Case Study: Ochsner Institute – Residency Interview Prep, Virtually!

Ochsner Institute has built a reputation for providing outstanding medical education, with a sharp focus on creating hands-on, realistic learning environments for medical students.

Their residency interview prep is designed not only to test technical knowledge but also to ensure that candidates are prepared for the unpredictable nature of high-stakes medical exams.

Welcome Lobby

The Need for Virtual Realism

Like many medical institutions, Ochsner faced the challenge of transitioning to virtual mock exams and interviews due to restrictions on in-person gatherings.

The main goal was to ensure that students could still experience a mock residency interview process that reflected the intensity and speed of real-life situations.

A Virtual Platform That Mimics Real Interview Dynamics

Gatherly offered a seamless virtual alternative that provided Ochsner with a highly realistic, immersive interview prep environment.

Using Gatherly’s spatial design features, Ochsner set up dedicated “interview rooms” and “evaluation zones,” where students could be timed, questioned, and assessed by faculty members.

This allowed for a more natural interview flow—students moved from station to station, engaging with different medical professionals and receiving on-the-spot feedback.

The breakout functionality also allowed for flexible group interactions between the medical team, where instructors could gather to discuss individual candidates or brainstorm specific feedback.

Confidence and Clarity for Every Student

By using Gatherly’s customizable space and multi-room navigation, Ochsner’s residency candidates got a glimpse into the real-life challenges of medical exams without being physically present in a clinic or hospital.

The flexibility of the platform made it possible for students to gain confidence, while instructors could immediately address areas of concern and offer strategic feedback.

Outcome

Students left their virtual sessions better prepared, better informed, and more confident in their ability to navigate the real challenges they would face as part of their residency programs.