How to Answer: How do setbacks emotionally affect you and your work?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Western University Of Health Sciences Physician Assistant interview.
3. How do setbacks emotionally affect you and your work?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Every Physician Assistant student handles the stress and disappointment of setbacks differently. Your interview team at Western University of Health Sciences knows that grades and performance in their program can determine career success, and they need to know that you will handle the inevitable setbacks in their program with style and grace.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 21st, 2022
How to Answer
Discuss with the interviewers how you typically cope with setbacks. No matter what examples you use from your undergraduate training or other experiences, make sure to highlight your ability to remain positive, focused on the task at hand, and able to learn and grow from the setback.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 21st, 2022
Answer Example
"Experiencing a setback is always disappointing and can be very disheartening, especially when involving a project that I have put a lot of time and effort into. I understand that setbacks happen often during Physician Assistant school. If I experience a major setback, I will take a few moments to debrief, get some fresh air if possible, or discuss what I could have done differently with a faculty member. Then, I move on. Rather than dwell on my mistakes, I choose to learn from them and grow moving forward."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 21st, 2022