The last time Kaelan Samoranos, MD Class of 2027, sat down for a formal interview, he was hoping to earn a place in medical school.
Now, as a fourth-year medical student at Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University, he is preparing for another pivotal step in his career: residency.
When he learned of the school’s Alumni Mock Interview Program — an initiative that partners alumni with graduating MD and physician assistant students for practice interviews — he saw an opportunity to sharpen his skills and build confidence ahead of residency season. He also hoped to connect with alumni, who had matched in his specialty of interest and in the geographic region where he hoped to train.
He found both and much more.
Paired with alumna volunteer and rheumatologist Dana Copeland Reddy, MD (MD ’09), Kaelan said the conversation felt comfortable and natural, and they discovered they share mutual professional connections across the country.
“This was an invaluable experience,” Kaelan said. “Not only did it tell me that it is possible to pursue this specialty in this geographic region, but it also gave me a connection with a role model, mentor and advocate for my residency application.”
That combination of interview preparation and alumni connection is at the center of the mock interview program, which recently earned a Bronze Circle of Excellence Award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).
Practice With a Purpose
The Alumni Mock Interview Program began more than a decade ago in response to the competitive nature of the residency Match process, according to director of alumni relations. Alumni physicians wanted a meaningful way to connect with medical students, while helping them feel more prepared for residency interviews.
The program later expanded to graduating physician assistant students.
Today, students are paired with alumni practicing in specialties or career areas that align with their interests. Interviews are offered virtually and in person, making it possible to connect students with alumni beyond Hampton Roads.
Each 30-minute session typically includes 20 to 25 minutes of interview questions followed by time for feedback. Alumni also complete evaluations addressing areas, such as professionalism, preparedness and confidence, and they can provide their contact information for continued mentorship.
Last academic year, 109 alumni volunteered with the program, along with 100% of the graduating physician assistant class and nearly the entire graduating MD class.
Kaelan said the feedback he received from Dr. Reddy was more valuable than just a list of better interview answers — it gave him confidence to tell his own story.
“When answering questions, say what you really want to say and not what you think the interviewer wants to hear,” he said. “Always be yourself.”
Alumni Giving Back For alumni volunteers, the program also provides a chance to return to a moment they remember well. Khiem Nguyen, MD (MD ’96), said he wants to give back to the school that gave him a future.
When interviewing students, Dr. Nguyen looks for maturity and an understanding of what it means to enter medicine. His most frequent advice reaches beyond the mechanics of a successful interview.
“Do not forget where you come from and why you want to be a doctor,” he said.
Dr. Nguyen said he has been encouraged by the students he meets through the program and their understanding of the demands ahead.
And, the student-alumni connection does not always end with the mock interview.
Dr. Reddy encouraged Kaelan to stay in touch and offered to use her professional connections to support him as he navigates the residency application process.
It is exactly the kind of relationship Alumni Relations hopes the program will create: students receiving guidance from people who once stood where they stand now — and, eventually, returning to do the same for someone else.
“It’s a cycle,” Dr. Nguyen said. “We were given assistance for our future; therefore, we should reciprocate.”
