Specifically Designed for International and Caribbean Medical Graduates
The Video Course
The RIQ Course is a unique, powerful residency interview preparation system. You get full-length video answers (90+ videos) to the most important interview questions – specifically designed for the IMG or Caribbean medical school graduate. We have 100+ pages of sample answers, answer outlines, and analysis of top interview answers.
Expert 1 on 1 coaching
With Expert 1:1 Coaching, you’ll get the same Video Course and sample answers, and individual 1 on 1 coaching and mock interview with an expert RIQ interview coach. You’ll also get full email question support with replies within 24 hrs from your coach, and custom, tailored interview guidance. You get these services through the entire interview season.
Interview Advice Blog
Check out our blog for useful tips for FREE. We share our own personal statements and ERAS application. We talk about everything from Thank You Notes, to Top Interview Questions, to What to Wear.
Expert Video Demonstrations, Analysis, and Full-length Answers
Residency Interview Questions (RIQ) is a residency interview preparation system specifically designed for the international medical graduate (IMG) or Caribbean medical graduate. Here's how it works: we've created more than 90 videos and 100+ pages of content to teach you how to nail the highest-yield residency interview questions. Watch and learn from the content, style and body language of true-to-life interview demonstrations. The interview questions you will face are known, let RIQ show you how to create the perfect answers.
Match successfully with our program or your next year is free.
90+ HD-videos provide real-world examples and expert insight. There is more than 100 pages of content to help you craft your own answers. We believe that great interview skills can be taught. Learn the break down of each of the most common, highest-yield residency interview questions. See how we employ body language and tone. We give you the formula to craft your own answer.
IMGs and Caribbean graduates are at a disadvantage in the U.S. residency process - the interview is the most important, modifiable part of your application that you can strengthen. We have an experienced team of top coaches who have navigated the process and matched at their top choices during their own interviews. We have worked closely with hundreds of IMGs in a variety of hospital settings to build this system. RIQ has worked with chief residents, faculty interviewers and program directors to provide insider tips. Our program is the only preparation you need to nail your residency interviews.
Match Successes with RIQ
Collectively Steve and David have interviewed at over 45 different hospitals and academic medical centers across the United States. We have first hand knowledge on how you can perform at your BEST.
We practiced answers, tested each other and crafted perfect answers for ALL of the most commonly asked questions. After we matched, we went back and talked to Program Director and other successful IMG residents about their experiences. This was how RIQ was born. We realized IMGs need a leg up in navigating this challenging process.
Here are some applicant success stories
- As an applicant with 15 years between graduation and an unsuccessful match attempt, George joined RIQ 1 on 1 Coaching and was able to match at his TOP choice. He used our video prep for answering questions on gap years between training and anxiety of returning to residency.
- We matched multiple applicants with Step 1 scores below 219 and two applicants with Step score below 209. With the RIQ Video Course, they were able to address their weaknesses and turn them around to their strengths.
- Our videos are great for those less familiar with English. Laura, an applicant 5 years after graduation with significant language difficulties, was able to match at her TOP choice.
- 54% of our applicants are MORE than 5 years after graduation, and RIQ is able to help them successfully match at a rate significantly higher than average.
- We've successfully matched applicants to Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Neurology, Pathology, and more.
- 9 out of 10 RIQ users would strongly recommend our service!
David Xu M.D.
Steve Xu M.D.
Marika, M.D.
Brent, M.D.
Interview Advice Blog
Virtual Residency Interviewing in 2020 via the Web
In the midst of COVID-19 related shutdowns and travel limitations in 2020, residency programs are still interviewing to make sure they have housestaff to man the next wave of potential hospitalizations. Most, if not all, residency programs are moving to an online interviewing platform via Zoom, Google Meet or other video conferencing software. Read more about Virtual Residency Interviewing in 2020 via the Web[…]
Top 10 IMG Friendly Specialities
International Medical Graduates (IMGs) make up a critical portion of the US healthcare framework. They serve in diverse positions ranging from primary care, to under-served areas, and in subspecialities. In 2019, IMG match in the US had its most successful year. In all, 58.8% of IMGs successfully matched, an increase from 56.6% the year Read more about Top 10 IMG Friendly Specialities[…]
Body Language in Residency Interview Questions
At RIQ – we talk a lot about the content of your answers. This is, of course, really important. However, the delivery and energy you bring to the interview can be equally important. A lot of our clients are nervous. This is expected – but you cannot let nervousness be the predominant emotion that you Read more about Body Language in Residency Interview Questions[…]
Nailing Residency Interview Questions with Zero Research Experience
We frequently work with clients that start out who have zero research experience. This can certainly making interviewing difficult – research interests become an interesting talking point in interviews. There are often questions related to an interest in research during residency interviews. All of the international medical graduates (IMG) or foreign medical graduates (FMG) who Read more about Nailing Residency Interview Questions with Zero Research Experience[…]
5 Biggest Interview Mistakes for IMG Applicants
Steve and I wanted to share with you the 5 biggest mistakes we’ve observed when coaching IMG applicants. When you finish interviewing, your interviewer doesn’t remember the specific details of your answer within the 10 or more applicants they interviewed that day. They remember the gestalt of the entire interview with you, they might write Read more about 5 Biggest Interview Mistakes for IMG Applicants[…]
Welcome to the 2019 Match Season! Important Dates and Policy Changes from the NMRP.
