Essential Questions for DO Graduates Pursuing Neurology Residency

Understanding Your Goals as a DO Applicant in Neurology

As a DO graduate pursuing neurology, the questions you ask programs can significantly shape both your match outcome and your future career. You’re not only trying to succeed in the osteopathic residency match and the broader neuro match; you’re also evaluating which programs will value your DO background, support your professional development, and help you become the neurologist you want to be.

Too many applicants focus only on how they are being evaluated, and neglect how they should be evaluating the program. Thoughtful, targeted questions to ask residency programs—especially neurology programs—will help you:

• Identify DO-friendly environments
• Understand how residents are trained and supported
• Gauge fellowship and career prospects
• Assess program culture, wellness, and workload
• Clarify how you would actually live and work there

This guide is designed specifically for you as a DO graduate in neurology. It will walk you through:

• Strategy for asking smart questions
• Core categories of questions to ask
• Sample questions to ask residents, faculty, and the program director
• DO-specific issues you should explore
• Red flags and how to read between the lines

Throughout, you’ll see phrases you can adapt verbatim during interviews, open houses, and second-look visits.

---

Strategy: How to Ask the Right Questions (and to Whom)

Before we dive into lists, it’s important to understand the strategy behind good questions.

1. Clarify Your Priorities

As a DO graduate, your priorities may include:

• Access to ACGME-accredited neurology residency programs with proven DO success
• Faculty who respect and understand osteopathic training
• Opportunities (or at least acceptance) to use OMT where appropriate
• Strong board preparation for both USMLE and COMLEX (if needed)
• Fellowship match rates in your areas of interest (e.g., stroke, epilepsy, neuromuscular, movement disorders)

Write down your top 5–7 priorities before interview season. This will guide which questions to ask repeatedly and what to listen for in responses.

2. Match the Question to the Person

Certain questions are better directed to specific people:

• Residents: Daily life, workload, culture, how DOs are treated, actual vs. advertised educational support
• Program Director (PD) / Associate PD: Curriculum, evaluation, what they want from applicants, program direction
• Chair / Senior Faculty: Department culture, research, strategic goals, reputation
• Chief Residents / Assistant Chiefs: Schedule logistics, coverage plans, response to crises, how feedback is handled
• Program Coordinator: Administrative support, logistics, how organized the program is

A key part of “what to ask program director” is recognizing that some questions (e.g., “Do residents actually go home post-call?”) are better and more safely asked of residents.

3. Use the “Ask Once, Listen Many” Approach

Identify a few high-yield themes—like how DOs are integrated, board pass rates, and resident autonomy. Then:

• Ask different people versions of the same question
• Compare consistency in their answers
• Notice what gets vague or deflected

Consistency builds trust; discrepancies can be early warning signs.

---

Core Questions About Neurology Training and Curriculum

When targeting a neurology residency, you need a clear picture of your clinical training. This goes beyond the block diagram on the website.

A. Questions to Ask the Program Director About Training

Use these during your formal interview or PD Q&A:

1. “How is the neurology curriculum structured over the four years, and what changes have you made recently based on resident feedback?”

   • You’re assessing responsiveness and whether the program is evolving.

2. “How do you balance inpatient, consult, and outpatient neurology experiences?”

   • Look for a reasonable mix; all-inpatient programs may limit outpatient skills.

3. “Can you describe the level of resident autonomy on the wards and in clinic?”

   • Listen for specific examples of graduated responsibility.

4. “How are procedures such as lumbar punctures, EEG interpretation, and EMG exposure structured for residents?”

   • A strong neurology residency should ensure you reach competence in core skills.

5. “What is your approach to board preparation for the neurology boards? How do your residents typically perform?”

   • You want transparency about pass rates and structured board prep.

6. “How are overnight responsibilities structured—night float versus 24-hour call—and how has this affected resident wellness and learning?”

   • Shows whether they think critically about duty hours and fatigue.

7. “How do residents participate in stroke codes and acute neurologic emergencies?”

   • You want active involvement—this is central to neurology training.

B. Questions to Ask Residents About Actual Training Experience

Residents will tell you how the curriculum works in reality:

1. “On a typical inpatient neurology month, how many patients do you carry and how manageable is the workload?”

   • High numbers with minimal support can be a strain.

2. “How much exposure do you get to subspecialties—like movement disorders, epilepsy, neuromuscular, neurocritical care—before PGY-3?”

   • Early exposure helps clarify fellowship interests.

3. “Do you feel prepared to take independent call? At what level of training did you start?”

   • Assess whether autonomy is appropriate and supported, not sink-or-swim.

4. “How accessible are attendings during call or on busy services?”

   • A supportive attending culture is critical, especially early on.

5. “Do you feel the program prepares you well for both academic and community neurology careers?”

   • Strong programs support diverse career paths.

C. DO-Specific Training Questions

As a DO graduate, you may have unique considerations:

1. “How have DO graduates historically performed in this program in terms of board passage and clinical evaluations?”

   • You’re checking that DOs are not at a disadvantage.

2. “Are there any structural differences in training or expectations for DO versus MD residents?”

   • The answer should be a clear and confident no.

