Common Interview Questions in OB GYN Residency: Your Ultimate Guide

Understanding the OB GYN Residency Interview Landscape

OB GYN residency interviews blend traditional academic questions with behavioral, ethical, and patient-centered scenarios. Programs are not just confirming your USMLE scores and grades—they’re trying to predict what kind of resident, colleague, and physician you will be.

Core things faculty are assessing during OB GYN residency interviews:

• Clinical readiness: Can you handle a steep learning curve in labor & delivery, the OR, and clinic?
• Professionalism and resilience: Can you manage stress, long hours, and emotionally charged situations?
• Team fit: Will nurses, co-residents, and attendings want to work with you at 3 a.m. during a Category II fetal heart tracing?
• Communication and empathy: Can you build rapport with diverse patients and navigate sensitive topics (pregnancy loss, contraception, fertility, violence)?
• Commitment to OB GYN: Do you have a clear, authentic reason for choosing this specialty?

Most programs use a semi-structured format, balancing:

• Classic questions like “tell me about yourself”
• Behavioral interview medical questions (“Tell me about a time when…”)
• OB GYN–specific ethical or clinical scenarios
• Space for your questions for the program

Your preparation should mirror this structure. The rest of this guide walks through common question types, strong response frameworks, and OB GYN–specific examples to help you stand out in the obstetrics match.

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Foundational Questions: Setting the Tone

These are almost guaranteed to appear in some form. They often shape the interviewer’s first impression and can frame the entire conversation.

1. “Tell me about yourself.”

This is typically the very first question. It’s not your life story; it’s a positioning statement for your candidacy.

Goal: Provide a 60–90 second, organized overview that connects who you are to why you’re a strong fit for OB GYN residency.

Framework (Past – Present – Future):

1. Past (10–20 seconds)
   Brief background, focusing on key experiences or themes relevant to OB GYN.
2. Present (30–40 seconds)
   Where you are now in training, your main interests, and recent experiences.
3. Future (20–30 seconds)
   Your goals in OB GYN and what you’re looking for in a residency program.

Example answer outline:

“I grew up in a community where access to women’s health care was limited, and that early exposure to disparities and reproductive health shaped my interest in medicine. In medical school at [X], I found myself drawn to rotations where I could combine procedural work with longitudinal patient relationships, and my OB GYN clerkship confirmed that fit—especially on labor & delivery and in family planning clinic.

Currently I’m a fourth-year student completing an OB GYN sub-internship, where I’ve really enjoyed taking increased responsibility: managing triage patients, assisting in cesarean sections, and counseling patients on contraception. I’m particularly interested in health equity and resident education.

Going forward, I’m looking for an OB GYN residency that combines strong surgical training with a commitment to caring for underserved populations and mentoring residents into leadership roles. I see myself as a generalist OB GYN in an academic or safety-net setting where I can teach and advocate for reproductive health access.”

Tips:

• Avoid reciting your CV. Highlight 3–4 defining elements that connect logically.
• Keep it professional; light personal context is fine but don’t spend half your answer on hobbies.
• Practice out loud so it sounds natural, not memorized.

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2. “Why OB GYN?” and “Why our program?”

These are central to any OB GYN residency interview because they directly relate to your commitment to the specialty and the specific program.

“Why OB GYN?”

Programs are wary of applicants who sound like they picked OB GYN by default.

Aim for three components:

1. Exposure: How you discovered OB GYN.
2. Fit: What aspects match your skills and values.
3. Future: How you see your career within OB GYN.

Example elements to include:

• The blend of surgery and continuity clinic
• Being part of key life events (birth, reproductive decisions)
• Advocacy for reproductive rights and women’s health
• Attraction to fast-paced acute care (L&D, emergencies)
• Enjoyment of procedural work (laparoscopy, deliveries, office procedures)

Sample outline:

“OB GYN appeals to me because it blends hands-on surgical care with long-term relationships around some of the most meaningful and complex decisions in a person’s life. I love the intensity and teamwork on labor & delivery, but also value longitudinal clinic visits where I can support patients through contraception choices, pregnancies, and menopause. The strong advocacy component of OB GYN also resonates with me—I want a career at the intersection of clinical care and health equity.”

