Essential Questions DO Graduates Must Ask for Vascular Surgery Residency

As a DO graduate applying to vascular surgery, the questions you ask programs can significantly shape how you are perceived—and how well you understand whether a program is truly right for you. Especially in a competitive field like vascular surgery, and as a DO graduate navigating the osteopathic residency match landscape, your questions should be intentional, specific, and strategic.

Below is a comprehensive guide to what to ask, how to ask it, and why it matters—with an emphasis on the unique considerations for a DO graduate pursuing an integrated vascular program.

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Understanding Your Goals as a DO Graduate in Vascular Surgery

Before you can decide what to ask residency programs, you need clarity on what you want and what you need as a DO graduate entering a highly specialized surgical discipline.

Unique considerations for DO graduates

As a DO graduate, you may be wondering:

• Will programs truly consider a DO candidate competitively?
• Are there current DO residents or vascular faculty in the program?
• How do they view COMLEX vs USMLE?
• Will you get fair access to cases, mentorship, and fellowships?

Your questions during interviews, meet-and-greets, and virtual sessions are one of the best tools you have to assess whether a program is genuinely supportive of osteopathic graduates—or simply “open” in theory.

Clarifying your priorities

Before interview season, list your top 8–10 priorities. For vascular surgery applicants, these often include:

• Case volume & complexity (open, endovascular, hybrid)
• Operative autonomy and graduated responsibility
• Training in both open and endovascular techniques
• Program culture and resident wellness in a demanding specialty
• Support for DO graduates (mentorship, leadership roles, fellowship prospects)
• Research and academic development
• Board pass rates and graduate outcomes
• Geography, call schedule, and lifestyle

The questions below are organized to help you explore these priorities. You will not ask all of them at every program—but you should have a curated subset ready for each stakeholder (program director, faculty, residents, and sometimes coordinators).

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Core Questions Every DO Applicant Should Ask Vascular Surgery Programs

These are foundational questions you should try to cover in some form at most programs, either on interview day or during pre-/post-interview conversations.

1. Program director–level questions (high-yield and strategic)

When you think about what to ask the program director, focus on bigger-picture issues: philosophy of training, DO support, and resident development. These are not yes/no questions; they invite thoughtful, revealing responses.

High-yield questions to ask the program director:

1. “How do DO graduates typically integrate into your vascular surgery program?”

   • Follow-up:
     • “Do you currently have or have you recently trained any DO residents in your integrated vascular program?”
     • “Have there been DO graduates in leadership roles or who’ve gone on to strong fellowships or academic positions?”

2. “What qualities are you most looking for in a vascular surgery resident, and how do you help residents develop those during training?”

   • This helps you understand what the program truly values: technical skill, independence, academic productivity, professionalism, etc.

3. “How do you envision the balance between open and endovascular exposure evolving over the next 5–10 years here?”

   • Signals your long-term thinking and interest in the direction of vascular surgery.

4. “Can you describe how operative autonomy is granted and advanced across the years of the integrated vascular program?”

   • Follow-up: “By PGY-3 or PGY-4, what kinds of cases are residents typically leading?”

5. “How do you support residents who are interested in academic careers versus those who are more clinically focused?”

   • Shows you’re thinking about career paths and want institutional support either way.

6. “What changes or improvements are you hoping to make in the program over the next few years?”

   • A powerful way to learn about weaknesses and growth areas, without directly asking, “What’s wrong with the program?”

7. “How do you see DO graduates fitting into the evolving landscape of vascular surgery and your program in particular?”

   • This directly probes their philosophy on DO graduates without sounding defensive.

Why these questions work:
These are not generic interview questions for them; they show you care about how training actually works, how DO graduates are treated, and how the program is evolving. Program directors recognize thoughtful questions as a sign of maturity and genuine interest.

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2. Questions for vascular surgery faculty

Faculty can give detailed insight into case mix, teaching style, and expectations. This is where you dig into the actual experience of being a vascular trainee.

Faculty-focused questions to ask:

1. “What distinguishes your vascular surgery graduates technically compared with those from other programs?”

   • Follow-up: “Are there specific procedures or skills your graduates are particularly strong in?”

2. “Could you describe a typical week on the vascular service for an integrated resident at different levels (early vs senior)?”

   • You want to hear about OR time, clinic time, endovascular lab exposure, and consults.

3. “How do you involve residents in complex endovascular and hybrid cases?”

   • Follow-up: “At what level of training do residents typically start performing wire and catheter work independently?”

4. “How are DO residents, if present, integrated into cases and teaching compared with MD residents?”

   • If they’ve had DO residents, you can ask: “Has there been any difference in expectations or performance for DO versus MD residents?”

5. “What are your expectations for residents in terms of preoperative planning and postoperative follow-up?”

   • Helps you gauge how much responsibility residents have in patient continuity and decision-making.

6. “How does the program handle feedback and remediation when a resident is struggling, whether technically or academically?”

   • Shows that you care about support and growth, not just performance.

7. “What current or upcoming vascular technologies or trials is your group most excited about, and how are residents involved?”

   • Demonstrates academic curiosity and interest in innovation.

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Resident-Focused Questions: Culture, Workload, and Real-Life Training

Residents will give you the most honest and practical insight into whether a program is truly a good fit—especially for a DO graduate. This is where you ask the questions you might not want to pose to the program director.

1. Questions about culture and how DO graduates are treated

1. “Are there any current or former DO residents in the integrated vascular program or the broader surgery department? How have they been received?”

   • Follow-up: “Have you noticed any differences, positive or negative, in how DOs are treated or evaluated?”

2. “How approachable are the vascular attendings when it comes to asking questions or admitting you don’t know something?”

   • A critical soft factor in high-stakes surgical training.

3. “Do you feel the program is genuinely supportive of residents with different backgrounds and training pathways?”

   • You’re indirectly asking whether DOs, IMGs, or non-traditional residents are welcomed.

4. “Is there transparency and fairness in case assignment, or are there favorites?”

   • This can matter a lot in a small subspecialty like vascular surgery, where a few high-volume cases make a big difference.

2. Questions about workload, call, and lifestyle

1. “Can you walk me through a typical day on vascular for an early trainee and then for a more senior resident?”

   • You want concrete details: pre-round times, number of cases, clinic hours, consults, post-op management.

2. “How is call structured for the integrated vascular residents—home vs in-house, frequency, and intensity?”

   • Follow-up:
     • “How often are you in the OR overnight?”
     • “How manageable is post-call fatigue?”

3. “Do you feel the workload is sustainable long term, especially during the heaviest rotations?”

   • Listen carefully for hesitations or evasive answers.

4. “How does the program respond when residents are overwhelmed—have schedules ever been adjusted, or support added?”

   • This reveals how administration responds under stress, which is critical in vascular surgery with its emergencies and high acuity.

3. Questions about autonomy, education, and case volume

1. “Do you feel you’re getting enough open vascular experience in addition to endovascular?”

   • Follow-up: “Are there particular open cases that you wish you saw more or less of?”

2. “Are there any vascular procedures that you feel underexposed to compared with your peers at other programs?”

   • This helps you spot important gaps (e.g., complex aortic work vs peripheral).

3. “How often are you the primary operator versus first assistant in major cases by your senior years?”

   • You’re trying to understand true operative autonomy.

4. “How protected is your didactic or simulation time, realistically?”

   • Ask: “How often does conference or sim get canceled for service needs?”

5. “Have recent graduates felt prepared to practice independently or start a vascular surgery fellowship (for traditional track residents)?”

   • Gives you a resident’s-eye view of the graduate outcomes.

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Questions Specific to the Integrated Vascular Program Structure

As a DO graduate, you may be entering directly into an integrated vascular program (0+5) rather than the traditional fellowship route (5+2). This adds some unique issues you should explicitly explore.

1. Early training years: general surgery vs vascular exposure

1. “How are the first two to three years of the integrated vascular program structured between general surgery and vascular?”

   • Follow-up: “Roughly what percent of time is on vascular versus non-vascular rotations in PGY-1 to PGY-3?”

2. “Do you feel the early exposure to vascular is sufficient to build interest and skills, or is it heavily general surgery at first?”

   • Ask this both to leadership and current integrated residents.

3. “Are there specific rotations designed to build skills valuable for vascular surgery (e.g., ICU, cardiothoracic, interventional radiology)?”

   • Shows you understand how complementary rotations can enhance vascular skills.

2. Endovascular versus open training balance

1. “What is the approximate breakdown of open versus endovascular cases in your program, and is that shifting over time?”

   • Listen for whether they still preserve strong open training despite rising endovascular volume.

2. “How is ultrasound-guided access, wire skills, and catheter work specifically taught and evaluated?”

   • You want a structured, not incidental, approach to endovascular skills.

3. “Do residents get hands-on experience with newer technologies (e.g., branched/fenestrated devices, advanced peripheral interventions, embolization)?”

   • Shows your interest in staying current with the field.

3. Research, academic development, and DO-specific support

1. “What research opportunities are available in vascular surgery, and how early can integrated residents get involved?”

   • Follow-up: “Are DOs equally supported in securing research mentorship and protected time?”

2. “Are there formal expectations for presentations at regional or national vascular meetings?”

   • You’re asking about the academic culture and support for CV-building.

3. “Do you offer or support dedicated research time, and how have past residents used it?”

   • Clarify whether it’s optional or expected, and how it impacts graduation timing.

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Evaluating Program Fit: Subtle Questions That Reveal a Lot

Not all your questions need to be direct. Some of the best interview questions for them are open-ended prompts that let programs reveal their values and weaknesses.

