Essential Questions to Ask Family Medicine Residency Programs as an IMG

Why Your Questions Matter as an IMG in Family Medicine

As an international medical graduate (IMG), the questions you ask programs can be as influential as the answers you give. In a competitive FM match, especially as an IMG, you are not just being evaluated—you are also evaluating whether a family medicine residency is the right fit for your training needs, visa status, career goals, and personal life.

This IMG residency guide focuses specifically on questions to ask residency programs as an IMG applying to family medicine residency. You will also find targeted phrasing for what to ask the program director, residents, and coordinators, and examples of strategic “interview questions for them” that demonstrate insight, maturity, and genuine interest.

Your goals with good questions are to:

• Show you understand family medicine as a specialty and its training requirements
• Signal that you have done your homework on the program
• Clarify how the program supports IMGs (clinically, culturally, and logistically)
• Gather information you can use later for rank list decisions

Think of this as a practical, structured list you can adapt to your own style and background.

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Strategy: How to Plan Your Questions as an IMG

Before listing specific questions, it helps to understand the strategy behind them.

1. Prepare Different Question “Buckets”

Organize your questions into categories so you can pull the right ones for each person you meet:

• For the Program Director (PD): Vision, outcomes, expectations, support for IMGs
• For Faculty: Teaching style, supervision, evaluation, clinical experience
• For Residents: Culture, workload, wellness, real-life experience, red flags
• For Program Coordinator / Admin: Logistics, visas, onboarding, schedules
• For Interview Social / Informal Settings: Lifestyle, housing, community, intangible culture

2. Avoid Questions You Could Answer by Reading the Website

You should not ask: “How long is your residency?” or “Do you have an ICU rotation?” if this is clearly posted on their website or in FREIDA. That makes you look unprepared.

Instead, ask deeper follow-up questions that show you already know the basics:

• “I saw on your website that residents spend three months in the ICU. How does that ICU exposure help prepare graduates for working in smaller community hospitals after residency?”

3. Tailor Questions to Your IMG Experience

As an international medical graduate, you may have unique concerns:

• Visa sponsorship (J-1, H-1B)
• Transition to U.S. healthcare system
• Step exam timing, CS replacement/clinical skills exposure
• Cultural and communication adaptation
• Distance from family and support systems

It is appropriate to ask directly about these—professionally and concisely.

4. Balance Insightful Questions With Professionalism

Avoid:

• Questions that sound entitled (e.g., “How soon can I moonlight and make more money?” during an initial conversation)
• Questions that seem like you haven’t researched U.S. training basics
• Aggressive or confrontational wording

Aim for curious, respectful, and informed.

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High-Yield Questions for Program Directors (PD) and Leadership

This is the most important audience for your questions. PDs pay close attention to what you ask—your questions can reveal judgment, maturity, and seriousness. When thinking about what to ask program director specifically, focus on:

• Program vision and philosophy
• Outcomes and career preparation
• Support for IMGs and academic growth
• Expectations of residents

Below are example questions you can adapt.

A. Questions About Program Mission, Culture, and Vision

These help you understand if you and the program are philosophically aligned.

• “How would you describe the type of resident who thrives in your program?”
• “What qualities do you value most in your residents, especially in a community-focused family medicine program?”
• “How do you see this program evolving over the next 3–5 years?”
• “What are you most proud of about this program?”
• “What changes have you implemented recently in response to resident feedback?”

These questions show that you care about long-term fit and that you value program growth and feedback.

B. Questions About Training Quality and Outcomes

Family medicine training can vary widely. Ask how well the program prepares residents for independent practice and board certification.

• “Where do most of your graduates practice after residency—community clinics, hospital-based positions, academic settings, or fellowships?”
• “How does the program prepare residents for outpatient continuity practice, including panel management and chronic disease care?”
• “Can you describe how procedural training is structured—especially for common family medicine procedures (e.g., joint injections, skin procedures, IUDs, prenatal ultrasound)?”
• “How does your curriculum support residents who might be interested in leadership, teaching, or academic careers?”
• “What support do residents receive when preparing for the ABFM boards?”

C. IMG-Specific Questions for PDs

These are particularly important in an IMG residency guide. Phrase them respectfully and clearly:

• “As an international medical graduate, I am interested in how the program supports IMGs in transitioning to the U.S. healthcare system. Are there any specific orientations, mentorship, or structured feedback opportunities for IMGs?”
• “Approximately what percentage of your residents are IMGs, and how has their performance and success been within the program?”
• “How have IMGs historically performed on board exams and in securing jobs or fellowships after graduation?”
• “What qualities do you look for in IMGs that you’ve found predict success in this program?”

D. Questions on Supervision, Autonomy, and Evaluation

You need enough supervision early, with growing autonomy as you progress.

• “How is autonomy balanced with supervision across the three years of training?”
• “How do you identify and support residents who may be struggling—clinically, academically, or personally?”
• “Can you describe the formal evaluation system—who evaluates residents and how often is feedback provided?”
• “What structures are in place if a resident is having difficulty with communication or documentation, especially if they are new to the U.S. system?”