3. “Are faculty familiar with COMLEX, and do they consider it equivalent when evaluating performance?”

   • Important for programs that still use board metrics for fellowships or promotions.

If you’re interested in integrating osteopathic principles:

4. “Is there openness to incorporating osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) in appropriate neurologic cases—for example, for headache or musculoskeletal contributors to pain?”
   • You’re gauging respect for your osteopathic background, even if OMT isn’t used widely.

---

Questions About Culture, Wellness, and DO-Friendliness

Program culture can make or break your residency experience. For a DO graduate in neurology, it also matters whether the program truly values osteopathic training.

A. Questions to Ask Residents About Culture

These work well in resident-only panels or informal socials:

1. “How would you describe the culture here in three words?”

   • Ask multiple residents; see if the words overlap.

2. “What’s something you wish you had known about this program before you matched?”

   • Often reveals hidden pros or cons.

3. “When residents struggle—academically, clinically, or personally—how does the program respond?”

   • Look for concrete examples of support, not vague reassurances.

4. “How approachable are the program leadership and faculty? Can you give an example of a time they supported residents?”

   • Specific stories are more telling than “They’re great.”

5. “What does a tough call night look like, and how does the team help each other?”

   • You’re evaluating camaraderie under stress.

6. “Do you feel comfortable speaking up if you’re overwhelmed or have safety concerns?”

   • Psychological safety is crucial.

B. DO-Friendliness and Respect for Osteopathic Training

You want to know how DOs fit into this environment:

1. “How many DO residents are currently in the program, and how many DOs have graduated in the last few years?”

   • A track record of DO graduates is reassuring for a DO graduate residency choice.

2. “As a DO, have you ever felt treated differently by faculty, co-residents, or other services?”

   • Ask this privately when speaking to DO residents if possible.

3. “Are there any DO faculty members in neurology or related specialties?”

   • Having DO faculty sends a strong signal of acceptance and opportunity.

4. “How has the program adapted to the single accreditation system in terms of integrating DO and MD residents?”

   • Look for thoughtful, intentional approaches rather than “We just treat everyone the same” with no details.

C. Questions to Ask Program Director About Wellness and Support

These clarify how the program views its residents:

1. “What wellness initiatives are in place beyond the standard institutional offerings?”

   • You’re looking for program-level initiatives, not just a hospital gym.

2. “How does the program monitor and address resident workload and burnout?”

   • Ask for concrete examples of changes made after feedback.

3. “Can you describe your approach to feedback and remediation if a resident is struggling?”

   • A healthy program is proactive, transparent, and supportive, not punitive.

4. “What changes have you made in call structure or scheduling in the last few years based on resident feedback?”

   • Demonstrates responsiveness and humility.

---

Career Development, Fellowships, and Research: Key Questions

Neurology is increasingly subspecialized. Your questions should clarify how well the program will position you for fellowships, academic careers, or community practice.

A. Fellowship and Career Outcomes (High-Yield for Neuro Match)

These questions help you evaluate long-term prospects:

1. “What have been the typical career paths of your graduates over the last 5 years—in terms of fellowships versus going straight into practice?”

   • Look for data, not anecdotes from one superstar graduate.

2. “Which neurology subspecialty fellowships do your residents most commonly match into, and where?”

   • This is central to understanding the program’s reputation in the neuro match.

3. “How supportive is the program of residents applying to competitive fellowships like neurocritical care, epilepsy, or movement disorders?”

   • Ask for examples of mentorship and letter-writing support.

4. “Do residents have exposure to community neurology settings as well as tertiary academic care?”

   • This is important if you might choose private or community practice.

B. Questions About Research and Academic Opportunities

If you’re academically inclined, ask:

1. “What research opportunities are available for residents, and how many residents typically publish or present at conferences each year?”

   • Numbers matter here.

2. “Is protected research time available, and if so, how is it scheduled?”

   • Confirms whether research is supported in practice, not just in theory.

3. “Can you describe mentorship structures for residents interested in academic neurology or specific fellowships?”

   • Strong programs have formal or semi-formal mentoring systems.

4. “Are there regular neurology conferences, grand rounds, or journal clubs that residents help lead?”

   • Demonstrates a robust academic environment.

5. “Do residents receive support to attend and present at regional or national neurology meetings?”

   • Funding for conferences is a tangible marker of investment in your career.

C. Sample Questions to Ask Residents About Career Prep

Residents are closest to the process:

1. “How well did you feel supported during your fellowship or job search?”

   • Ask PGY-4s or recent graduates.

2. “Do you feel the training here leaves you confident managing bread-and-butter neurology independently?”

   • Subspecialty prestige means little if core skills are weak.

3. “Have any DO residents from this program gone on to competitive fellowships or academic positions?”

   • Specifically relevant for a DO graduate residency applicant.

---

Daily Life, Logistics, and Subtle Red Flags

Even the best curriculum can be overshadowed by poor scheduling, unsafe workloads, or a toxic environment. Thoughtful interview questions for them—residents and leadership alike—can reveal a lot between the lines.

