Residency Interview Guidelines

• Know your story: Be comfortable with your CV, electives, research, and experiences. The panel will likely ask about them.

• Revise your medicine: Be ready to discuss common emergency and ward cases, not just textbook answers but how you would approach them.

• Understand AKUH: Read about the residency program, its strengths, and why you want to train here.

• Practice out loud: Mock interviews with a colleague or mentor can really help settle nerves.

• Dress the part: Professional and neat — first impressions do matter.

• Body language counts: Sit upright, maintain eye contact, and speak with calm confidence.

• Be on time: Arriving a few minutes early shows respect and composure.

• Answer with structure: Use clear examples (think STAR: Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Show who you are: Highlight your teamwork, communication, and resilience — qualities residency demands.

• Stay genuine: If you don’t know something, it’s okay. Explain how you would think through the problem.

• Expect ethical questions: They want to see your judgment, not just your knowledge.

• Commitment check: The panel often asks, “Will you complete your residency at AKUH?” They’re looking for loyalty and long-term dedication. Be clear that you see yourself finishing the journey here.

• Your clinical skills and reasoning in emergency/ward settings.

• Previous experience: Rotations, electives, internship learning points.

• Exams: Any licensing exams you’ve passed or are preparing for (FCPS, USMLE, PLAB, AMC).

• Courses and certificates: ACLS, BLS, PALS, ATLS, or other training workshops.

• Research and teaching: Publications, audits, conferences, teaching roles.

• Future plans: Where you see yourself in 5–10 years, and how AKUH fits into that vision.

• Say thank you: A simple, respectful thanks to the panel goes a long way.

Mohsin Mushtaq

• mohsinrajput982@gmail.com 

• Resident, Emergency Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital