Essential Questions for IMGs During Neurology Residency Interviews

Why Your Questions Matter as an IMG in Neurology

When you walk into a neurology residency interview as an international medical graduate (IMG), you’re not just there to answer questions—you’re also there to ask them. In fact, what you ask may shape how programs remember you and, more importantly, how well you assess whether a program is right for you.

This IMG residency guide focuses specifically on questions to ask programs—including what to ask program directors, residents, coordinators, and faculty—so you can approach your neurology residency interviews with a targeted, strategic list. You’ll also see how these questions differ for IMGs, how to adapt them to your situation, and how to use them to optimize your neuro match strategy.

Key goals of this guide:

• Help you decide what to ask program director and residents that’s actually useful
• Provide ready-to-use question lists tailored to neurology and to IMGs
• Show you how to interpret answers during interviews and second looks
• Offer practical scripts and phrasing you can adapt to your style

Think of this as your practical handbook for “interview questions for them”—the questions that help you evaluate the program just as much as they evaluate you.

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Strategy First: How IMGs Should Approach Asking Questions

Before jumping into lists, you need a plan. Random, generic questions waste precious time during interviews. Well-planned questions can:

• Signal to programs that you understand neurology as a specialty
• Show that you’ve researched their specific program
• Clarify critical issues for IMGs: visas, licensing, support, and career outcomes

The Three-Level Question Strategy

Organize your questions into three levels:

1. Essential Questions (Non‑negotiables)
   Topics that directly affect whether you can train there:

   • Visa sponsorship and support
   • Board eligibility and state licensing requirements
   • Call structure and workload
   • IMG support and track record

2. Fit and Development Questions
   Topics that show how well the program aligns with your learning style and goals:

   • Educational structure, teaching style, and feedback
   • Exposure to subspecialties (stroke, epilepsy, neuromuscular, movement disorders, etc.)
   • Research and mentorship opportunities, especially in neurology

3. Differentiator Questions
   These help you compare programs at the end of interview season:

   • How they handle remediation and struggling residents
   • Culture, wellness, and support systems
   • Graduate outcomes specific to IMGs

General Tips for Asking Strong Questions

• Be specific, not generic. Instead of “What are the strengths of your program?” ask “How does your program uniquely prepare residents for academic versus community neurology practice?”
• Show you’ve done your homework. Reference something from their website or interview day: “I noticed you have a strong stroke program…”
• Avoid questions with answers easily found online (e.g., “How many residents are in each class?”) unless you need clarification.
• Personalize questions to your background. As an IMG, you can preface with: “As someone who trained abroad, I’m particularly interested in…”
• Limit yourself to 2–3 thoughtful questions per encounter. Quality over quantity.

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Core Questions to Ask the Program Director as an IMG

When you think “what to ask program director,” prioritize high-level, strategic topics: program vision, training philosophy, IMG support, and graduate outcomes. This is your chance to understand the bigger picture.

1. Questions About Program Philosophy and Training Structure

These help you understand how you’ll be trained as a neurologist—not just how busy you’ll be.

• “How would you describe the overall mission and philosophy of your neurology residency program?”
  Listen for clarity of vision and alignment with your interests (academic, research, community practice, global neurology, etc.).

• “What qualities do you value most in residents who thrive here, and how do you support residents in developing those qualities?”
  Helps you see whether your strengths/areas for growth match their expectations.

• “How do you balance service needs with education, particularly on busy inpatient neurology and stroke services?”
  You’re looking for evidence that education is truly prioritized, not only patient volume.

• “Can you describe how feedback and evaluation work here? How often do residents receive formal feedback?”
  Strong programs have structured evaluation systems and support residents in growth.

2. Questions Specifically Focused on IMGs

As an international medical graduate, you must clarify how supportive and experienced the program is with IMGs.

• “Approximately what proportion of your residents are IMGs, and how have IMGs historically performed in your program?”
  You’re assessing comfort with IMGs and their track record.

• “What types of support do you have in place for residents who are new to the U.S. clinical system or documentation expectations?”
  Shows how they support transition to U.S. neurology practice and EMR systems.

• “Can you share examples of where recent IMG graduates are now (fellowships, private practice, academic positions)?”
  Directly connects to your future and the program’s credibility.

• “How does the program address challenges that IMGs may face, such as cultural adaptation, communication style, or written documentation?”
  Good programs will have deliberate strategies, not vague platitudes.

3. Visa and Licensing Questions (Essential for Many IMGs)

These are part of your non‑negotiable “essential questions.” Ask them clearly and professionally.

• “What visa types do you typically sponsor for IMGs (e.g., J‑1, H‑1B), and how consistent has that sponsorship been over the years?”
  Look for specific answers and historical consistency, not “it depends.”

• “Do you anticipate any changes in your ability to sponsor visas for upcoming match cycles?”
  Important for long-term planning and avoiding sudden policy shifts.

• “Do you provide institutional support or guidance for visa extensions, waivers, or transitions after graduation?”
  Especially relevant if you’re considering J‑1 waiver jobs or H‑1B transitions later.

• “Are there any state licensing or institutional requirements that are particularly important for IMGs (USMLE step deadlines, English exams, number of clinical years, etc.)?”
  Prevents surprises later.

4. Questions About Graduate Outcomes and Career Development

Your neuro match decision should be guided not only by interview impressions, but by where graduates actually end up.

• “Can you share recent fellowship matches, particularly in subspecialties like stroke, epilepsy, movement disorders, neuromuscular, and neurocritical care?”
  Useful if you already have a subspecialty interest.

• “What resources are available for residents interested in research‑intensive or academic neurology careers?”
  Ask for examples of IMG residents who have taken this path, if relevant.

• “How involved is the program in helping residents prepare for the neurology boards, and what has the board pass rate been over the past several years?”
  Board pass rates are a concrete indicator of educational quality.

• “For international graduates, how does the program help with networking and job placement after residency?”
  Networking can be harder for IMGs; you want a program that actively supports you.

5. Questions About Culture, Wellness, and Support

These are crucial for day‑to‑day life and your emotional well‑being.

• “How would you describe the culture of the program, especially in terms of collegiality between residents and faculty?”
  Listen for specific behaviors, not just “we’re like a family.”

• “What systems do you have to support residents during times of personal difficulty, burnout, or major life events?”
  Strong answers will reference counseling, wellness initiatives, schedule flexibility, etc.

• “Can you share an example of how the program supported a resident who was struggling academically or personally?”
  This question is powerful—real examples reveal how they treat residents in vulnerable moments.

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High-Impact Questions to Ask Residents

Residents will be your most honest source of information about daily life, workload, and real program culture. Many of the best interview questions for them are practical and concrete.

1. Questions About Day‑to‑Day Life and Workload

• “What does a typical day on the inpatient neurology or stroke service look like for a PGY‑2?”
  Ask for start times, number of patients, call frequency.

• “On average, how many new consults do you see per call night, and how manageable does it feel?”
  Gives a realistic sense of workload and how stressed residents are.

• “Do you feel you have enough time for reading and self‑study during rotations?”
  If multiple residents say no, that’s a red flag.

• “How is night float structured, and how do you feel after finishing a night rotation?”
  Helps assess sustainability and schedule design.

2. Questions About Education and Supervision

• “Do attendings and fellows enjoy teaching, and are they approachable when you have questions?”
  Culture of teaching is critical in neurology, where clinical reasoning is nuanced.

• “How effective are your formal educational activities—morning report, noon conferences, neuroradiology rounds, EEG/EMG teaching sessions?”
  You want to hear about consistency and quality.

• “When you started as a PGY‑2 on neurology, did you feel adequately supported while taking on more clinical responsibility?”
  Important for your transition into neurology-specific training.

• “How does the program respond if a resident feels overwhelmed or is falling behind on a rotation?”
  Look for examples of support, not punishment.

3. Questions About Subspecialty Exposure and Career Planning

• “How strong is your exposure to major subspecialties—stroke, epilepsy, neuromuscular, movement disorders, MS/neuroimmunology, neurocritical care?”
  Ask which are strongest and which are limited.

• “If you know your subspecialty interest early, how flexible is the schedule to allow tailored electives or research?”
  Key if you are already leaning toward a field like epilepsy or neuromuscular.

