain more insight into my personal life. This question aims to find out how we make the most of our free time in addition to facilitating a “real-life” conversation between candidates and interviewers. Stress, anxiety, and burnout are major issues in residency and have a significant impact on career satisfaction and longevity. Making the most of your residency and beyond will depend greatly on how you decide to balance and prioritize your personal and professional life. The interviewers were remembered by many of my fellow residents as “the baker,” “the record collector,” or “the girl who hates working out but does it anyway,” as they had met them later in their training. This is also an opportunity for you to express something particularly distinctive about yourself.

    FAQ

    How do I prepare for a residency interview?

    How to prepare for residency interview season
    1. Make sure your personal statement is in good shape. …
    2. Know some of the common questions. …
    3. Practice your interview skills. …
    4. Don’t come in with prepackaged answers. …
    5. Research every program. …
    6. Make the most of the entire interview experience. …
    7. Plan your rotations wisely.

    What is the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 CPE?

    These are terms used by ACPE, Inc. Level I CPE is an entry level with fundamental learning goals. Following Level I, Level II CPE is a higher level of educational objectives and results. Before moving on to Level II, a student must complete the Level I objectives and outcomes.

    What is an extended unit of CPE?

    For clergy, seminary students, and qualified laypeople, the CPE Extended Unit Program is a 24-week part-time course. CPE interns are not salaried or benefited employees of PPMC.

    What is CPE experience?

    CPE is experience-based theological education and pastoral formation for seminarians, clergy, and laypeople of various cultures, ethnic groups, and religious traditions.

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