1. Questions that expose hidden strengths and weaknesses

1. “If you could change one thing about your vascular surgery program, what would it be?”

   • Ask residents, faculty, and leadership separately. Compare answers.

2. “What do you think is the most challenging part of training here, and what kind of resident tends to struggle?”

   • Helps you decide if you’d thrive or burn out in their environment.

3. “How has the program responded to recent feedback from residents?”

   • Look for concrete examples: change in call, didactics, or case distribution.

4. “What are you most proud of about your residents or your program?”

   • This reveals what the institution truly values (research, operative skill, resilience, collegiality).

2. Questions that help you compare programs objectively

As a DO graduate comparing multiple vascular programs across the osteopathic residency match and NRMP, it helps to ask the same question everywhere:

• “Where do your graduates typically go after finishing—academic positions, community practice, or additional fellowships?”
• “What are your board pass rates over the past 5–10 years?”
• “Do graduates feel confident in both open and endovascular skill sets?”
• “How many cases do graduating residents log on average, and how does that break down by case type?”

Ask these consistently and track answers in a spreadsheet. This turns vague impressions into concrete comparisons.

3. Questions to clarify DO-specific concerns

1. “For DO residents, how have you handled COMLEX and USMLE requirements, if any, for credentialing or fellowship applications?”
2. “Have DO graduates from your institution had any difficulty with licensure, credentialing, or job placement?”
3. “Is there any formal or informal mentoring available specifically for DO graduates entering academic or competitive career paths?”

These questions are especially relevant if your long-term goals include leadership, academic vascular surgery, or practicing in institutions that may historically favor MD training.

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How to Ask Questions Strategically (and Avoid Common Mistakes)

Good questions help you stand out; poorly framed ones can unintentionally hurt your impression.

1. Prioritize depth over quantity

• Aim for 3–5 strong questions for each major interaction (program director, faculty, residents).
• Avoid firing off a rapid list; instead, ask one question, listen carefully, then ask a thoughtful follow-up.

2. Avoid easily Googleable questions

Don’t waste valuable time asking things clearly stated on the website (e.g., “How many residents are in each class?”). Instead, reference that information and expand:

• “I saw on your website that you have one integrated vascular position per year. How has that affected call coverage and case distribution among residents?”

This shows you’ve done your homework and are aiming for deeper understanding.

3. Don’t lead with compensation, vacation, or moonlighting

These are reasonable topics, but early in the conversation you want to emphasize education, culture, and training quality. Ask about lifestyle and benefits later in the day or in a resident-only setting.

4. Tailor questions for each stakeholder

• Program director: Vision, philosophy, strategy, DO support, outcomes.
• Faculty: Case mix, teaching style, technical development.
• Residents: Culture, workload, real-life experience, how DOs are treated.
• Coordinator (if appropriate): Logistics, rotation scheduling, onboarding concerns.

5. Take notes and debrief after each interview day

Immediately after the day ends, jot down:

• 3 things you liked about the program
• 3 things that worried you
• 1–2 quotes or key answers that stood out

This will be invaluable when creating your rank list and comparing integrated vascular programs weeks later.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. As a DO graduate, should I ask directly whether the program has taken DOs before?

Yes—but frame it thoughtfully. For example:

• “Have you had DO residents in your vascular or general surgery programs, and how have they done here?”
• “As a DO graduate, I’m interested in how your program supports residents from diverse training backgrounds.”

This opens the door for an honest answer without sounding defensive or insecure.

2. Is it appropriate to ask interview questions for them about case numbers and outcomes?

Absolutely. Case volume and graduate outcomes are central to evaluating a vascular surgery residency. You might say:

• “What is the average case volume for recent graduates, and how balanced is that between open and endovascular?”
• “Where have your recent graduates gone, and what feedback have they given about how well they were prepared?”

Programs expect serious applicants—especially in a technical field like vascular—to ask these questions.

3. What if programs seem uncomfortable when I ask about DO support?

Pay attention to discomfort. Some mild hesitation may simply mean they haven’t had many DOs yet. But if answers are vague or dismissive (e.g., “We treat everyone the same, I don’t really know”), that might be a red flag. Balance that against other factors: if they sound genuinely open and interested in recruiting DOs but lack experience, that may still be a good fit.

4. How many questions should I ask each interviewer?

For a typical 15–20 minute interview:

• Plan on 2–4 strong questions plus follow-ups.
• Leave time for conversation rather than rushing through a script.

Quality matters far more than sheer number. Well-chosen, thoughtful questions about the integrated vascular program, DO integration, and operative training will leave a stronger impression than a long list of generic queries.

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By planning your questions ahead of time—and tailoring them for your unique position as a DO graduate pursuing the vascular surgery residency match—you transform the interview from a one-sided evaluation into a genuine, two-way conversation. That approach not only helps you assess programs more accurately; it also signals that you are exactly the kind of thoughtful, self-directed trainee vascular surgery programs want to train.