What do you feel is the single most important quality a physician should possess?

"I believe that the most important quality for a physician to possess is integrity. A physician with integrity is a physician who will always put their patients first. They will treat all attending staff respectfully and be dedicated to bettering themselves in their craft. Integrity is an essential quality, and I work hard to build my integrity level daily. I do this by making ethical decisions, working hard, and doing the right thing, even when it isn't the easiest option."

"I believe every physician should possess empathy, above and beyond all other attributes, as this will carry any provider throughout their career with the right directives. Without understanding my patients' concerns and complaints, I would be doing them a significant disservice by simply providing 'textbook treatment.' I have already been building my empathy skills by taking on volunteer experiences outside of my comfort zone and carefully examining any unconscious bias I may possess."

There are many desirable qualities a physician should possess. Unfortunately, the interviewers ask for one, so you will need to choose the one quality that you feel every physician must have.