“Why our program?”

Generic answers are a red flag. Programs expect that you’ve researched them.

Prepare by:

• Reviewing their website (curriculum, tracks, call schedule, research)
• Attending their open house / virtual Q&A if available
• Noting specific features that genuinely matter to you

Be specific about:

• Case volume and surgical exposure (e.g., high-risk obstetrics, MIGS, FPMRS)
• Opportunities in family planning, global health, or health equity
• Resident culture (supportive, diverse, emphasis on wellness)
• Program structure (night float, protected didactics, research time)
• Geography that ties to your personal or professional goals

Example answer snippet:

“I’m especially interested in your strong high-risk obstetrics exposure, including the integrated MFM rotation early in PGY-2, and the opportunity for continuity in the high-risk clinic. I also value your explicit commitment to caring for a racially and socioeconomically diverse patient population, which aligns with my interest in health equity. When I spoke with residents during the pre-interview social, I heard repeatedly that attendings are approachable and invested in teaching in the OR, which is exactly the environment in which I know I learn best.”

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Core Behavioral Interview Questions for OB GYN

The behavioral interview medical format is especially common in OB GYN, where teamwork, communication, and resilience are central. These questions start with phrases like:

• “Tell me about a time when…”
• “Describe a situation where…”
• “Give me an example of…”

Use the STAR method to structure your responses:

• Situation – Brief context
• Task – Your role/responsibility
• Action – What you did (focus here)
• Result – Outcome and what you learned

3. Teamwork and Communication

Examples of common residency interview questions:

• “Tell me about a time you worked on a difficult team.”
• “Describe a time you had a conflict with a colleague or nurse. How did you handle it?”
• “Give an example of when you had to communicate bad news or a difficult message.”

OB GYN–specific scenarios to draw from:

• Coordinating with anesthesia and nursing during an emergency cesarean section.
• Clarifying roles during a busy triage shift.
• Working through a disagreement about induction timing or OR case order.

Sample STAR outline:

Question: “Describe a time you had a conflict with a team member in a clinical setting.”

• Situation:
  On your OB GYN clerkship, a senior resident seemed frustrated when you asked questions during a busy clinic.
• Task:
  Maintain a good learning environment while respecting the clinic’s flow.
• Action:
  You adjusted by writing down non-urgent questions, asked when a good time to review them would be, and checked in with the resident privately, expressing your desire to be helpful and efficient.
• Result:
  The resident appreciated your insight, gave more structured teaching at the end of clinic, and the tension resolved. You learned to calibrate your questioning to the clinical context and to address communication issues early.

Tips:

• Show self-awareness and emotional intelligence, not blame.
• Demonstrate that you can communicate up the hierarchy respectfully.
• Highlight how you maintain patient safety and team function even amid conflict.

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4. Stress, Burnout, and Resilience

OB GYN is emotionally and physically demanding. Programs want to know how you’ll cope.

Common questions:

• “Tell me about a time you were under significant stress. How did you handle it?”
• “Describe a challenging on-call experience.”
• “How do you take care of yourself outside of medicine?”

STRATEGY: Choose an example where the stress is real (e.g., many simultaneous demands, emotionally heavy case) but where your coping strategies are constructive.

Example STAR outline:

Question: “Tell me about a time you were overwhelmed clinically.”

• Situation:
  During your OB GYN sub-I, you were covering triage with multiple patients simultaneously while your resident was scrubbed in the OR.
• Task:
  Prioritize patient safety and appropriate evaluation despite limited resources.
• Action:
  You quickly triaged patients by acuity (e.g., vaginal bleeding, decreased fetal movement, labor checks), called your resident with a concise overview and most concerning patients, and involved the charge nurse for room logistics. You revisited patients at regular intervals to reassess and documented key findings.
• Result:
  All patients were seen safely, your resident appreciated your clear communication, and you debriefed afterward about what went well and what you could do differently. You learned how important structured communication and prioritization are under pressure.

