Essential Pre-Interview Dinner Etiquette Tips for Caribbean IMGs

Understanding the Purpose of the Pre-Interview Dinner

For many Caribbean IMGs, the pre-interview dinner can feel more intimidating than the interview itself. You’re in a new city, meeting strangers, trying to decode U.S. norms, and wondering what to say, what to ask at dinner, and how much this “social” event really matters.

The good news: it’s not a secret exam. But it does play a real role in how you’re remembered and ranked.

What the Pre-Interview Dinner Really Is

Most residency programs host a pre-interview or “resident” dinner the evening before the formal interview day. It’s usually:

• At a casual restaurant, bar, or café
• With current residents (sometimes a chief, rarely faculty)
• Unofficial and off-campus
• Labeled as “optional,” but strongly encouraged

For a Caribbean medical school residency applicant, especially an IMG, this event is a highly valuable window into:

• Resident culture and dynamics
• How IMGs are treated and supported
• Work-life balance and morale
• Unfiltered information you might not hear on interview day

Is the Pre-Interview Dinner Evaluative?

Programs vary, but here’s the realistic picture:

• Officially, many programs say it’s “non-evaluative.”
• Unofficially, residents absolutely share their impressions with the program leadership.
• Extremely positive or extremely negative behaviors are often remembered and sometimes reported.

You are not being scored like on OSCE stations, but:

• Being rude, drunk, or inappropriate will hurt you.
• Being polite, engaged, and easy to talk to can only help you.

Why It Matters Especially for Caribbean IMGs

As a Caribbean IMG, you’re often working against extra bias and limited knowledge about your training. The pre-interview dinner allows you to:

• Humanize your application: They see more than your Step scores and SGU/ROSS/AUC/other Caribbean school on paper.
• Demonstrate communication skills and cultural fit.
• Show you’re someone they want as a teammate at 3 a.m. on call.
• Subtly address concerns (“Will this person integrate well into the team?” “Will they communicate clearly with patients?”).

For applicants from schools like SGU, the SGU residency match success story is partially built on consistently strong interpersonal impressions. The dinner is one of the main venues where you can reinforce that.

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How to Prepare Before the Resident Dinner

Being prepared removes most of the anxiety. Think of the pre-interview dinner as a clinical encounter: you gather information, build rapport, and communicate clearly.

1. Clarify the Logistics

Before you travel, make sure you know:

• Time and location: Confirm address, start time, and end time.
• Transportation:
  • Does the program provide transport from the hotel?
  • Is parking available?
  • How long will an Uber/Taxi take in traffic?

Aim to arrive 10–15 minutes early. In the U.S., being “on time” means you’re there at the start time, seated or ready.

If you’re delayed (flight issues, weather, etc.):

• Email or call the program coordinator as soon as you know.
• A short, professional explanation is enough: “My flight was significantly delayed and I may not arrive in time for the pre-interview dinner. I’m very much looking forward to the interview day tomorrow.”

2. Dress Code for the Pre-Interview Dinner

Most programs describe the dinner dress code as “business casual.” For Caribbean IMGs, it’s safest to aim slightly more formal than the residents, not less.

For all genders, consider:

• Smart slacks or chinos, or a modest knee-length skirt
• A collared shirt or blouse, or a simple professional top
• Closed-toe shoes (clean, in good condition; low heels or flats)
• No white coat, no scrubs, no full suit unless explicitly stated

Avoid:

• Very tight, low-cut, or overly trendy clothing
• Graphic T-shirts, ripped jeans, athletic wear
• Strong perfume/cologne (small spaces + allergies = bad combination)

If unsure, ask the coordinator: “Is the dress code for the dinner more casual or more business casual?” That’s a very normal, appropriate question.

3. Prepare Introduction and Key Talking Points

Have a short self-introduction prepared, something you can share when everyone is meeting for the first time:

“Hi, I’m [Name]. I’m a fourth-year from [School Name] in the Caribbean. I’m originally from [City/Country], and I’m really interested in [Internal Medicine/Family Medicine/etc.], especially [brief interest]. It’s great to meet you.”

Memorize just enough to avoid stumbling, but keep it natural.

