Mastering Your OB GYN Residency Interview: A Guide for MD Graduates

Understanding the OB‑GYN Residency Interview Landscape

For an MD graduate pursuing an OB GYN residency, the interview is much more than a conversation; it’s an audition for your future role as a physician, colleague, and trainee. Programs already know you can handle the academic rigor from your allopathic medical school match application; the interview helps them decide:

• Will you work well with the team?
• Do your interests align with the program’s mission?
• Are you self-aware, resilient, and teachable?
• Do you understand what life in OB GYN actually looks like?

Pre-interview preparation is where you turn a solid application into a compelling, memorable candidacy. It’s also your chance to evaluate programs for fit: training environment, surgical volume, obstetrics exposure, support for wellness, and fellowship preparation.

This guide will walk you step-by-step through how to prepare for interviews specifically as an MD graduate applying to OB GYN residency programs, from research and narrative building to practicing high‑yield interview questions and logistical readiness.

---

1. Know Your Story: Building Your OB‑GYN Narrative

Before you dive into “how to prepare for interviews,” clarify what story you’re actually trying to tell. Programs meet dozens of excellent MD graduate residency applicants; what distinguishes strong candidates is a coherent, authentic narrative.

1.1 Clarify Your Why for OB GYN

Be ready to answer:

• “Why OB GYN?”
• “Why did you choose obstetrics and gynecology over other fields?”
• “What keeps you motivated in this specialty?”

Reflect deeply on:

1. Pivotal experiences

• A patient encounter during your OB GYN clerkship (e.g., managing a complicated labor, caring for a patient with pregnancy loss, supporting someone through a new cancer diagnosis).
• Exposure to reproductive health equity, maternal mortality disparities, or global women’s health work.
• Mentorship experiences with OB GYN faculty or residents.

Concrete example:

• Instead of: “I just loved the clerkship.”
• Say: “During my OB rotation, I cared for a patient with severe preeclampsia who was terrified about early delivery. Being part of the team that stabilized her, counseled her about her baby’s prognosis, and followed her postpartum showed me how OB GYN blends high-acuity medicine, surgical skills, and longitudinal care. That experience crystallized my decision to pursue this field.”

2. Intellectual interests

• Maternal-fetal medicine, minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, family planning, gynecologic oncology, reproductive endocrinology and infertility, etc.
• Health services research in maternal morbidity, contraception access, or cancer screening.

3. Values

• Advocacy, reproductive justice, patient education, surgical excellence, interprofessional teamwork, or caring for underserved populations.

Tie these together into a concise 1–2 minute narrative that you can adapt for different questions.

1.2 Connect Your Background to OB GYN

Programs value diversity of experience. As an MD graduate residency candidate, think about how your prior training and background strengthen your fit:

• Undergraduate or prior degrees: public health, anthropology, women’s/gender studies, global health, statistics.
• Research: obstetrics, gynecologic oncology, contraception, reproductive ethics, quality improvement, or health disparities.
• Leadership: student government, interest groups (especially OB GYN or Women’s Health SIGs), community outreach, advocacy organizations.

Make explicit connections:

• “My public health training fuels my interest in addressing Black maternal mortality through community-engaged research.”
• “My surgical simulation project in medical school helped me appreciate how structured feedback can accelerate technical skills in the OR.”

1.3 Align With Program Type and Mission

Not all OB GYN programs are the same. Before interviews, categorize programs you’re visiting:

• High-volume tertiary academic centers
  Emphasis: complex pathology, fellowships, research.
  Align with: research interest, academic career, subspecialty aspirations.

• Community-based or hybrid programs
  Emphasis: broad clinical exposure, continuity, independent practice readiness.
  Align with: generalist career, procedural autonomy, community engagement.

• Programs with strong public/urban health focus
  Emphasis: underserved care, language skills, advocacy, health policy.
  Align with: health equity, advocacy work, community partnerships.

You should be prepared to articulate why that specific type of program (and that specific institution) fits your goals.

---

2. Program Research: Turning Data Into Meaningful Talking Points

Strong residency interview preparation involves targeted research. Knowing basic facts is not enough; you must translate information into tailored questions and talking points.

2.1 Start With Core Program Information

For each program, create a brief one-page sheet (digital or printed) that answers:

• Basic structure

  • Number of residents per year
  • Length and structure of rotations (e.g., PGY-1 heavy in obstetrics vs off-service)
  • Call schedule and night float system

• Core strengths

  • High obstetric volume? VBAC/TOLAC rates?
  • Robust gynecologic oncology or MIGS exposure?
  • Family planning training, including abortion care (where legally permitted)?
  • Global health or underserved clinics?

