| How to Ace Your Medical Residency Interview Posted: 18 Apr 2019 05:00 PM PDT For some medical students, the residency interview is the most frightening part of the application. However, interviews are not designed to be scary, especially if you've prepared thoroughly. If you brainstorm thoughtful questions, anticipate the answers you'll be expected to provide, and spend plenty of time practicing, you'll arrive at your interview relaxed and ready. Don't think of your residency interview as a trial by fire – instead, view it as an exciting opportunity to show the faculty members why you're a great candidate for their program. EditResearching the Residency Program - Dig for in-depth information about the programs you've applied to. Your interviewer will probably ask you why you're interested in their program. Thinking about your preferences and needs – and investigating how the program might or might not fulfill them – will allow you to answer this question thoughtfully.[1]
- Consider your willingness to compete, where you want to be located, what kind of work-life balance you're looking for, and whether the program is a good match for your current or potential specialty field.
- Research the academic details of the program. For instance, what kind of formal or experiential learning opportunities can you expect? When is the in-service exam, and how important are the scores? How are residents evaluated?[2]
- Look into the logistical aspects of the program, such as housing, transportation, salary, and additional benefits or support programs.
- Make a list of questions to ask. Even after researching your residency program, you may have lingering questions. If so, write them down and ask them during your interview, as well as any other questions you can think of. Though you're interviewing to be chosen for a specific residency program, the choice is yours as much as it is theirs– you will both rank your top choices during the matching process.[3] Your interview is your best chance find out if the program is a good fit for you.
- Remember to ask questions that are more subjective and difficult to answer outside of an interview setting. For example: do residents and faculty members work well together and get along? In your interviewer's opinion, what are the program's strengths and weaknesses?[4]
- Don't ask questions for the sake of asking them– only inquire about what you genuinely want to know.[5]
- In general, avoid asking questions about vacation time, the difficulty of the program, exact levels of compensation, or anything you could have found out on your own. You don't want your interviewers to question your intentions or your work ethic.[6]
- Learn about your possible interviewer. Though you probably won't know who's going to interview you, investigate who the program director is, who the major faculty involved in the program are, and who the current residents are. There's a high chance you'll be speaking with some of those people.
- Be sure to note what their research interests are. What's their take on their specialty? What have they accomplished? All of this information will help you ask informed questions during your upcoming interviews, or even make references to your interviewer's papers and projects.
EditAnticipating Interview Questions - Reflect upon your motivation to study medicine. Interviewers will ask you why you're interested in your particular specialty, or even why you're interested in medicine in general. After many hard years of medical school, it can be difficult to recall why you started. Take some time to remember.[7]
- Journaling about why you entered the medical field – and why you wish to remain in it – can be an excellent way to reflect.
- Discussing your interest in medicine with friends, especially if they aren't doctors, can also help you clarify your sense of purpose.
- Review any rough spots in your resume and be prepared to explain them. Interviewers may ask you to explain perceived weaknesses in your academic or professional history, such as poor grades or a lack of research experience. Brainstorm and rehearse possible explanations in case they do.[8]
- Interviewers may ask you about mistakes you might have made in patient care and what you learned from them. They may also ask you to reflect on your personal weaknesses in general. Take some time to plan your answers to difficult questions like these.
- Read up on the current state of health care reform. You'll probably be asked a general question about health care policy – for instance, something along the lines of "How do you think the health care system will evolve in the next 10-20 years? How will it affect how you practice medicine?" Have an apolitical, well-informed response prepared.[9]
- Be sure you are knowledgeable about the ACA passed under the Obama administration, as well as other recent health policy developments. Being unaware of the current state of these issues could hurt your chances.
- Write down memorable learning experiences. Take some time to think about the most important moments in your medical career thus far. You may be asked to discuss pivotal moments, influential mentors, or any interesting and unusual cases you encountered. Jotting these experiences down will help you organize them in your mind so that they are easily accessible come interview day.[10]
- Reflect on your career goals. You may be asked where you see yourself in 5-10 years, or what you ultimately hope to accomplish in your medical career. Take some time to identify and think about on your aspirations, and be ready to discuss them at length.