Red flags to avoid:

• Suggesting you never feel stressed.
• Describing only maladaptive coping (e.g., withdrawing, losing your temper).
• Focusing solely on academic stress; OB GYN wants to know how you handle clinical intensity.

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5. Dealing with Mistakes and Feedback

Programs need residents who can recognize and learn from errors.

Common questions:

• “Tell me about a time you made a mistake.”
• “Describe a time you received critical feedback. How did you respond?”
• “What is your biggest weakness?”

Approach:

• Choose a real, but not catastrophic, mistake (e.g., not double-checking labs, incomplete documentation).
• Clearly state what you did wrong, how you fixed it, and what you changed in your practice.
• Show mature, non-defensive acceptance of feedback.

Example STAR outline:

Question: “Tell me about a time you received feedback that was hard to hear.”

• Situation:
  After your first week on L&D, your resident noted that your presentations lacked structure and sometimes buried the main concern.
• Task:
  Improve your communication to better support team decision-making.
• Action:
  You asked for specific examples and requested a template for OB presentations. You practiced outside of rounds, observed how senior residents presented, and asked for follow-up feedback a week later.
• Result:
  Your presentations became more concise and organized, the team could make faster decisions, and you felt more confident. You now actively seek out feedback early in rotations.

When discussing weaknesses:

• Use something that is believable and improvable (e.g., perfectionism, speaking up in large groups, time management).
• Emphasize ongoing strategies and growth, not just the problem itself.

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OB GYN–Specific Clinical and Ethical Questions

OB GYN interviews frequently test your thought process on sensitive clinical and ethical issues. You are not expected to have attending-level knowledge, but you should show that you can reason respectfully and logically.

6. Ethical and Values-Based Questions

Common examples:

• “How would you counsel a patient who requests a procedure you personally disagree with?”
• “What are your thoughts on abortion and how would you care for patients seeking this service?”
• “Describe how you would handle a situation where a partner is dominating the conversation and you are worried about intimate partner violence.”
• “How do you approach caring for transgender or nonbinary patients in an OB GYN setting?”

Key principles:

• Center patient autonomy and evidence-based care.
• Acknowledge complexity and diversity of beliefs.
• Emphasize nonjudgmental, trauma-informed communication.
• Show awareness of confidentiality, safety, and systemic barriers.

Sample framework for abortion-related questions:

“I recognize that abortion is a deeply personal and sometimes polarizing topic, but as a physician my responsibility is to provide evidence-based, patient-centered care within the legal framework of the state in which I practice. I aim to create a nonjudgmental environment where patients can share their values and concerns, receive accurate information about all options, and feel supported in making the decision that’s right for them.

If my personal beliefs ever conflicted with a patient’s request, I would still ensure they receive timely, safe care—either by providing the service if I’m able, or facilitating an appropriate referral without creating barriers or judgment. The patient’s well-being and autonomy must remain at the center.”

For intimate partner violence (IPV) scenarios:

• Ensure privacy (speak with the patient alone).
• Use open, nonjudgmental questions.
• Know that safety planning and resources matter more than “fixing” the situation.
• Understand mandatory reporting laws in your state.

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7. Clinical Scenario Questions

Some interviews include short cases to assess your reasoning and communication.

Common themes for OB GYN:

• Managing a patient in labor with a nonreassuring fetal heart tracing.
• Handling postpartum hemorrhage as part of a team.
• Counseling a patient with an abnormal Pap or STI diagnosis.
• Approach to a pregnant patient with new-onset hypertension.

You are not being tested on exact drug doses; they want to hear your prioritization and communication.