The 2019 Main Residency Match® is about commence with registration opening September 15th, 2018. We outline the most important dates here – but do consistently check the National Resident Matching Program® (NMRP) website for any changes. In this post, we’ll highlight some key dates as well as any major policy changes. This is up to Read more about Welcome to the 2019 Match Season! Important Dates and Policy Changes from the NMRP.[…]
RIQ Turns 5 years Old – A Continued Commitment to Helping Our Clients Match for 2018-2019
There are many resources currently that can help you prepare for all the USMLE steps. Observerships are widely available – but some are better than others. David and I started RIQ almost 5 years ago, because we saw a huge gap in interview preparation. We see so many applicants spend years and $10,000 or more Read more about RIQ Turns 5 years Old – A Continued Commitment to Helping Our Clients Match for 2018-2019[…]
The Number 1 Residency Interview Question
Here it is guys, we wanted to share with you guys the most common, and MOST IMPORTANT residency interview question. We got asked this question at about 95% of interviews. Past RIQ clients almost always agree this is the #1 question they have been asked. Tell Me About Yourself? Think of the answer to this question as Read more about The Number 1 Residency Interview Question[…]
RIQ Webinar: High Yield Tips to Nail Your Residency Interview
David and I are happy to announce RIQ’s very first webina! It’s open to everyone – clients or not. When: September 12th, 2017 Time: 6:00 pm PST, 8:00 pm CST and 9 pm EST Link to Register We promise this is going to be worth your time. What will you get out of this hour? David and Read more about RIQ Webinar: High Yield Tips to Nail Your Residency Interview[…]
Post Your Burning Questions – IMGs and the NRMP Match
Burning Questions – Please Comment and Post! We know that residency application and matching is tremendously stressful process. We went through it. We now evaluate resident applicants. We’ve seen the entire cycle from beginning to end. We also know it is extra challenging as an IMG. Whether you are a U.S. citizen or not, there Read more about Post Your Burning Questions – IMGs and the NRMP Match[…]
How To Explain Red Flags on Your Residency Applications.
Red flags on your ERAS application can be very anxiety inducing. There is a lot of confusion on exactly what to say and where to say it. Overall, programs get multiple pieces of information from letter writers, USMLE itself, your medical school, etc. In these instances, it is best to use the personal statement to Read more about How To Explain Red Flags on Your Residency Applications.[…]
What Questions Do You Have For Me? The Single Best Question to Ask Every Single Residency Program.
There is one question that I can predict with 100% certainty you will be asked during your residency interview. I was asked this on every single one of my 29 interviews. David and Tamara report the same statistics. No, it isn’t “Tell Me About Yourself.” The question is “What Questions Do You Have For Me?” Read more about What Questions Do You Have For Me? The Single Best Question to Ask Every Single Residency Program.[…]
Announcing Our Free Module. Building Trust.
As we look forward to the opening of the 2017-2018 National Residency Match Program season, we are distinctly aware of the challenges facing international medical school graduates. The threat of an immigration ban certainly concerns us. The discussion on limiting VISAS for foreign medical graduates also worries us. It is something we’re staying up to Read more about Announcing Our Free Module. Building Trust.[…]
7 Easy Things You Can Immediately Strengthen Your Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) CV
The ERAS CV matters. The ERAS CV is a very important document for your residency applications. Too often, we see candidates spend hundreds of hours on their personal statement but only 2-3 hours on their ERAS CV. The secret is that many residency programs actually don’t even bother reading your personal statement. Personal Statement Read more about 7 Easy Things You Can Immediately Strengthen Your Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) CV[…]
How do programs rank residency interview applicants?
We all know what you do after leaving from the residency interview, they probably follow a pattern like this: Breathe a sigh of relief Jot down notes about the program Write thank you emails to your interviewers Today, will try to elucidate a little about what residency programs do after they interview you, and how this Read more about How do programs rank residency interview applicants?[…]
Using Body Language to Make a Strong First Impression
Body language is so critical during the residency interview just as it is during the rest of our conversations in real life. It’s the way that we express dynamics, emotion, excitement, that engages our audience. I’ve seen a lot of applicants who interview, and all their body language is showing one thing: they are nervous, Read more about Using Body Language to Make a Strong First Impression[…]
Probability of Matching as International Medical Graduates
Update – Trump Travel Plan and International Medical Graduates for 2018 National Residency Match Program. We are getting this question more and more from our clients. Basically, will it affect me? Trump’s travel ban is unfortunate, but not something that should deter you from applying for residency. The travel is limited to citizens of these Read more about Probability of Matching as International Medical Graduates[…]
Everything You Need to Know About Observerships or U.S. Clinical Experiences: 2017 Update!
Update – 7/9/2017. We wanted to provide an update to this post. Observerships are very important when it comes to residency applications for IMGs. The simple reason is that program directors want to know that you’re familiar with the U.S. healthcare system. Specifically, they want to know you are familiar with navigating the electronic medical Read more about Everything You Need to Know About Observerships or U.S. Clinical Experiences: 2017 Update![…]
SOAP (Supplemental offer and acceptance program) – the RIQ STRATEGY
All of your hard-work comes down to this. First, we want to thank you for working with us for your residency match journey and using the RIQ Strategy. We hope we have been able to help you and we’re here to support you all the way to the finish line. Here’s a rundown of what Read more about SOAP (Supplemental offer and acceptance program) – the RIQ STRATEGY[…]
Navigating The Pre-interview Dinner
It depends on the program, but more likely than not you will be invited to attend the pre-interview dinner. University programs tend to offer pre-interview invitations more often. David and I went on more than 20 each. Our cholesterol suffered but we also saw these dinner opportunities to make solid first impressions and connect with Read more about Navigating The Pre-interview Dinner[…]