QUESTION 25 OF 30

Describe a time when you received criticism. How did you react?

There is a way to positively and maturely accept criticism, even when it is unsolicited. The admissions team at TouroCOM wants to see that you are confident and mature enough to take criticism and learn from the situation rather than become defensive.

Because this behavioral-based question asks you to 'describe a time when...' it's best to form a story-based answer using the STAR framework. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Think of a time when you received criticism from a boss, co-worker, professor, or peer. Then, tell a story that shows the admissions team that you can take criticism and learn from the situation. Be sure to express what you learned from the situation.

"I welcome constructive criticism and feedback because it allows me to tailor my approach and become better at my work. (Situation & Task) One day I was criticized by a nurse after she saw me place an IV in the patient's accessory cephalic vein near the elbow. She explained that it isn't convenient for patients in labor because they tend to tense and stop the flow of the IV. (Action) I asked her which areas she felt were best for the IV, and she taught me. Since then, I have avoided the AC veins when placing IVs in labor and delivery patients. (Result) Had I become defensive, I would not have learned a better way. I am committed to receiving critical feedback, which is important to improving and growing as a physician."

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Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine Mock Interview

Describe a time when you received criticism. How did you react?

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30 Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine Interview Questions & Answers