Example structure:

1. Stabilize the patient: Airway, breathing, circulation, vital signs.
2. Gather key data: Focused history, physical exam, relevant labs/imaging.
3. Call for help appropriately: Involve your senior resident/attending and nursing staff early.
4. Communicate with patient/family: Clear, empathetic explanations.
5. Safety and follow-up: Document, hand off appropriately, consider system improvements.

Sample partial answer – postpartum hemorrhage scenario:

“If I encountered a postpartum patient with heavy bleeding, my first priority would be rapid assessment of hemodynamic status—vital signs, mental status, and uterine tone. I would call for help immediately, notifying my senior resident, attending, and the charge nurse. While someone obtains IV access and labs, I would perform a focused exam to assess for uterine atony vs lacerations vs retained products. If atony seems likely, I would begin uterine massage and administer uterotonics per protocol, while preparing for additional interventions as directed by my senior. Throughout, I’d communicate clearly with the patient and team, updating everyone on changes and next steps. After stabilization, I’d want to debrief with the team and review what went well and what could be improved.”

You’re demonstrating that you can think systematically and act as part of a team, even at your current level.

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Program Fit, Professional Identity, and Your Questions

Beyond clinical and behavioral topics, interviews probe who you are as a future colleague and how you fit into the program.

8. Professional Identity & Future Plans

Common questions:

• “Where do you see yourself in 5–10 years?”
• “Are you interested in fellowship? Which one?”
• “What are your strengths as a team member?”
• “How would your classmates or nurses describe you?”

Tips:

• It’s fine to be undecided about fellowship; articulate broad interests (e.g., high-risk OB, MIGS, outpatient generalist).
• Emphasize teachability, reliability, and integrity.
• Use specific examples to back up claims about strengths (e.g., you organized a quality improvement project, led a student group, or developed patient education materials).

Example for “5–10 years”:

“I see myself as a generalist OB GYN in an academic or safety-net setting, combining clinical work with resident and medical student teaching. I’m drawn to high-risk obstetrics but am also curious about MIGS, so I’m open to exploring fellowship depending on my experiences in residency. Regardless of the exact path, I know I want to stay engaged in health equity work and community partnerships.”

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9. Red Flags, Gaps, and Sensitive Topics

If you have:

• A USMLE failure or low score
• A leave of absence
• A failed course or remediation
• A career change or long gap

You may be asked about it directly. Prepare a brief, honest, and forward-looking explanation.

Framework:

1. Acknowledge the issue without defensiveness.
2. Give concise context, not excuses.
3. Emphasize what you changed and how you improved.
4. Highlight evidence of sustained success since then.

Example outline for a failed Step exam:

“During Step 1 preparation, I struggled with time management and burnout, which led to a failed first attempt. I took responsibility for that outcome and worked with faculty advisors to create a structured study plan, incorporate regular self-assessments, and adopt more sustainable routines. On my second attempt, I passed with a comfortable margin, and since then I’ve consistently performed well on clinical rotations and subject exams. The experience taught me to recognize early signs of burnout, seek help sooner, and build more effective study systems, which I’ve carried into my clinical work.”

Programs are less concerned with the existence of a hurdle than with whether you show insight and growth.

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10. Asking Your Own Questions

Your questions to interviewers are part of your evaluation. They reveal your priorities and preparation.

Avoid:

• Questions with answers easily found on the website.
• Overly detailed questions about salary, moonlighting, or vacation on first pass (one or two practical questions are fine, but don’t make it the focus).
• Questions that sound like you’re already negotiating as an attending.

Instead, consider:

• Education and supervision
  • “How do junior residents get graduated responsibility in the OR?”
  • “How is feedback typically provided to residents?”
• Culture and wellness
  • “What qualities do your most successful residents share?”
  • “How does the program support residents during difficult clinical events, like maternal or fetal loss?”
• OB GYN-specific opportunities
  • “How are residents involved in family planning services?”
  • “What kind of exposure do residents have to global health or outreach in this community?”
• Program evolution
  • “How has the program changed in the last few years in response to resident feedback or changes in reproductive health legislation?”