• “Do residents get to work directly with neurointensivists, interventional neurologists, or neurosurgeons?”
  Shows interdisciplinary depth.

• “How helpful is the program in supporting residents through fellowship applications (letters, interview prep, networking)?”
  Especially important for IMGs seeking competitive fellowships.

4. Questions About Culture, Inclusion, and IMG Experience

• “As an IMG or having co‑residents who are IMGs, how supportive has the program been with visa issues, adaptation, and professional development?”
  Ask this specifically to IMG residents, if possible.

• “Do you feel that IMGs here have the same opportunities for leadership, research, and fellowships as U.S. grads?”
  You want evidence of equity, not hierarchy.

• “How would you describe the relationship between residents—more collaborative or more competitive?”
  Consider your own working style.

• “Do you feel comfortable asking for help when you’re uncertain about a case, especially in complex neurology situations?”
  This is vital in a specialty where clinical uncertainty is common.

5. Quality-of-Life and Location Questions

• “How reasonable is your schedule in terms of days off and vacation, and do people actually feel able to disconnect on days off?”
  Written policies and reality can differ; residents will tell you the truth.

• “What is it like living in this city as an IMG—cost of living, community, safety, and opportunities for family?”
  Your life outside the hospital will significantly impact your wellbeing.

• “Do residents socialize outside of work, and is there a sense of community among the neurology house staff?”
  A supportive community can buffer stress.

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Specific Questions to Ask in Different Interview Settings

You’ll talk to multiple people: program directors, associate PDs, faculty, residents, and program coordinators. Tailor your questions to each person.

With Subspecialty Faculty (Stroke, Epilepsy, Movement, etc.)

If you’re interested in a particular neurology area, ask:

• “What opportunities are there for residents to get involved in your subspecialty early on—for example, in stroke research, epilepsy monitoring unit, or neuromuscular clinics?”

• “How often do residents rotate on your subspecialty service, and how hands‑on is their experience?”

• “Are there ongoing research projects suitable for residents, and how have IMG residents participated historically?”

• “For residents interested in fellowships in your field, how does this program prepare and support them?”

These questions signal focused interest without locking you into a subspecialty too early.

With the Program Coordinator

Program coordinators are invaluable sources of practical information you might not want to spend PD time on:

• “Can you tell me how the scheduling process works—for rotations, vacations, and electives?”

• “How does the program handle onboarding for IMGs—credentialing, licensing, visa processing timelines?”

• “Are there hospital or GME resources specifically for international residents (e.g., immigration office, cultural orientation)?”

• “What are some logistical challenges new residents commonly face, and how do you help them navigate those?”

During Virtual Interviews or Open Houses

For virtual settings, you may have group Q&A sessions. Adapt your questions to be efficient and broadly relevant:

• “For those of us interviewing virtually, how would you describe the culture and day‑to‑day environment that we might not fully appreciate on Zoom?”

• “What changes has the program made based on resident feedback in the last few years?”
  This shows responsiveness and continuous improvement.

• “What aspects of your program do you think are most under‑recognized by applicants?”
  Often reveals unique strengths you won’t see on the website.

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How to Use Answers to Shape Your Rank List

As you gather answers, you’re building a decision framework for your neuro match. Questions to ask residency programs only matter if you use the responses effectively.

1. Take Structured Notes After Every Interview

Right after each interview day, capture:

• Three strengths you noticed
• Three concerns or questions that remain
• A 1–10 rating on:
  • Educational quality
  • IMG support
  • Culture and wellness
  • Fit with your career goals

Repeat this process consistently—you’ll be grateful when comparing 10+ programs later.

2. Look for Patterns, Not One-Off Comments

If a single resident mentions heavy workload but others say it’s manageable, that’s one data point. If every resident uses words like “exhausted,” “overwhelmed,” or “burned out,” that’s a pattern.

Similarly, if multiple residents independently highlight:

• Strong stroke exposure
• Supportive faculty
• Fair scheduling
• Successful IMG graduates

you can consider that a robust strength.

