I think you’re going to hear a range of opinions about this. My general feeling is to try to make as many as you can, but I wouldn’t cancel an interview for a one hour casual dinner with residents and maybe a couple of attendings if they decide to show up.

Some socials are much better organized than others and more useful for both you and the program.

Some have just residents while others have a ton of faculty. Some you just wander around mingling, trying to figure out the residents from the applicants (ie. no name tags). While others you sit down with a few residents at a table and get to know them and the program better. Others you go out drinking and the residents let you know their true feelings about their program after a pitcher or two.

prohaska if you don't show up to the social in columbia i will put you on the bad list.


kidding, kidding.

helps to get to know people, but nobody holds it against you. we know you're all traveling and it's hard to get to them. that said, it benefits you to see how everyone interacts and if you fit in with the group. i definitely would not cancel an interview for it unless you think it is seriously someplace you want to end up and the other is low on your list. talk to the prog coord also. if it's super casual and you can wander in whenever, then cool. if it's structured and you're going to look like a douche walking in late, skip it.

cheers.