Residency Interview Prep: Matched IMGs Reveal What Program Directors Really Ask!

Building the right residency program list is one of the most important parts of your Match strategy. 🇺🇸🩺 For IMGs, applying to more programs isn’t always the answer—the goal is to identify programs that actually align with your USMLE scores, visa status, YOG, USCE, specialty, IMG acceptance history, and overall profile. Hear from 2026 Matched IMGs and learn why smarter program selection can help you approach the residency application process more strategically. If you’re preparing for ERAS and Match 2027, start building a program list based on your profile—not guesswork. Looking for more guidance and support for your IMG residency journey? Visit Sarthi for expert assistance with USCE, research, Fellowship, SOAP, Interview Preparation and more. Check out our services- Residency Interview Prep Plan- https://www.usmlesarthi.com/residency... ERAS Success Package: https://www.usmlesarthi.com/eras-succ... For Season 2028 & Later- https://www.usmlesarthi.com/flexible-... Rotation - https://www.usmlesarthi.com/clinicalr... Research - https://www.usmlesarthi.com/research.... For inquiries, contact us at: Website- https://www.usmlesarthi.com/ Email: contact@usmlesarthi.com Get in Touch Instagram -   / usmlesarthi   Facebook -   / usmlesarthi   Twitter -   / usmlesarthi   LinkedIn-   / usmlesarthi   Social media groups Telegram - https://t.me/+MPopi5dhe0VjOGZh Facebook-   / usmleresidencymatchbestgroup   LinkedIn-   / 13894264   Chapters 00:00 - USMLE Sarthi Residency Interview Prep Webinar Intro 01:39 - IMG Match 2026 Season Poll: Who's Applying This Cycle 03:17 - IM Resident Dr. Pravin Kumar: Research & COVID Interview Questions 05:10 - Common IMG Mistake: Not Knowing Your Own Research Project 06:38 - Live Practice: How to Answer "Tell Me About Your Research" 10:45 - Program Director Feedback: Explaining Research Role & Conclusion 14:32 - Ex-Associate Program Director Reveals What PDs Really Look For 16:57 - Accent, US Clinical Experience & Why PDs Screen IMGs 18:52 - Overprepared vs Underprepared: Common Residency Interview Mistakes 21:05 - Best Questions to Ask Program Directors at the End 23:04 - Day in the Life: US Clinical Rotation Experience for IMGs 26:53 - USMLE Sarthi Interview Prep Classes & Turbo Plan Overview 29:10 - Psychiatry Resident Journey: ECFMG Certification & Match Timeline 32:04 - Practice Question: "Tell Me Something Not on Your CV" 36:08 - How to Turn a Hobby Answer Into an Interview Highlight 38:57 - Why Networking Helped Get Residency Interviews After Program Closure 43:04 - Neurology Resident: How Confidence Wins Residency Interviews 45:13 - How to Get Interviews: Connections, Social Media & Cold Emailing 47:39 - Behavioral Interview Question: Good Physician vs Great Physician 52:06 - Interview Practice: "Most Precious Gift You've Received" 53:44 - Don't Be Afraid to Make Mistakes: Neurology Match Tip 55:10 - Pediatrics PGY1: 6 Match Cycles, USMLE Failures & Health Setbacks 58:16 - Curveball Question: When the Program Director Says "You Interview Me" 1:01:13 - Professional Appearance & Researching the Program Before Interview Day