EditPracticing for Your Interview - Write out answers to potential questions. Brainstorm answers to common interview questions, and then write them out using sentences or bullet points. This can help you identify and recall important talking points if you are asked those questions in your interview.[11]
- Besides the topics noted above – such as the origin of your interest in medicine, your career goals, your most valuable learning experiences, and weaknesses in your application – interviewers might ask you about your role models, your extracurricular activities, and why you're interested in their particular residency program.[12]
- Film yourself answering questions. Pick a tricky practice question, or think of an anecdote that you might be asked to share. Recite your answer or your story in front of a mirror while recording a video, or have a friend do it for you. When you go back and watch the film, you can easily pick out issues like poor posture and verbal tics, then work to improve them as you continue practicing.[13]
- Practice interviewing with another person. Find a friend who's already a medical resident and ask them to give you a mock interview, or enlist a friend or family member who's not a doctor and give them a list of practice questions to ask you. This will help you grow comfortable and familiar with the interview format.[14]
- If you really want to make the experience realistic, practice with someone you don't know, and wear the outfit you plan to wear to your actual interview.[15]
EditPlanning Your Trip to the Interview Site - Prioritize and commit to your trip. You want to do everything you can to convey to the interviewers that there's nowhere you'd rather be than with them, interviewing for their residency program. Avoid making big plans during interview season so you can be sure that there won't be any conflicts.
- Unless you're extremely ill, avoid rescheduling your interview. If you back out and ask to interview at another time, the interviewers might question your desire to be a part of their program.
- Book trips that are within your budget. Traveling from program to program can get expensive. Plan ahead so that you don't get stuck without the means to make it to an interview.
- The program may offer you a place to stay or a hotel room discount, but if not, save resources by staying with a friend in the city you're visiting.
- Hash out logistics for the day of the interview. Determine how far the site is from where you'll be staying, when you'll have a chance to rest and eat, and even what outfit you'll be wearing. If you show up late, hungry, or wearing wrinkled, mismatched clothes, it could throw you off for the rest of the day.[16]
EditExecuting a Great Interview - Start the day rested and relaxed. Get plenty of sleep the night before your interview. When you first arrive at the site, take a moment to yourself in your car or in a restroom to take deep breaths and calm yourself. Also, be sure not to drink too much coffee – you might think that it'll fire you up, but it can make you shaky, nervous, and prone to frequent bathroom trips. [17]
- Show interviewers – but don't tell them – why you're an ideal candidate. When you're asked questions about your strengths as a physician, or about what you've accomplished so far in your career, don't rattle off accolades or personal traits without context. Deliver your answer in the form of a story that will give your interviewers a thorough picture of the kind of person you are, not simply what you've achieved.[18]
- Be sure to project humility while you recount these stories. Faculty members won't want to work with someone with an oversized ego. If you mention an instance of success, like a research breakthrough or an award, mention a mentor who helped guide you there, or the talented team you worked with during that time.[19]
- Stay calm when faced with difficult questions. Some questions given in residency interviews are designed to throw you off, or even to get a rise out of you. If you encounter a question that makes you panicky or uncomfortable, override that emotional reaction and answer it calmly and deliberately. Interviewers will want to see that you can remain calm under stress. [20]
- You may be asked about a significant personal failure, about bad things you've heard about the residency, or a time you made a serious mistake. Anticipate honest but careful answers to these questions, and deliver them in a measured, diplomatic manner.
- Be friendly to everyone you meet at the interview site. When they meet you, interviewers and faculty members will be assessing whether they will want to work with you. Maintain eye contact, be polite, and don't forget to smile. Operate as if every person you encounter throughout the day might weigh in on your selection. Chances are, most of them will have a say.[21]
- Be genuine in your questions, answers, and interactions. In the end, this interview is a chance to get to know you as a person, not as an abstract name attached to transcripts and resumes. Don't take pains to ask or say things you think your interviewers will want to hear. If you've prepared well, being your authentic self throughout your day of interviews will likely yield positive results.[22]
EditRelated wikiHows EditReferences
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Ride a Bicycle Posted: 18 Apr 2019 09:00 AM PDT Do you want to go outside and ride a bike? Are you trying to teach someone else? Many adults never got the chance to learn and many kids want to learn. There's no reason to be embarrassed. Instead, get eager to start one of the healthiest, most environmentally friendly, and most satisfying forms of self-transportation possible. It requires preparation, technique, and a little falling, but anyone can learn how to ride a bicycle. EditRiding Safely - Find a fitting location. When you're learning, you want to find a place that's comfortable and far from traffic. A good place to start is a flat, smooth stretch of ground such as your driveway or your sidewalk. Those who don't have space at home can practice in a parking lot or park.[1]
- Starting off on grass or smooth gravel helps since falls there hurt less. These surfaces make balancing and pedaling harder though.
