For many years, the format of the CaRMS interview has been similar for all medical residency training programs, except that with some specialties opt to longer interviews and larger interview panels.
However, in many cases, the traditional medical interview has been supplemented or replaced with other mechanisms for selecting candidates.
In general, interviews are carried out in an educational setting based within a Hospital, University buildings or Medical Practice.
The traditional medical interview
This is the type of interview that many senior doctors will be familiar with. The interview typically involves a panel of interviewers asking a series of questions, with all candidates being asked similar questions.
Interviews may last anything from 15 minutes to 1 hour. Shorter interviews generally occur with smaller interview panels.
Competency-based assessments
The idea of using different selection tools, other than the traditional interview, to select doctors has gained widespread acceptance. Competency-based assessments have been implemented in the selection for many Family Medicine Residency Training Programs across Canada.
Assessments are designed to test various competencies, with an emphasis on generic skills rather than the candidate's clinical knowledge or past experience.
The interview (selection) panel
You can expect the following people to be present at the interview day:
- Program coordinator
- Program director
- Postgraduate office staff
- Specialty training committee members
- Staff physicians from training locations
- Resident doctors in the Training Program
- Nurse visiting member