Prepare 5–8 questions total and tailor them to each program.

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Practical Preparation Strategies for the Obstetrics Match

To perform well across all these residency interview questions, especially in OB GYN, structure your preparation.

Build a Personal Story Bank

Create a document with 8–12 experiences you can adapt to different behavioral interview medical questions:

• A time you led a team
• A time you were a team player
• A clinical challenge or complication
• A mistake or near-miss
• A difficult feedback moment
• A challenging patient interaction
• An example of advocacy or working with underserved populations
• An OB GYN–specific moment that confirmed the specialty for you

For each, jot down Situation, Task, Action, Result, and key lessons.

Practice Aloud

• Record yourself answering:
  • “Tell me about yourself”
  • “Why OB GYN?”
  • “Why our program?”
• Do at least 1–2 mock interviews (with a mentor, advisor, or peer).
• Practice Zoom etiquette if your interviews are virtual: background, eye contact, sound, and lighting.

Review OB GYN-Specific Topics

You don’t need to cram like for an exam, but be comfortable discussing:

• Why you chose OB GYN over related fields (e.g., family medicine, surgery).
• Your perspective on reproductive rights and access (appropriate to your legal context).
• Basic approaches to common scenarios (L&D triage, prenatal care counseling, postpartum depression, contraception).

Mind the Fundamentals

• Dress in professional, comfortable attire (suit or equivalent).
• Be on time, or early for virtual log-on.
• Treat everyone (coordinators, residents, staff) with respect.
• Send short, specific thank-you notes after interviews when possible.

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FAQs: Common Interview Questions in Obstetrics & Gynecology

1. What are the most common OB GYN residency interview questions I should be ready for?

You should be solid on:

• “Tell me about yourself.”
• “Why OB GYN?”
• “Why this program?”
• “Tell me about a time you had a conflict with a team member.”
• “Describe a stressful clinical situation and how you handled it.”
• “Tell me about a mistake you made and what you learned.”
• “Where do you see yourself in 5–10 years?”
• At least one ethical or values-based question (often around abortion, contraception, or caring for vulnerable populations).

Having prepared answers and adaptable stories for these will cover most of what you’ll encounter.

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2. How specific should I be when programs ask about fellowship plans?

It’s acceptable to say you’re undecided, as long as you can articulate genuine interests. For example:

“I’m very interested in high-risk obstetrics and could see myself pursuing MFM, but I’m also intrigued by being a generalist in a teaching hospital. I’m looking forward to using residency to clarify that.”

Avoid sounding like you’re locked in to an ultra-specialized path if you haven’t had robust exposure yet, but do share sincere curiosities (MFM, MIGS, Gyn Onc, FPMRS, REI).

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3. How do I handle a question about abortion if I’m worried about saying the ‘wrong’ thing?

Focus on:

• Patient autonomy and safety
• Providing evidence-based, nonjudgmental care
• Working within the legal context of your state
• Ensuring appropriate referral and access if you cannot personally provide a service

Programs understand that applicants come from diverse backgrounds. They’re looking for professionalism, respect, and commitment to patient-centered care, not a specific political statement.

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4. How can I stand out in OB GYN interviews when many applicants have similar metrics?

You differentiate yourself through:

• Clear, authentic motivation for OB GYN tied to concrete experiences.
• Strong, reflective answers to behavioral questions that show insight and growth.
• Knowledge of each program’s features and genuinely tailored “Why us?” responses.
• A professional, grounded presence that suggests you’ll be a reliable, team-oriented resident on L&D and in the OR.
• Thoughtful questions that show you are evaluating fit, not just trying to match anywhere.

If you prepare stories, practice delivery, and connect your values to OB GYN clearly, you’ll present as a memorable, mature candidate in the obstetrics match.