3. Watch for Red Flags in Answers

Take note if you observe:

• Evasive responses to questions about board pass rates, fellowships, or IMG performance
• Inconsistency between what leadership says and what residents describe
• Lack of clarity around visa sponsorship or abrupt comments like “We’ll see what happens year to year”
• Defensive tone when asked about working conditions or resident wellness

Red flags don’t automatically mean you should not rank the program, but they should weigh into your decision.

4. Rank Based on Fit, Not Prestige Alone

Especially as an IMG in neurology, it can be tempting to chase program “names” only. Instead, prioritize:

• Where you will be well-trained and supported
• Where IMGs have historically done well and advanced their careers
• Where you felt respected, included, and comfortable asking questions

Your three or four years in neurology residency will shape the rest of your career. A moderately prestigious program that genuinely supports IMGs may serve you better than a “big name” where you feel isolated or undervalued.

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Practical Example: Tailoring Questions as an IMG in Neurology

Imagine you’re interviewing at a mid-sized academic neurology residency with a strong stroke program. Here’s how you might use your question time:

With the Program Director:

• “I noticed your program has a comprehensive stroke center and high stroke volume. How do you ensure residents receive strong stroke training without being overwhelmed by service demands?”
• “As an international medical graduate interested in pursuing fellowship in vascular neurology, how have past IMG graduates from your program navigated that path?”
• “Can you share how stable your H‑1B and J‑1 sponsorship has been over the last several years, and whether you anticipate any changes?”

With a Senior Resident (IMG):

• “As an IMG, what were your biggest initial challenges when you started residency here, and how did the program help you overcome them?”
• “Do you feel your fellowship and job opportunities have been similar to those of your U.S.‑trained colleagues?”
• “How manageable has the night float and stroke call schedule been for you, and do you feel you can maintain a reasonable balance?”

With a Stroke Faculty Member:

• “At what level of training do residents take primary responsibility for acute stroke codes, and how is supervision structured?”
• “Are there ongoing stroke quality improvement or outcomes research projects that residents can join, and have IMGs been involved in these?”

Using this approach makes you look prepared, specific, and genuinely interested—and gives you high‑quality information to shape your rank list.

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FAQs: Questions to Ask Programs for IMG Neurology Applicants

1. How many questions should I ask each interviewer?

Aim for 2–3 focused, thoughtful questions per interviewer. It’s better to have a few strong, specific questions than a long list of generic ones. Prioritize:

• Program director: big-picture philosophy, IMG support, outcomes
• Residents: day-to-day reality, culture, workload
• Faculty: subspecialty exposure, mentorship, research
• Coordinator: logistics, visas, onboarding

2. Are there any questions I should avoid asking?

Avoid:

• Questions clearly answered on the website (e.g., number of residents, salary)
• Highly negative or confrontational questions (e.g., “Why is your board pass rate so low?”); instead, phrase them constructively: “How has the program responded to previous board exam challenges?”
• Premature negotiation questions about moonlighting or specific schedule exceptions on interview day—reserve those for later if necessary

Also avoid “Do you think I’ll match here?” or anything that pressures interviewers to indicate rank intentions.

3. How can I show interest in a program without sounding desperate?

Be specific and genuine:

• Reference a real feature: “I was particularly impressed by your epilepsy monitoring unit and the early exposure residents get to EEG interpretation.”
• Link to your goals: “This aligns with my interest in epilepsy and academic neurology.”
• Follow up with a question: “How do residents typically get involved with EEG or epilepsy research here?”

This signals authentic interest without over-promising or sounding anxious.

4. Should I ask different questions at pre‑interview socials or informal sessions?

Yes. Pre‑interview socials are ideal for more casual, culture‑focused questions, such as:

• “What surprised you most after starting here compared to what you expected from interview day?”
• “What do you like to do for fun in this city when you’re not working?”
• “If you could change one thing about the program, what would it be?”

Save more formal, data‑heavy questions (board pass rates, visas, evaluations) for interview day proper.

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As an international medical graduate pursuing neurology, your questions are one of your strongest tools in navigating the residency match. Use them intentionally—both to present yourself as a thoughtful, prepared applicant and to gather the information you need to build a rank list that will set you up for a successful and fulfilling neurology career.