Also prepare:

• 2–3 brief points about why this specialty
• 2–3 things you value in a residency (mentorship, collegial culture, strong teaching, support for IMGs)
• 3–5 questions to ask at dinner (we’ll cover examples later)

4. Research the Program and City

You don’t need to know every detail, but you should know:

• Program size and type (community vs academic, university-affiliated, etc.)
• Any major features (strong inpatient exposure, safety-net hospital, suburban vs urban)
• A basic sense of the city: cost of living, neighborhoods, weather, transportation.

This helps you ask targeted and intelligent questions instead of generic ones.

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Etiquette at the Pre-Interview Dinner: What To Do and What To Avoid

Think of the dinner as a professional networking event with a relaxed dress code. You’re building your professional reputation before interview day.

Arriving and First Impressions

Arrive early, not exactly on time.

• Ideal arrival: 10–15 minutes before the scheduled start.
• On arrival:
  • Make eye contact.
  • Offer a firm but not crushing handshake (or follow the lead if others skip handshakes).
  • Smile and introduce yourself to the chief resident or whoever seems to be “hosting.”

Avoid entering silently and sitting at the far end of the table; actively greet people.

Seating and Group Dynamics

• You may be guided to a seat. If not, choose a middle seat where you can talk to multiple people, not the far corner.
• If cliques form (all applicants at one end, all residents at the other), you can gently bridge:
  • “Mind if I grab this seat so I can ask you about your experience here?”

Rotate your engagement:

• Don’t talk only to one resident all night.
• Make sure you talk to at least 2–3 residents and 1–2 fellow applicants.

Food and Drink Etiquette

Ordering food:

• Follow the host’s lead. If residents are ordering appetizers and mains, you can too; if they’re keeping it light, do the same.
• Avoid the most expensive items on the menu (steak, lobster, etc.). Choose something mid-priced and easy to eat (pasta, chicken dish, salad, bowl-based items).
• If you have dietary restrictions, it’s fine to ask the server for alternatives or modifications briefly and politely.

Alcohol:

• If you drink at all, limit yourself to one standard drink maximum, and only if the residents are clearly drinking and the environment feels appropriate.
• It’s perfectly acceptable to say:
  • “I’ll just have a soda, thanks.”
  • “I have a long day tomorrow; I’ll stick to water.”

For Caribbean IMGs, alcohol-related stereotypes can be unfairly applied. Protect yourself by staying well within conservative limits—no one will penalize you for not drinking.

Conversation Etiquette: How to Engage Smoothly

Treat everyone—residents, applicants, servers—with consistent respect.

How to start conversations:

• “What has your experience been like as an intern here?”
• “How did you decide on this program?”
• “Where do most residents live?”

Show interest in residents as people:

• “What do you like to do on your days off here?”
• “How’s the work-life balance?”

Active listening:

• Maintain eye contact, nod, respond thoughtfully.
• Avoid interrupting or dominating the conversation.
• Reflect back: “So it sounds like the teaching attendings are very accessible—that’s something I really value.”

Topics to Avoid

Some subjects are especially risky at a pre-interview dinner:

• Politics and highly charged social debates
• Religion (unless someone raises it personally and it’s clearly comfortable)
• Money (resident or attending salaries, your financial situation in detail)
• Gossip about other programs or applicants
• Complaints about your Caribbean school, home country, or U.S. healthcare

You also want to avoid:

• Oversharing personal problems or trauma.
• Speaking negatively about other Caribbean schools, “FMGs,” or the U.S. system.
• Criticizing past supervisors or attendings.

If controversial topics come up and you feel stuck, neutral statements help:

• “That’s a complex issue; I think there are many perspectives.”
• “Interesting point. I’ve seen different views on that as well.”

Then gently redirect toward residency-relevant topics.

Professionalism in a Social Setting

Remember:

• You are not among friends yet, even if everyone is friendly.
• Residents are not your peers now; they are part of the institution you’re applying to.

Keep your tone:

• Collegial, not overly casual
• Confident but not arrogant
• Warm but not overly familiar

That means:

• Avoid profanity, even if residents use it.
• Don’t make off-color jokes.
• Don’t brag about “working the system,” cheating, or “hookups” for rotations, visas, etc.

Residents will imagine you as their future colleague on the wards. You want them to think: “I’d be happy to sign out my patients to this person.”

