Interview Season Reset: Theory-Driven Tips for Thriving in the Hot Seat

by Nadj L Pierre MD

1. Critical Race Theory: Lead With Lived Experience

Your story of navigating inequities is not something to minimize (Tsai & Lindo, 2021). When asked about challenges, connect them to skills you now bring: resilience, advocacy, problem-solving.

• Example: “Being the first in my family to navigate medical education taught me how to build trust with people who feel unseen. That helps me connect with patients in vulnerable moments.”

  
  

2. Minority Stress Theory: Recognize the Weight

Bias and microaggressions add invisible stress that can shake confidence (Bonifacino et al., 2021). Don’t mistake that stress for weakness. Protect yourself with rituals before interviews,whether that’s prayer, journaling, or music that grounds you in culture. Enter the room remembering: the stress is systemic, not personal.

3. Transformative Learning: Reframe the Discomfort

The nerves you feel? That’s growth pressure. Transformative learning theory shows discomfort can catalyze new strength (Holdren et al., 2022; Vipler, 2020). Instead of fighting it, flip the script: “This adrenaline means I care , and I’m ready.”

4. Communities of Practice: Treat Interviews as Conversations

More than institutions, programs are communities. Communities of Practice theory shows belonging grows when you engage authentically (Weller et al., 2023). Don’t just answer; ask. Lean in with questions about mentorship, wellness, and culture. Show them you’re ready to join. Do not just perform.

5. Cultural Dexterity: Be Ready for the Bias

You may face coded questions about where you’re from or assumptions about your role. Training in cultural dexterity shows that having scripts ready reduces harm (Alhassan et al., 2024).

• Example: “I grew up in [city], and my background gives me a unique lens for building trust with patients.”

  
  

6. Liberation Psychology: Think Beyond the Interview

Yes.Your goal is to match. It's also to thrive. Liberation psychology emphasizes collective resilience (Domínguez, 2021). Build networks during interview season: connect with co-applicants, residents, and mentors. Leave each day not just with impressions of the program, but with new allies in medicine.

And Remember. You don’t just belong in medicine. Medicine belongs to you, too.

References

• Alhassan, Fatima, et al. “Microaggressions and the Emotional Toll on Learners of Color in Medicine.” Journal of Surgical Education, 2024.

• Bonifacino, Emily, et al. “Minority Stress Theory and the Experiences of Underrepresented Residents.” Journal of Graduate Medical Education, vol. 13, no. 4, 2021, pp. 543–549.

• Domínguez, José, et al. “Cultural Resilience and Healing in Education.” Journal of Latinos and Education, vol. 20, no. 2, 2021, pp. 123–138.

• Holdren, Sarah, et al. “Transformative Learning Theory in Graduate Medical Education: A Path Toward Equity.” Journal of Surgical Education, vol. 79, no. 6, 2022, pp. 1335–1342.

• Tsai, Jennifer, and Eric Lindo. “Critical Race Theory in Medical Education.” Academic Medicine, vol. 96, no. 12, 2021, pp. 1705–1707.

• Vipler, Benjamin, et al. “Remediation Through Transformation: Applying Educational Theory to the Struggling Resident.” Journal of General Internal Medicine, vol. 35, no. 12, 2020, pp. 3656–3663.

• Weller, Jason, et al. “Communities of Practice: Building Belonging in Surgical Training.” Annals of Surgery Open, vol. 4, no. 1, 2023, e287.