E. Visa and Contract-Related Questions (PD or Coordinator)

Visa issues can be sensitive. In most U.S. programs, it is acceptable to ask neutrally and directly:

• “Does your program currently sponsor J-1 and/or H-1B visas for residents?”
• “Are there any limits or additional requirements for IMGs related to visas that I should be aware of?”
• “Have there been any recent changes in your institution’s policy regarding IMG or visa sponsorship?”

If you’re speaking with the PD and they seem unsure, they may refer you to the program coordinator or GME office for precise details.

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Smart Questions for Residents: Reality, Culture, and Red Flags

Residents are the best source for honest, practical information about what it is really like. Use this time well. These are among the most important interview questions for them.

A. Questions About Culture and Support

You want to know if you will be supported—clinically, emotionally, and personally.

• “How would you describe the culture among residents here—collaborative, competitive, more independent?”
• “Do you feel comfortable approaching faculty and leadership when you have concerns?”
• “As an IMG, did you feel supported during your transition? If not an IMG, have you seen how the program supports IMGs?”
• “Can you share a time when you or a co-resident needed help (personal or academic)? How did the program respond?”

Pay attention to their tone and body language. Hesitation or vague answers may be subtle red flags.

B. Questions on Workload, Schedule, and Lifestyle

You must understand the day-to-day realities of the program.

• “What does a typical day on inpatient family medicine look like for an intern? How many patients do you usually carry?”
• “How often are you on call or on night float, and how manageable is it?”
• “How does the program handle duty hours—do you usually leave on time?”
• “How is the outpatient continuity clinic schedule balanced with inpatient and other rotations?”
• “How much time do you realistically have for studying, research, and personal life?”

If every resident appears exhausted or evasive, consider it an important signal.

C. Questions on Teaching, Feedback, and Faculty Engagement

You want strong teaching and accessible faculty.

• “How involved are the attendings in teaching on rounds and in clinic?”
• “Do you receive regular, actionable feedback on your performance?”
• “Are morning reports and didactics protected time, or are you often pulled away for clinical duties?”
• “How approachable are faculty when you have clinical questions?”

D. Questions About IMG Integration and Diversity

As an IMG, diversity and inclusion affect both your experience and future success.

• “How diverse is the resident group in terms of background, training, and culture?”
• “Have you seen IMGs succeed and take on leadership roles in this program?”
• “Do you feel that residents from different backgrounds are treated fairly and with respect?”
• “Are there specific mentors for IMGs or first-generation physicians?”

E. Questions on Life Outside the Hospital

Residency is demanding, but you still live in the city/community.

• “What is it like to live in this area—cost of living, safety, things to do?”
• “Where do most residents live? Do people live close to the hospital?”
• “Do residents spend time together outside of work?”
• “What are some challenges of living here as someone who might be far from family or support systems?”

These questions help you imagine your real life, not just your work life.

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Practical Questions for Faculty and Program Coordinators

Faculty and coordinators provide critical operational and academic details that influence your experience in the FM match.

A. Questions for Teaching Faculty

Faculty can help you understand rotation quality, clinical exposure, and mentorship.

• “On your service, how do you typically involve residents in decision-making for patient care?”
• “What opportunities are there for residents to teach medical students, especially IMGs who may not have had that exposure before?”
• “How do you see residents grow from PGY-1 to PGY-3 in this program?”
• “Are there opportunities for residents to participate in quality improvement or population health projects?”
• “Do you have any specific advice for IMGs entering U.S. family medicine residency for the first time?”

These demonstrate maturity and interest in growth, not just survival.

B. Questions for Program Coordinators and Administrative Staff

Coordinators are insightfully placed between residents and leadership. Keep your questions respectful and focused.

• “What are the main logistical challenges new residents typically face when they start, especially IMGs?”
• “How does the program support new residents with onboarding—EMR training, hospital policies, credentialing?”
• “For IMGs, what timeline should we expect regarding visa processing and arrival?”
• “What are the typical vacation policies and how easy is it to schedule time off for important family events?”

You may also ask tactical questions after you match (rather than at interview), but during interview season it is fine to clarify essentials like visas and onboarding.

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Specialty-Specific: Family Medicine Questions You Should Not Skip

Because you are applying to family medicine residency, show that you understand what makes FM unique: continuity of care, outpatient experience, preventive medicine, and broad-scope practice.

These are high-yield questions that signal insight into family medicine:

A. Continuity Clinic and Outpatient Training

• “How is continuity clinic structured across the three years—panel sizes, patient mix, and progression of responsibility?”
• “What proportion of training time is spent in outpatient versus inpatient settings?”
• “How does the program support residents who want to practice full-spectrum family medicine, including maternity care and hospital work?”
• “What kinds of community clinics or FQHCs do residents rotate through, and what patient populations do they serve?”

B. Obstetrics, Pediatrics, and Women’s Health

If you are interested (or want to keep options open), ask:

• “What is the level of OB exposure here—prenatal care, deliveries, postpartum care?”
• “How many deliveries do residents typically perform by graduation? Are there opportunities for those who want more OB experience?”
• “How is pediatric experience integrated—both inpatient and outpatient?”
• “What procedures in women’s health (e.g., IUD, Nexplanon, colposcopy) do residents become comfortable performing?”

