OUR INTERVIEW PROCESS
As was the case last year, the interview process this year will also be completely virtual. We understand that this method of interviewing can be quite stressful and may make it challenging for both you and our program to be able to convey all of the information we normally would during a face to face visit to our medical center. We have tried to make this process as simple and streamlined as possible to reduce these concerns as well as ensure a consistent opportunity for every applicant chosen to interview. We hope you find our interview process both well organized and helpful as you make your decision to rank residency programs.
HOW TO APPLY
All applications are received through ERAS. There are no exceptions to this. We do review every application sent to us through ERAS, and will contact selected applicants directly. We will be reviewing applications continuously throughout the entire interview season. We will continue to send interview invitations through January as permitted based on available slots and the qualifications of remaining applicants.
ONCE YOU ARE SELECTED
If your ERAS application materials meet the standards for our program, you will be contacted by e-mail to consider our invitation to interview. The e-mail will contain a link to Thalamus GME. We will be using this web-based platform to schedule all interviews this year.
USING THALAMUS GME
The interview acceptance e-mail will contain a link to Thalamus GME. If you have not already created an account, you will be prompted to do so the first time you attempt to use the program. Once an account is created, follow the simple steps to access our interview calendar and choose your interview date and time. You can use Thalamus to reschedule your interview if needed and send messages to the program. Thalamus does have a phone-based app that can also be used for your convenience.
OUR INTERVIEW DAY
We will be conducting interviews in two sessions, mornings and afternoons.  We hope that this offers greater flexibility with your already challenging schedule. Once you have scheduled an interview, you will receive an interview itinerary in Thalamus that details the interview day, times of your interviews, and information about those with whom you are going to meet. We plan on an interview day that lasts roughly four hours. We will be using Zoom to conduct interviews and links to these Zoom meetings will be included in your itinerary packet. During the formal interview process, you will have an opportunity to learn additional information about our program, speak individually with the Program Director, and have additional interviews with faculty members, program leadership, and our Chief Residents. We have tried to make the day as streamlined as possible to make the most effective use of your time.
MEETING OUR CURRENT RESIDENTS
We want you to have an opportunity to meet our current resident staff. We have blocked about 30 minutes during each interview day for you to have informal conversation with our resident staff. Our residents are happy to use this time to answer any questions you might have. We realize that this is very different than during prior interview seasons. It is very important to us that you have all of your questions answered. To this end, our resident staff will also be available to you either by e-mail or phone after your formal interview has been completed. Their contact information will be provided in your interview packet.
ADDITIONAL RESIDENT INTERACTIONS
We realize that some candidates may have very specific questions that require a bit more focused discussion to answer. At the conclusion of your interview you will be offered the contact information of several of our residents who will remain available to offer further information about the residency program. Some of our residents have particular interest in discussing issues such as relocating to a more rural environment, bringing family to Danville, church and civic organizations and local entertainment. If you prefer, the program would be happy to introduce you to one of these residents to answer your questions.