• Distinctive features

  • Simulation curriculum, surgical boot camps
  • Resident research requirements
  • Mentorship models (e.g., advisor pods, early subspecialty mentorship)
  • Wellness initiatives, protected didactics

Use:

• Program websites
• FREIDA, ACOG resources, and social media (Instagram, X) for resident life glimpses
• Virtual open houses and Q&A recordings

2.2 Identify Alignment With Your Goals

On your sheet, add 3–5 bullets:

• “What appeals to me about this program”
• “How I can contribute”
• “Specific people or tracks I want to ask about” (e.g., a maternal-fetal medicine researcher whose work overlaps with yours).

Example:

• “Program X has a strong emphasis on caring for immigrant populations and offers a reproductive justice track. This aligns with my advocacy work in reproductive health policy and my Spanish language skills.”

You’ll use this to answer questions like:

• “Why this program?”
• “What do you hope to get out of your residency training?”
• “How do you see yourself contributing here?”

2.3 Prepare Tailored Questions for Each Program

Asking generic questions is a missed opportunity. Prepare thoughtful, specific questions that show you’ve done your homework and that you’re thinking seriously about fit.

Examples for faculty:

• “I noticed your program has a strong maternal-fetal medicine division and a required resident research project. How are residents supported in starting projects early if they’re considering MFM fellowship?”
• “With increasing attention to OB-related litigation and safety culture, how does your program teach residents about risk management and communication during sentinel events?”

Examples for residents:

• “How has the program responded to changes in reproductive healthcare laws, and how has that affected your family planning training?”
• “Looking back at your intern year, what surprised you about the volume and acuity on L&D, and how did you feel supported in that transition?”

Have 4–6 solid questions prepared; you won’t use all of them in every interview, but you’ll be ready.

---

3. Mastering Common OB‑GYN Interview Questions

Knowing “how to prepare for interviews” in OB GYN includes anticipating both general and specialty-specific questions. Practice out loud; refine for clarity, not memorization.

3.1 Core Residency Interview Questions

These interview questions residency programs use across all specialties will almost certainly appear:

1. “Tell me about yourself.”

   • Aim for 60–90 seconds.
   • Brief background (where you grew up, school path).
   • Key experiences that led to OB GYN.
   • A personal interest or two that humanizes you.

2. “Why OB GYN?”

   • Use the narrative you built earlier: key experiences + values + future goals.

3. “Why our program?”

   • Reference specific features (curriculum, population, strengths).
   • Connect them clearly to your goals and experiences.

4. “What are your strengths?”

   • Choose 2–3 that are relevant: communication under stress, team leadership, adaptability, empathy, procedural learning.
   • Provide concrete examples that illustrate each.

5. “What are your weaknesses?”

   • Choose a real, non-dangerous weakness.
   • Describe how you recognized it, what you’re actively doing, and evidence of improvement.
   • Example: “I can be overly self-critical after difficult shifts, but I’ve been working with my advisor to reframe feedback and maintain perspective, and I’ve developed specific post-call decompression routines.”

6. “Tell me about a conflict you had on a team and how you handled it.”

   • Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
   • Emphasize communication, respect, and resolution.

7. “Tell me about a time you made a mistake.”

   • Be honest but avoid catastrophic errors suggesting unsafe practice.
   • Highlight accountability, reflection, and systems-thinking if relevant.

3.2 OB‑GYN–Specific Interview Questions

As an OB GYN residency applicant, expect questions that test your understanding of the specialty’s realities:

• “What appeals to you about both obstetrics and gynecology? How do you see yourself balancing them in your career?”
• “How do you handle high-stress, high-acuity situations like obstetric emergencies?”
• “How do you approach counseling patients about topics like contraception, pregnancy termination, or cancer treatment that may be ethically or emotionally complex?”
• “What are your thoughts on the current landscape of reproductive rights and access in the U.S.?”
• “Can you describe a time you cared for a patient during a vulnerable moment and how you supported them?”

Prepare to show:

• Comfort with reproductive health topics and nonjudgmental counseling.
• Understanding of diversity in patient values, cultural backgrounds, and beliefs.
• Awareness of maternal morbidity/mortality disparities and structural inequities.

3.3 Behavioral and Ethical Scenarios

Many programs use behavior- or scenario-based questions to assess judgment:

• “A patient in labor requests a sterilization procedure immediately postpartum, but the consent is not yet signed and the OR is overbooked. How would you approach this situation as a resident?”
• “You notice a fellow resident making dismissive comments about a patient’s reproductive choices. How would you handle that?”
• “A parent requests that you withhold information from their adult daughter about a diagnosis. What do you do?”