- If you plan on practicing balance and pedaling on hills, find locations with gentle slopes.
- Check your local laws to see if it is legal to ride on sidewalks or other paths.
- Wear riding clothing. Knee and elbow pads insulate joints and protect against scrapes, so they are recommended for all riders. Long-sleeved shirts and long pants also help protect against falls and can be combined with pads.
- Avoid baggy pants and long skirts. These may get caught in the gears and tires, and may result in you falling down.
- Avoid open-toed shoes. These leave your feet exposed to the bike and ground.
- Put on a helmet. Helmets are recommended for beginners and experienced bike riders alike. You never know when an accident will happen. A broken bone can usually be fixed, but head trauma, common in bicycle accidents, leaves a lasting impact. Also, some areas have laws requiring riders to wear helmets.[2]
- Helmets are measured to fit the head. A good one fits tightly and comes down to an inch (two and a half centimeters) above your eyebrows. It will also have straps that keep your helmet tight while still letting you move your mouth.
- Commuter helmets are one common type. They are rounded, made of foam and plastic, and can be found online or in retail stores where bikes are available.[3]
- Road helmets are elongated and often have vents. They're also made with foam and plastic but are popular on roads or in competitive racing. Seek them online or in retail stores.[4]
- Youth (age 10-15), child (age 5-10), and toddler (under 5) helmets are all smaller commuter or road helmets. Toddler helmets are the only ones with more foam.
- Mountain bike helmets and professional sports helmets come with visors and neck bracing for tough off-road conditions.[5]
- Go out during the day. Riding is possible at night but not recommended for beginners. You'll be spending a lot of time learning to balance. This means that, as you get acclimated, the bike can swerve into traffic or other dangers you'll have a hard time seeing. At night, drivers also have a more difficult time seeing you.[6]
- If you have to go out at night, wear light-colored clothing, reflective stickers, and use bike headlights.
EditMounting a Bicycle - Begin on a flat surface. Flat surfaces such as a driveway, sidewalk, quiet road, or park trail are stable. There are no slopes, so the falls are shorter and you will have an easier time balancing and coming to a stop.
- Short grass and smooth gravel are also surfaces you can use. Falls will hurt less, but these surfaces force you to pedal harder to move the bike.
- Adjust the bike seat. Lower the bike seat far enough that whoever's riding can put both of their feet flat on the ground while seated. A low seat allows you to stop yourself with your feet before you fall. Adults don't need to use training wheels, but young children can use these or specialty balance bikes.[7]
- It is possible to remove the pedals to keep them out of the way, but it isn't required.
- Test the brakes. Find out how the brakes work on the bicycle. Stay off the bicycle. Keep it next to you and walk it. Push the brake buttons to get used to their location, how they feel, and how the bike reacts to them. Once you've learned this, you'll feel more comfortable because you'll be able to make an emergency stop when needed.
- If your bike has brakes on the handlebars, test each one to see which controls the front and which controls the rear wheel. These can be switched by professionals.[8]
- Notice how squeezing the back brake causes the rear wheel to skid. Squeezing the front brake causes the bike to pitch forward.[9]
- If your bike doesn't have brakes on the handles, it should have backpedal (coaster) brakes. To brake, press down on the pedal closest to the back end of the bike as if pedaling backwards.[10]
- If your bike is a fixed wheel and hasn't been modified, it has no brakes. Instead of braking, you will need to either slow the pace of your pedaling or skid by leaning forward and holding both pedals horizontally with your feet.[11]
- Plant one foot on the ground. It doesn't matter which side you choose, but your dominant side will feel more natural. A right-handed person, for instance, can stand on the left side of the bike. Lift up your right leg, reach it over the bike, and put it on the ground on the other side of the bike. Hold the bike upwards between your legs.
- Feel the weight of the bike between your legs and try to keep it balanced as you lower yourself. Having feet on the ground prevents the bike from toppling while you acclimate.
- Maintain your weight in the center of the bike, evenly distributed between your left and right sides. Sit up straight instead of leaning.
- Start gliding. Rather than pedal, push yourself off by foot. Tuck your feet upwards and onto the pedals. While in motion, maintain the bike's balance as long as you can. Once you feel the bike beginning to tip, catch it by putting one foot to the ground, then push off again.[12]
- Keep your eyes straight ahead. When you look at obstacles, your bike heads towards them. Concentrate on looking towards where you want the bike to go. It takes some practice to avoid distractions from road hazards or other sights.
