The Medical School Interview – Medfools Book Review

This new gem from Dr Samir Desai and Dr Rajani Katta, The Medical School Interview : Winning Strategies from Admissions Faculty  was published in July 2013 that takes their wining approach from their other books Success on the Wards, and Success in Medical School and builds on this in a really easy to read and informative book for those going thru the medical school interview process. The book is broken down into 13 Chapters, with a “bonus” 14th Chapter that is a teaser on the PreClinical years of medical school which leads into their Success in Medical School book.

The book starts off by describing why we should all care about the medical school interview and why it is a critical piece of your application. If 10 applicants are essentially the same on paper, one or two applicants can really shine with a stellar interview. The writing style is easy to read and includes all kinds of quotes and impactful tidbits based on studies on what kind of applicants turn into good doctors and what kinds of things admissions officers look for (and hate) during interviews.

The authors remind you to have good manners, how to talk about difficult topics (your failed O Chem grade, or that time you withdrew from a required class at the last minute), and how to deal with various interview formats. The book reviews interview formats (ones where reviewers know your file already, or not, and group interviews/panel interviews as well. The book is loaded with example interview questions, and quotes from admissions officers on their pet peeves and even things that the Fool personally hates, like how to avoid the “dead fish” handshake. The book is written logically from Interview Importance, Factors that Matter, Interview Preparation tips, Interview Formats, Interview Day, Pitfalls, Questions, After the Interview, and my Fool favorite The Waitlist. Playing the wait list can be a critically important way to massage your way into a school of your dreams  (and to avoid being a pest.)

From beginning to end this book is a terrific read you can get thru in an afternoon, and you should re-read again. The Fool suggests you read it as you write up your residency essays, and 2 more times before your interviews. Practice some of the sample questions and strategies in advance, perhaps with a friend or colleague.

In summary, you are going to spend more on coffee during these critical interview days than this book, so it is a tiny price to pay even if you can avoid one little pitfall that spells doom because you forgot to have a firm handshake and talk well about your summer vacation when you helped homeless refugees avoid scurvy. This little gem just might get you up on your rank list come Match Day. 2 Thumbs up from the fool! Check it out here : The Medical School Interview : Winning Strategies from Admissions Faculty