A. Questions to Ask Residents About Daily Life

Aim for specific, grounded questions:

1. “What does a typical day look like on your busiest rotation? When do you usually arrive and leave?”

   • Compare across residents; see how often they mention leaving late.

2. “How easy or difficult is it to get your days off and vacation requests honored?”

   • A chronically inflexible system can wear you down.

3. “How are weekends and holidays distributed among residents?”

   • Fairness and transparency are key.

4. “Are there consistent issues with violations of duty hours or pressure to under-report them?”

   • Duty-hour honesty is highly predictive of program culture.

5. “What do you like most and least about living in this city as a neurology resident?”

   • You’re going to live there for 4+ years; lifestyle matters.

B. What to Ask Program Director About Structure and Expectations

Directed, respectful questions can clarify expectations:

1. “How do you handle coverage when residents are out sick or on parental leave?”

   • A thoughtful answer shows concern for both the absent resident and the ones covering.

2. “What is your philosophy on resident autonomy versus supervision?”

   • Listen for a nuanced answer, not extremes.

3. “How are residents involved in program evaluation and improvement? Can you give examples of resident-driven changes?”

   • This is a powerful marker of genuine resident voice.

4. “How do you address unprofessional behavior from other services or faculty toward residents?”

   • Especially important for DO graduates who may sometimes experience bias in certain environments.

C. Subtle Red Flags to Watch For

The content of answers matters, but so does the way they’re delivered:

• Vague or evasive answers to questions about board pass rates, fellowship match, or duty hours
• Residents who hesitate, look at faculty before answering, or seem scripted during resident-only sessions
• No DOs in the program (not a deal-breaker, but a data point, especially in neurology)
• Overemphasis on prestige or competitiveness without discussing support
• Faculty dismissing OMT or DO training as “less than”, even jokingly

If multiple red flags appear, trust your instincts and weigh that program carefully.

---

Putting It All Together: Building Your Personal Question List

By the time interviews begin, you should have:

1. A short “core list” of 8–12 questions you plan to ask at nearly every neurology program

   • These anchor your comparisons (e.g., DO success, board support, culture, fellowship outcomes).

2. A tailored list of 3–5 questions specific to each program

   • Based on their website, case mix, faculty interests, and location.

3. Backup questions in case others ask what you planned to ask

   • The “interview questions for them” that you can adapt quickly.

Sample Personalized Core List for a DO Neurology Applicant

You might prioritize something like:

1. To PD:

   • “How have DO graduates from this neurology residency historically done in terms of board passage and fellowships?”
   • “What mentorship or resources are available for residents interested in [your subspecialty interest]?”

2. To Residents:

   • “How would you describe how DO residents are integrated and supported here?”
   • “Can you walk me through a typical call night and how manageable it feels?”
   • “What’s one meaningful change the program made based on resident feedback recently?”

3. To Faculty / Chair:

   • “Where do you see this neurology department and residency program in 5–10 years?”
   • “How do residents fit into the broader academic and clinical mission of the department?”

4. To Program Coordinator / Chief:

   • “How are schedules built and adjusted when unexpected events come up?”
   • “What systems are in place to ensure fairness in call and weekend distribution?”

Bring a small professional notepad or jot down reminders immediately after the interview day so you can accurately compare programs when it’s time to make your rank list.

---

FAQ: Common Questions from DO Graduates Applying to Neurology

1. As a DO graduate, should I specifically ask if a program has matched DOs into neurology before?

Yes. For a DO graduate residency applicant in neurology, it’s completely appropriate to ask:

“Have you trained DO residents in your neurology program before, and how have they done after graduation?”

You’re not asking for special treatment; you’re evaluating whether DOs have had success in that specific environment. Programs with a track record of DOs are often more attuned to osteopathic training and potential COMLEX/USMLE nuances.

2. Is it okay to ask about board pass rates and fellowship match outcomes directly?

Absolutely—and you should. These are core outcomes of a neurology residency. A professional phrasing is:

“Would you be comfortable sharing your recent neurology board pass rates and typical fellowship or job placements for graduates?”

Transparent programs will usually have this information ready. If answers are vague or brushed aside, consider that a potential concern.

3. How many questions should I ask during each interview?

Aim for 2–3 thoughtful questions per individual interview, plus additional questions during group Q&A or resident sessions. Quality matters more than quantity. Prepare more than you need, but prioritize the few that give you the most decision-making power.

4. Can I ask about osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) in neurology, or will that seem odd?

You can, especially if OMT is part of your professional identity. A neutral, open-ended way to ask is:

“As a DO, I have training in osteopathic manipulative treatment. While I know OMT isn’t central to neurology, is there space or openness here to using it in appropriate cases, such as certain headache or musculoskeletal components of pain?”

You’re not demanding an OMT clinic; you’re testing whether your osteopathic background is respected. Many programs will say they’re open to it on a case-by-case basis, which is reasonable.

---

By approaching interviews with a clear strategy and a strong set of questions tailored to neurology and your DO background, you transform the encounter from a one-sided evaluation into a genuine two-way conversation. That’s how you find a neurology residency where you’ll not only match, but truly thrive as an osteopathic physician and future neurologist.