You are not expected to know every detail of policy, but:

• Identify stakeholders.
• Center patient autonomy, safety, and informed consent.
• Demonstrate that you seek guidance appropriately (attending, ethics consult, institutional policy).

3.4 Practicing Answers Without Sounding Scripted

To avoid robotic responses:

• Outline bullet points instead of memorized paragraphs.
• Practice aloud with:
  • Peers
  • Faculty mentors
  • Mock interview sessions through your medical school or advising office
• Record yourself and note:
  • Filler words (“um,” “like”)
  • Eye contact and posture (for virtual interviews, camera awareness)
  • Speaking speed

Goal: Confident, conversational, and clear—not rehearsed.

---

4. Logistics, Presentation, and Professionalism

Residency interview preparation is not only intellectual—it’s also practical and logistical. Seemingly small details can leave a strong impression.

4.1 Interview Format: In-Person vs Virtual

Many OB GYN programs still use virtual interviews; some may mix formats. Clarify:

• Platform (Zoom, Teams, Thalamus, etc.)
• Schedule and time zone
• Breakout rooms or multiple sessions
• Social hours (often resident-only and more informal)

For virtual interviews:

• Test your technology:
  • Internet stability
  • Camera and microphone
  • Platform login and any required apps
• Choose a neutral, quiet background with:
  • Good front lighting (e.g., facing a window)
  • Minimal clutter or distractions
• Have:
  • Printed or digital copy of your CV and personal statement
  • Program notes and key questions
  • Notepad and pen for jotting down important points

For in-person interviews:

• Confirm:
  • Directions, parking, and building entry procedures
  • Time buffer for traffic or transport delays
• Bring:
  • Portfolio or folder with your CV
  • Small notebook and pen
  • Any required documents (ID, vaccination card if requested)

4.2 Professional Attire and Demeanor

For MD graduate residency interviews in OB GYN, dress should be professional, comfortable, and not distracting.

General tips:

• Dark or neutral suit (pants or skirt) or professional dress with blazer.
• Minimal accessories; avoid anything noisy or overly flashy.
• Closed-toe shoes, comfortable enough to wear all day for in-person visits.
• Hair neat and pulled back if it tends to fall into your face.

Aim for:

• Posture: sit upright, slightly leaning forward to show engagement.
• Nonverbal communication: nod, maintain natural eye contact (look at the camera for virtual).
• Tone: warm, respectful, and interested.

4.3 Managing Time and Energy During Interview Season

The obstetrics match timeline can be intense, especially if you’re interviewing at multiple programs per week.

Consider:

• Scheduling: Avoid back-to-back full days when possible; allow buffer time to review each program beforehand.
• Sleep and nutrition: Treat interview season like call—plan proactive rest and regular meals.
• Decompression: Build in walks, brief workouts, or quiet time to reset between interviews.
• Tracking programs: After each interview:
  • Write quick notes: impressions, program culture, pros/cons.
  • Capture names of interviewers and residents you connected with.
  • Note any follow-up questions that arose.

This documentation will be crucial later when you create your rank list.

---

5. Showcasing Your Strengths as an MD Graduate

Programs interviewing an MD graduate residency applicant from an allopathic medical school expect strong clinical foundations. Your preparation should ensure that your specific strengths come through clearly.

5.1 Highlight Clinical Readiness and Insight

As a future OB GYN intern, you’ll face:

• Night float on labor and delivery
• Surgical cases (laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, hysterectomies, cesarean sections)
• High-volume clinics and triage calls
• Emotional encounters (pregnancy loss, cancer diagnoses, fetal anomalies)

When asked about your clinical skills, emphasize:

• Ability to prioritize tasks.
• Comfort with uncertainty and escalation of care.
• Clear and concise communication with nursing staff and other team members.

Example answer:

• “During my sub-internship in OB GYN, I learned to manage multiple patients on L&D while recognizing when to escalate concern to the senior resident. One night, I noticed subtle changes in a fetal heart tracing that worried me, even though the initial interpretation was reassuring. I presented my concerns to the senior, and after re-evaluation, we called the attending and proceeded with a cesarean. That experience reinforced my responsibility to speak up and collaborate, especially during evolving situations.”

5.2 Integrate Research and Scholarship

If you have OB GYN–related research, be prepared to explain:

• Your research question and its clinical relevance.
• Your role (design, data collection, analysis, writing).
• What you learned and how it influences your future career.

Example:

• “My project examined racial disparities in postpartum visit attendance at our safety-net hospital. Through chart review and qualitative interviews, I learned how structural barriers—transportation, childcare, work schedules—impact follow-up. It solidified my interest in health services research and in developing interventions to improve continuity of care postpartum.”