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What to Ask at Dinner: High-Yield Questions for Caribbean IMGs

Knowing what to ask at dinner is one of the most powerful tools you have. Thoughtful questions not only give you insight but also showcase your maturity and preparation.

Core Questions About Training and Culture

These are good for nearly any program and specialty:

1. “What made you choose this program over others?”

   • Shows you value thoughtful decision-making and program fit.

2. “How would you describe the culture among residents here?”

   • You’ll learn whether it’s collaborative, hierarchical, supportive, or competitive.

3. “What does a typical day look like for you on [wards/ICU/clinic]?”

   • Helps you gauge workload and structure.

4. “How approachable are the attendings and program leadership?”

   • Gives insight into teaching and mentorship.

5. “What are some things about this program that don’t show up on the website?”

   • Encourages authentic, unscripted responses.

IMG- and Caribbean-Specific Concerns (Ask Tactfully)

You may not want to emphasize your IMG status constantly, but you should gather critical information.

Examples:

1. “How does the program support international graduates, especially during the transition into intern year?”
2. “Are there other IMGs or Caribbean graduates in the program, and have they felt well integrated?”
3. “How is visa sponsorship handled here? Is there a dedicated person who helps with that?”
4. “How is feedback provided, especially for residents who might have trained in different healthcare systems?”

If the program has known Caribbean IMG representation (e.g., many SGU residents contributing to a strong SGU residency match track record), you can gently highlight your familiarity:

• “I noticed on your website that you have several residents who are Caribbean graduates. As a Caribbean IMG myself, it’s reassuring to see that. What do you think helps IMGs thrive here?”

Lifestyle and Location Questions

Residents appreciate that you care about how your life will look beyond the hospital.

Examples:

• “Where do most interns live, and how is the commute?”
• “What do residents usually do for fun around here on a day off?”
• “How is the call schedule and weekend coverage? Do people feel they have time to rest or pursue hobbies?”

These questions help you gauge burnout risk and morale.

Questions to Avoid or Use Carefully

• “So, how high do you think your program ranks Caribbean applicants?”
• “What are my chances here compared to U.S. grads?”
• “How often do people fail out or get into trouble?”

These are too direct and put residents in an uncomfortable position. You can often infer answers indirectly through other questions:

• “Do residents generally feel supported if they struggle with a rotation or exam?”
• “How often have residents not had their contracts renewed? Is that common?”

Using Questions to Show Your Fit

Tailor some questions to highlight your strengths and interests:

• If you’re interested in research:
  • “How accessible are research opportunities, and how do residents typically get involved?”
• If you value teaching:
  • “Do residents get to teach medical students or junior learners regularly?”

You’re not just information-gathering; you’re subtly signaling:
“I care about learning, teaching, and contributing. I think about my long-term development.”

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Handling Tricky Situations and Common Mistakes

Even well-prepared applicants can run into awkward moments. Knowing how to respond calmly is a key part of resident dinner tips.

If You Don’t Understand a Cultural Reference or Joke

As a Caribbean IMG, you might miss certain U.S. cultural references, sports teams, or local slang.

• It’s fine to say:
  • “I’m not familiar with that show/team—what’s it about?”
• Curiosity is better than pretending.

If the conversation turns very local or insider-based, rejoin with broader questions:

• “It’s interesting how strong the sports culture is here. Do residents often go to games together?”

If Someone Asks an Inappropriate Question

Occasionally a resident (often junior) might ask something off-limits or too personal:

• “How many programs did you apply to?”
• “What were your Step scores?”
• “Why did you end up at a Caribbean school?” (said with a judgmental tone)

You don’t need to answer fully:

• “I cast a reasonably wide net, like many IMGs, but I’m really focusing on programs like this where I see a strong fit.”
• “I prefer to focus on overall fit rather than scores, but I’m happy with how my application turned out.”
• “For me, the Caribbean route was a way to pursue medicine when local options were limited. I’m grateful for the clinical experiences I’ve had, especially in [X], and I’m excited to train in a strong residency like this.”

Keep your tone calm and non-defensive. They’re not the program director; you’re not on trial.

If You Feel Overwhelmed or Left Out

Large tables and multiple conversations can be intimidating.

Strategies:

• Join a smaller side conversation—turn to the person next to you:
  • “I’m curious, what’s been your favorite rotation so far?”
• Take small breaks (restroom, quick breath) if anxiety builds, then re-engage.
• Remember: every applicant feels some level of discomfort.

