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

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

"I believe a physician should possess empathy, above and beyond all other attributes, as this will carry any helping 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 my comfort zone and carefully examining any unconscious bias I may possess."

This question is an opportunity to give a unique answer, so try to dig deeper than having a good bedside manner or strong attention to detail. With no right or wrong answer, your interviewers will be looking to hear you speak confidently on why this quality is essential for a physician to possess and that you would bring this quality to their medical school.