If your research is not OB GYN–specific, connect the skills:

• Critical appraisal of literature
• Data analysis
• Presenting and teaching others
• Long-term project management

5.3 Discussing Career Goals Honestly

Programs know that goals may evolve. You don’t need a fully formed 10-year plan, but you should offer a thoughtful direction:

• “At this point, I’m leaning toward a generalist career in a community setting with a strong obstetrics practice and a focus on underserved patients.”
• “I’m highly interested in gynecologic oncology, but I plan to keep an open mind in residency and explore other subspecialties as well.”

Avoid saying:

• “I have no idea.”
  Instead:
• “I’m intentionally exploring, and I’m particularly curious about X and Y.”

---

6. Pre-Interview Mindset: Confidence, Reflection, and Professional Etiquette

How you think and behave before and after interviews can be as important as your answers.

6.1 Handling Anxiety and Imposter Feelings

OB GYN is competitive; many MD graduate residency applicants feel imposter syndrome. To manage:

• Focus on what you can control:
  • Preparation, practice, research, professionalism.
• Reframe nerves as excitement:
  • Physiologically, they’re similar. Use that energy to be engaged.
• Use grounding strategies:
  • Take a few deep breaths before each session.
  • Keep water nearby.
  • Have brief affirmations: “I’ve earned these interviews. I have something to offer.”

6.2 Being Authentic While Remaining Professional

Programs are trying to imagine you as a colleague for the next four years. Authenticity matters.

• Share appropriate personal interests (running, music, cooking, travel, creative hobbies).
• It’s okay to show enthusiasm and humor when appropriate.
• Avoid:
  • Negative talk about other programs or institutions.
  • Oversharing highly personal details not relevant to training.

6.3 Professional Communication Before and After Interviews

Before interview day:

• Respond promptly to invitations.
• Confirm dates and times clearly.
• If you must cancel or reschedule:
  • Give as much notice as possible.
  • Be polite and appreciative.

After interviews:

• Jot down immediate impressions for your own records.
• Thank-you emails:
  • Some programs discourage or state they aren’t necessary—follow their guidance.
  • When appropriate, send brief, specific notes within a few days:
    • Thank the interviewer for their time.
    • Reference a particular topic you discussed.
    • Reiterate a point of fit or shared interest.

Keep messages professional, concise, and free from promises about rank order (and be mindful of NRMP guidelines around post-interview communication).

---

FAQ: Pre-Interview Preparation for OB‑GYN MD Graduates

1. How early should I start residency interview preparation for the obstetrics match?
Start at least 4–6 weeks before your first interview. Use that time to:

• Clarify your OB GYN narrative and career goals.
• Update and review your CV and personal statement.
• Research programs and build one-page summaries.
• Practice common interview questions residency programs ask, especially behavioral and OB GYN–specific scenarios. You can refine and adjust as you go, but having a strong foundation early will prevent last-minute stress.

2. What are the most important things programs look for in an OB GYN MD graduate residency candidate during interviews?
Programs generally prioritize:

• Professionalism, reliability, and teamwork.
• Genuine interest in OB GYN and understanding of its challenges.
• Clinical maturity and willingness to learn.
• Communication skills, especially with vulnerable patients.
• Fit with the program’s culture and mission (academic, community, or hybrid). They’re less interested in perfection and more interested in potential, self-awareness, and collaboration.

3. How can I stand out in virtual OB GYN residency interviews?
To stand out:

• Be thoroughly prepared with thoughtful, program-specific questions.
• Demonstrate energy and engagement on camera (eye contact, nodding, clear speech).
• Use concrete examples when describing experiences.
• Show personality—share your authentic interests and what excites you about OB GYN.
• Ensure your virtual setup is polished: good lighting, clear audio, and a professional background that signals you take the process seriously.

4. How do I talk about sensitive topics like abortion or reproductive rights in interviews?
Approach these topics:

• With respect for diverse values and in alignment with medical ethics and evidence-based care.
• Centering patient autonomy, safety, and nonjudgmental counseling.
• Acknowledging the complexity of practicing in varying legal and cultural environments. You don’t need to share personal beliefs; you can focus on your professional responsibility to provide compassionate, patient-centered care within the legal and institutional frameworks in which you’ll be training.

---

By investing in structured pre-interview preparation—knowing your story, understanding each program, anticipating high-yield questions, and managing the logistics and mindset—you’ll enter each OB GYN residency interview ready to present your best, authentic self and evaluate where you will thrive as a future obstetrician-gynecologist.