- Before you have complete control, go where the bike goes. When starting, the bike tends to go to the side or in circles. Instead of stopping, let it go and try to maintain balance while it does.[13]
- If you are helping a child or friend, you can hold onto their lower back to help them stay steady while they practice.
- Start pedaling. Start with one foot on the ground. Your other foot should be flat on a pedal pointed upwards. Push off, put that foot on the other pedal, and go! Keep going as long as you can maintain balance.
- Going faster makes balancing easier, but don't go so fast that you lose control.
- Dismount from the bike. Don't stop by foot. A better practice is stop by using the brakes. Stop pedaling, shift your weight onto the lowest pedal, and squeeze both handbrakes, if the bike has them. Once the bike has stopped, raise yourself a little and step off onto the ground.[14]
- Putting your feet down too early while using the brakes stops the bicycle abruptly. Your momentum won't stop and you'll whack into the handlebars.[15]
EditLearning to Ride on Slopes - Practice gliding down gentle slopes. Walk the bike to the top of a slope, mount it, and glide down, allowing the bike to slow naturally in the flat area at the bottom. Dismount and repeat as necessary until you get used to balancing and controlling the bike.[16]
- Keep your weight focused in your feet. Stay pressed against the seat, keep your elbows bent, and your body relaxed.[17]
- When you are confident you can coast to the bottom, try riding down with your feet on the pedals.
- Brake while gliding down hills. Once you have become comfortable keeping your feet on the pedals, try again, this time gently squeezing the brakes while descending. You'll learn to slow the bike without swerving out of control or pitching over the handlebars.
- Try steering. Once you can coast, pedal, and brake in a straight line, try going down the hill again. Move the handlebars until you change the direction of the bike without losing control. Feel how the slope changes the way the bike acts and adjust your balance to match it.
- Pedal through the bottom of the slope. Use the techniques learned while gliding to pedal and steer without stopping at the bottom of the hill. Transition to the flatter surface while practicing sharper turns, then brake to a stop.
- Pedal up the slope. From the flat bottom of the hill, start pedaling. The slope requires additional work. Lean forward into the pedaling or even stand up to gain extra power. Bike up and down the slope several times until you feel comfortable.
- Once you feel confident, bike halfway up the slope, come to a stop, and start pedaling upwards again.
EditSafety Information, Rules of the Road, and Things to Remember when Biking - Look straight ahead and stay alert. Looking down at your feet is a distraction and can lead to injury.
- Learning is more fun with other people. For kids or other people who are afraid of falling, seeing other people learning and having fun encourages learning.
- Do not assume the intention of other road users; always assume you have to watch out for cars and other cyclists.
- Once you've mastered riding, you can move the seat up until only your toes touch the ground.
- Have a supervisor such as a parent or other adult. No matter your age, they can help you learn.
- Go faster when you are driving in a flat area and if there is a slope you do not want to pedal.
- If you cannot get a helmet and padding, stay on the grass and away from roads.
- Bikes with gears are harder for beginners. If you have to use one, increase the gear number as you transition to steeper slopes.
- Remember to focus ahead while riding. When you look to the side, your bike tends to drift that way.
- Always wear safety gear, including a helmet and padding.
- Believe that you can do it, and pick yourself up every time you fall.
- Be aware of your local laws. Some locations require riders to wear a helmet and others don't permit riding on sidewalks.
- After you've learned how to ride a bike, remember to learn about road safety, such as the dangers of speeding, dealing with cars, and obeying road signs.
- Biking accidents are common and dangerous. Always wear a helmet to avoid head injuries. Wear padding to avoid scrapes and fractures.
EditThings You'll Need - A bicycle
- A bike pump for increasing tire pressure
- A helmet
- Knee pads (optional)
- Elbow pads (optional)
- A flat surface
EditRelated wikiHows EditReferences
EditQuick Summary
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Make a Grass Pot for Cats Posted: 18 Apr 2019 01:00 AM PDT Cats chew on grass to help get healthy vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, but an indoor cat doesn't have access to your lawn. Luckily, cat grass is very easy to grow indoors so you can provide your cat the nourishment it needs. Cat grass is usually a mix of wheat, oat, barley, or rye, and can be grown in soil or with a water substrate. Once you have the grass pot set up, your cat can enjoy eating it whenever it wants! EditGerminating Seeds in Soil - Fill a pot with planting soil until it's from the rim. Use an organic potting soil so it's safe for your cat to dig into. Choose a pot with a wide opening on top so the grass can spread out as it grows.[1]
- Avoid using any fertilizers in your pot since cat grass grows and dies within a few months.
