S01E18 - Employment issues, questions to specifically for residents, and questions to ask yourself

The Myers Hurt Method Podcast

Today I’ll continue the series of questions you need to ask programs with three more areas of focus. Remember that each and every program will have some time for you to ask THEM questions. Not asking anything makes you come across as uninterested, asking something you can look up online makes you look like you didn’t do your homework, and asking good questions can show that you know what you are talking about.

I’ll follow the AAMC document introduced last episode, link in the shownotes, and and cover three new topics. My goal is to explain the logic behind them, and let you know what to expect in an answer.

Employment Issues

• What are the basic resident benefits?
• Is parking a concern for residents at your program?
• Are meals paid for when on call?
• What is your family leave policy?
• Is there reimbursement for educational supplies and books?
• Are moonlighting opportunities available?
• What are the rules for moonlighting?
• How are residents represented at the institution level?

How is the resident member of GMEC selected?

• Is there a union? Is membership mandatory? Are there dues?
• Is there a House Officers Association?

Questions to specifically ask other Residents

• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the program?
• Would you consider the same program if applying again?
• Is there an appropriate balance between service obligations and the educational program?
• Is there enough ancillary support to minimize "scut?"
• What has changed since you came to the program?
• Is the program responsive to suggestions for change?
• How accessible is the faculty?
• Is the relationship with faculty collegial?
• Do the residents get along with one another?
• How do your residents get along with residents in other programs?
• In what activities are you involved outside of the program?
• How does your spouse/significant other like the city/area?

Questions to ask Yourself

Finally, you will likely find yourself facing a decision between one of several programs which are all extremely similar from academic and patient-care standpoints. At this

time, it is very important to consider factors relating to your personal happiness and comfort for the duration of your residency.

• Can I be happy working in this program and with these people?
• Am I confident in the program and the sponsoring institution?
• Are there factors that make this place (city/town/rural area) an attrac

tive place for me to live during my residency? (Factors that you may include are prox

imity to immediate and extended family, happiness of spouse/significant other, housing, cost of living, quality of secondary school system, community opportunities,

and recreational activities.)

Closing:

Unfortunately that’s all the time we have for today’s show. Thanks for listening, hope you enjoyed the content and find it useful.

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