If Residents Complain About the Program

It’s common for residents to vent about:

• Workload
• Administration
• Specific rotations

Listen carefully, but don’t join in complaining. Instead:

• Acknowledge: “Sounds like that can be tough.”
• Ask: “How does the program respond when residents give feedback about those issues?”

You’re gathering data without contributing to negativity.

If There Is Alcohol Pressure

If others are drinking and you prefer not to:

• “I’m good with water, thanks. Big day tomorrow.”
• Hold a non-alcoholic drink (soda, sparkling water, mocktail) so you’re not empty-handed.

If anyone pressures you beyond that (rare but possible):

• Smile, hold your boundary:
  • “I actually don’t drink, but I appreciate it.”

Confident boundaries are a sign of maturity, not weakness.

Ending the Evening Gracefully

When the dinner wraps up or people start leaving:

• Personally thank at least one or two residents who were most engaged with you:
  • “Thanks so much for sharing your perspective; it was really helpful. I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”
• Thank the chief or main organizer if identifiable.

Then leave with the group or when it feels natural. Don’t be the last applicant lingering unless everyone else is also staying.

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After the Dinner: Reflection, Notes, and Using the Information

The pre-interview dinner is only truly valuable if you capture and use what you learned.

1. Take Brief Notes That Night

Back in your hotel or room, write down:

• 3–5 key things you learned about:

  • Program culture
  • Workload
  • Support for IMGs
  • Resident happiness

• Names of residents you spoke with + 1–2 details (e.g., “Dr. Maria L. — PGY-2, from Puerto Rico, loves ICU teaching”).

These notes will help later when:

• Writing personalized thank-you emails (if appropriate)
• Creating your rank list
• Comparing impression across programs

2. Integrate Dinner Impressions with Interview Day

Don’t let a single resident’s complaints or one awkward moment override everything.

Look for patterns:

• If multiple residents independently express similar concerns, take them seriously.
• If residents seem genuinely supportive, joke with each other kindly, and speak well of leadership, that’s a strong positive sign.

For a Caribbean medical school residency candidate, a program where residents actively support IMGs, help each other with Step 3, visa issues, and cultural integration can make a huge difference to your experience and success.

3. Incorporate Insights into Your Interview Answers

On interview day, you can occasionally reference the dinner:

• “Speaking with the residents last night, I was impressed by how supportive they felt the environment was, especially for those transitioning from different medical systems. That’s something I really value in a program.”

This shows:

• You took the dinner seriously.
• You engaged thoughtfully.
• Your interest in the program is informed, not generic.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is it bad if I can’t attend the pre-interview dinner?

Not automatically. Programs understand travel delays, family obligations, or religious reasons. If you can’t attend:

• Inform the coordinator early and briefly explain.
• Make sure your interview-day interactions are especially strong.

However, if it’s feasible, attending is strongly recommended—it can help you evaluate them and help them see your interpersonal skills, which matter a lot for Caribbean IMGs.

2. Will skipping alcohol or dessert make me look boring or antisocial?

No. Many residents don’t drink at all or keep it minimal, especially pre-call or before an early morning. Choosing water or soda is completely acceptable. Your conversation, respect, and engagement matter far more than what you consume.

3. Should I bring my CV or talk extensively about my Step scores and publications?

Do not bring your CV to the dinner. The event is social, not a second formal interview. It’s fine to briefly mention your interests, research, or career goals if asked, but don’t recite your CV or dominate the conversation with achievements. Focus on genuine dialogue and mutual fit.

4. As a Caribbean IMG, should I address my training background at the dinner?

Only if it comes up naturally. It’s fine to say you’re from SGU, Ross, AUC, Saba, etc., and maybe one positive takeaway from your training. Avoid long defensive explanations. You’ll have better opportunities during formal interviews to discuss your path and how it prepared you for residency.

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By approaching the pre-interview dinner with preparation, respect, and curiosity, you transform what feels like a social test into a strategic opportunity:

• To show who you are beyond the application
• To assess whether this program truly fits you as a Caribbean IMG
• To lay the foundation for strong impressions that can subtly help on rank lists

Treat the dinner as your first “shift” with your potential future colleagues—and conduct yourself as the kind of resident they’ll be grateful to have on their team.