General Surgery Residency Interview Guide
Match Stats — NRMP 2024
251
Avg STEP 2 CK
3.5
Avg Publications
1,400
Total Positions
78%
US MD Match Rate
Interview Style
traditional — interviews typically run 20–30 minutes per session, often with multiple faculty members or residents throughout the day.
What General Surgery Programs Look For
Programs seek technically driven, high-stamina candidates who thrive under pressure, make decisive judgments with incomplete information, and maintain composure in the OR. Leadership, accountability, and a clear commitment to operative medicine are paramount.
Key Themes to Prepare
- ·Expect questions about a time you made a difficult intraoperative decision, how you handle sleep deprivation, your approach to informed consent for high-risk procedures, and your 5-year career plan.
- ·Programs probe your tolerance for long hours and your relationship with hierarchy.
- ·Be specific about your operative experience and volume.
Common Question Topics
- ·"Why this specialty?" and commitment evidence
- ·"Why this program?" and program-specific fit
- ·Career goals and fellowship plans
- ·Professionalism and difficult situations
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