C. Community Medicine, Underserved Care, and Population Health

Family medicine is deeply tied to community health.

• “What kinds of community outreach or population health initiatives are residents involved in?”
• “How does the program prepare residents to care for underserved or marginalized populations?”
• “Are there opportunities to work with patients who share my language or cultural background, and to use that as a strength?”

This is especially meaningful for IMGs who often bring language skills and cultural competency.

D. Career Planning: Jobs, Fellowships, and Visas After Residency

As an IMG in the FM match, your long-term plan is critical.

• “What types of positions do recent graduates obtain—especially IMGs? Do many go into hospitalist work, outpatient clinics, rural practice, or fellowships?”
• “Does the program offer or strongly support fellowships (e.g., sports medicine, geriatrics, addictions, obstetrics)?”
• “Is there career counseling specific to IMGs, including understanding visa options after graduation?”

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How to Ask Strong Questions: Practical Tips and Examples

1. Use the “Show-You-Know” Formula

Combine your research with a question. This shows preparation:

• “I noticed that your program has a strong focus on behavioral health integration. How do residents collaborate with psychologists or social workers in clinic, and how has that shaped your graduates’ practice styles?”

2. Limit to 1–3 Questions Per Interview Segment

Have a longer list prepared, but in each room, choose the 1–3 most relevant questions based on:

• Who you’re talking to (PD, faculty, resident, coordinator)
• What has already been covered
• The flow of the conversation

3. Avoid “Checklist-Only” Energy

Don’t robotically read from a list. Instead, listen carefully to what they say, take notes, and ask organic follow-up questions.

For example:

• If the PD mentions a new curriculum:
  “You mentioned a new curriculum in population health. How have residents been involved in shaping or providing feedback on that change?”

4. Questions to Avoid or Rephrase

Avoid questions that:

• Could be answered easily on the website
• Focus too early on salary, moonlighting, or vacation
• Sound like you are mainly worried about how hard the work is

Instead of:

• “Is call very hard? How many hours do I have to work?”

Ask:

• “How does the program help residents manage workload and maintain well-being, especially during heavy rotations like inpatient or nights?”

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Sample Question Lists You Can Bring to Interviews

Below are condensed lists you can adapt and print.

Top 10 Questions to Ask a Program Director (IMG-Focused)

1. What qualities are you looking for in residents who succeed in this program, especially among IMGs?
2. How does your program support IMGs adjusting to the U.S. healthcare system?
3. Where have recent graduates—especially IMGs—gone after residency (jobs, locations, fellowships)?
4. How is autonomy balanced with supervision through the three years?
5. How do you respond when a resident is struggling (academically or personally)?
6. What changes have you made recently based on resident feedback?
7. How do you ensure strong outpatient and continuity clinic training for family medicine residents?
8. What is your approach to wellness and preventing resident burnout?
9. Does your institution sponsor J-1 and/or H-1B visas, and has this been stable over recent years?
10. If you could change one thing about the program right now, what would it be?

Top 10 Questions to Ask Residents

1. How would you describe the culture among residents—supportive, stressful, collegial?
2. Do you feel you are well-prepared to practice independently as a family physician after graduation?
3. Are faculty and leadership receptive to feedback? Do they actually act on it?
4. How manageable is the workload on inpatient and night rotations?
5. Do you generally feel your duty hours are respected?
6. How has the program supported IMGs in your class, if any?
7. What do you like most about the program, and what would you change if you could?
8. How is life in this city as a resident—cost of living, transportation, safety?
9. Do residents have time for research, QI, or teaching activities?
10. If you were applying again, would you choose this program?

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FAQ: Questions to Ask Programs for IMGs in Family Medicine

1. How many questions should I ask during each interview?
Aim for 1–3 thoughtful questions per interview segment (per interviewer). Have a longer list prepared, but adjust based on time and what has already been discussed. Quality matters more than quantity.

2. Is it okay to ask about visa sponsorship during the interview?
Yes. As an international medical graduate, it is appropriate and important to clarify visa sponsorship. Ask neutrally and professionally, for example: “Could you clarify what types of visas your program sponsors for residents?” If the PD does not know details, they may refer you to the coordinator or GME office.

3. What if they already answered my prepared question?
Acknowledge it and pivot: “You addressed many of my questions already, especially about outpatient training. One additional question I had was…” This shows you are listening and flexible, not just reading a script.

4. Which questions make the strongest impression on program directors?
PDs tend to appreciate questions that show you understand family medicine and are thinking ahead, such as: how the program prepares graduates for independent practice, how IMGs are supported, how feedback and improvement are handled, and how the program’s mission aligns with your goals. Focus on questions about training quality, patient care, and your growth as a physician, rather than only lifestyle or logistics.

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Use these question frameworks as a starting point, then personalize them with your own goals, background, and interests. Thoughtful, well-researched questions will not only help you choose the right family medicine residency, they will also show programs that you are prepared, engaged, and ready to contribute as an IMG in the U.S. healthcare system.