The Story between the Pinstripes: Interviewing for Internal Medicine Residencies

On the cusp of my most intense medical training, I am taking some time off from medical school to work in sales. After almost 2 months of interviewing for internal medicine residency programs, I have my pitch down to a science that is far more formulaic than any medicine I have yet to learn. I button up my perfectly conservative black suit accented by deliberate, but barely noticeable, red pinstripes to represent my originality in a field founded on structure and tradition. I slide a few extra resumes in my business bag. I gloss my lips, only to highlight my charming smile that represents a bright demeanor and approachability. I stretch back my shoulders, standing up straight with a posture that embodies reliability and strength. I am selling the complete package, with no money down and a 3-year warranty.

Each morning interview begins with the same continental breakfast. A herd of black suits crowds around the buffet, cautiously sipping coffee and making polite conversation with the other suits. The smile, the posture, and sometimes even the pinstripes stare back at me. We exchange names of medical schools and hometowns …