- Scatter seeds in the pot and cover them with a thin layer of topsoil. Spread the seeds evenly across the soil until it's completely covered. It's okay for the seeds to overlap since the grasses' root systems don't take up much room. Once your seeds are in the pot, cover them with about of soil.[2]
- Cat grass seed packs can be purchased from your local pet store or online.
- You may soak the seeds in a bowl with water 1 day before you plant them to help speed up germination. The seeds will absorb the water and are more likely to sprout within a few days.[3]
- Mist the soil until it's moist. Put water in a spray bottle and gently mist the topsoil. Keep spraying water onto the soil until it feels damp to the touch. Don't leave any standing water on the surface or else your seeds may not grow.[4]
- Don't pour water directly into the pot since it might drown the seeds and prevent growth.
- Cover the pot for 2-3 days with plastic wrap and keep it in a cool, dark place. Plastic wrap helps maintain a humid environment and encourages your grass to sprout quickly. After you cover the pot, use a toothpick to poke a few holes into the plastic wrap so air can circulate. Store the pot in a cool and dark place, such as a kitchen cabinet or closet. After 3 days or when you see sprouts, remove the plastic wrap.[5]
- Move the pot so it gets natural light and wait 10 days for the sprouts to grow. Set the pot in an area of your home that gets direct and indirect sunlight throughout the day, such as a windowsill. After about 10 days, the grass will be fully grown and ready for your cat to chew on.[6]
EditStarting a Grass Pot without Soil - Fill a glass bowl or jar two-thirds full with grow stones. Grow stones are used in many hydroponic systems and work well to provide nutrients to the water. Use a shallow glass bowl or jar and put the stones inside. Leave a third of the container's space empty on top.[7]
- You can buy grow stones online or from your local gardening store.
- Set a paper towel or coffee filter on top of the rocks and spread your seeds. The paper towel or coffee filter acts as a barrier between the grow stones and the seeds. After putting the filter in, evenly spread a thin layer of seeds on top of it. It's okay for the seeds to overlap or be on top of each other.[8]
- Make sure the paper towel or filter you used is unbleached or else it could damage your seeds.
- Pour water in the bowl or jar up to the layer of paper towel. Slowly add the water to the container so your seeds aren't disturbed. Keep filling the container until the water just touches the filter. The filter will absorb the water and keep your seeds moist so they can germinate.[9]
- If you notice the water level ever drop below halfway, refill the container back up to the filter.
- Wait 10-12 days before letting your cat eat the grass. After 2-3 days, your seeds will form sprouts, but the grass won't fully form until about 10-12 days. Once the grass is about tall, your cat can chew on it.[10]
EditMaintaining the Cat Grass - Keep the pot in an area of your home with natural light. Keep the pot on a windowsill or on the floor near a glass door. Make sure the spot is in an area where your cat frequently goes. The light will help your grass grow quickly after your cat eats it.[11]
- Water the grass regularly so it stays moist. If you have a soil substrate, feel the topsoil to see if it's moist to the touch. If not, use your spray bottle until it's damp but not so much that it forms pools of standing water. If you're using grow stones, check the water level inside your container. If it's below half full, fill it with water so until it's just below the filter.[12]
- Be careful not to overwater your grass since it could die if there's too much.
- Trim the grass between when it gets too long. If your grass gets too long, your cat may be able to pick up the plants and destroy the grass pot. Use a pair of gardening snips to trim the grass until it's tall.[13]
- Plant new seeds when the grass starts to yellow or wilt. Cat grass doesn't reproduce or stay alive for much more than 2-3 months. When you see your grass turning yellow or drooping, remove it from the pot and replace it with new seeds. Within a few days, you'll have a new pot that's growing healthy cat grass![14]
- You don't need to replace the grass after your cat chews it all since it will grow back quickly until they start to die.
- Overwatering your grass can cause it to die. Only water when it's necessary.
EditThings You'll Need EditGerminating Seeds in Soil - Pot
- Potting soil
- Spray bottle
- Plastic wrap
EditStarting a Grass Pot without Soil - Glass bowl or jar
- Grow stones
- Paper towel or coffee filter
EditMaintaining the Cat Grass EditRelated wikiHows EditReferences
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
No comments:
Post a Comment