30 Behavioral Interview Questions for a Residency Interview
Below is a list of our Behavioral Residency interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
Behavioral
1. Talk about a time when you had to adapt to major change. How did you cope and why do you think being adaptable to change is important as a medical resident?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Overall, healthcare is experiencing more rapid changes today than it has over the past 100 years and your ability to handle and adapt to change with ease will be vital as a medical resident. In asking this question, your interviewers want to know that you can embrace change and see it as an opportunity for overall improvement.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
How to Answer
Pick an example of a time you faced a change, either in your schooling or the workplace, and your response was constructive. Explain how the change directly impacted you and tell the interviewers how you maintained a positive approach during the transition. No matter what example you use in your answer, be sure that you reiterate that you fully understand that your future success as a physician will be reliant on your ability to change with the times to provide the best care possible to your patients.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Answer Example
"With technology constantly improving and changes to healthcare regulations always shifting, I know that I will always have to be open and willing to adapt my work as a physician. During my time working as a medical scribe, I learned firsthand that adapting to change was essential in this field. I worked for a large system that was implementing a change in EMR. I quickly noted how some consulting staff were hesitant and resistant to change and others saw the new changes as wonderful new opportunities. Quickly, my training and work in the new system made me realize all of the benefits an upgraded system had. This experience helped me learn that a positive attitude towards change was essential in making change a success and this is an attitude that I will carry with me into residency training."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Behavioral
2. Tell me about a time that you failed. How did you get back up again with a positive attitude?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
In the complex world of medicine and patient care, every physician fails at one time or another. Your interviewing team knows that residents in their program will fail and what is important is that their residents learn from mistakes and move forward with a lesson learned and a positive attitude.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
How to Answer
We all fail from time to time, and there is no need to be ashamed of defeat. The magic is in the lessons we learn from these situations. Give an example of an outcome of a project or task that was not what you wanted it to be, but you were able to recover. Perhaps you were better off in the end or learned a valuable lesson. Outline the roadblock, and share how you approached the situation to ensure a good recovery. At the end of your response, discuss your level of dedication, even in the face of failure, and how you will make an impact on this program if you were to match there.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Answer Example
"One of the bigger perceived failures that I can think of was not graduating as soon as expected with my bachelor's degree. I had detailed plans laid out and was eager to graduate with my degree in 2017. I encountered a few personal things with my family that pushed my graduation date back one year. It was a bit embarrassing at the time because of my internal drive, but I made the best of it by keeping a positive mindset. In the end, I am thankful that I could complete my degree at a comfortable pace. I finished with excellent grades as well."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Behavioral
3. Talk about a time when you made a good impression on a new patient, customer or coworker. Why was it important to do so?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants evidence that you understand the foundations of building positive relationships with the patients you will be caring for at their institution. The goal of your response is to show the interviewer that you know how to make a lasting impression on patients and add assurance that your approach is the right fit for their program.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
How to Answer
First impressions are everything, and there are many ways to impact a new patient significantly. When you answer, be sure to give a detailed overview of how you would approach making a good impression on a new patient. If you have some work experience, consider telling a brief story of when you built a relationship with a patient, customer or colleagues. You should include specific details of how you developed a relationship with this person. At the end of your response, remember to connect your relationship-building skills and how they will benefit the program, should you match into theirs.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Answer Example
"During my clinical rotations during medical school, my preceptors were very complimentary of my relationship building skills. I know that patients are often scared and out of their element when coming to see a physician and I pride myself on being able to make a great first impression. During my general surgery rotation, I took the time to talk with a patient in pre-op by getting to know their name, asking what their fears were and then educating them on the surgical process. I threw in a few easy jokes to set their mind at ease as well and my preceptor was very impressed with the way I handled the situation."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Behavioral
4. How do you handle working under very close supervision?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
In asking this question, your interviewers want to know more about the workplace environment you desire. Keep in mind, the term 'close supervision' as a medical resident means that you will be working very closely under the supervision of program faculty with this program and your interviewing team needs to know that you will be able to work well and learn under the supervision of their staff.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
How to Answer
If possible, give an example of when you worked closely with a boss, professor, or someone in a position of authority. Talk about the importance of being mentored and groomed as a new resident and that you are willing and ready to be in this environment. If needed, you can certainly finish your reply by asking what resident/faculty relationship is like at the institution you are interviewing with so you get a feel for that ahead of the match process.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Answer Example
"I really thrived in this environment during medical school and look forward to being mentored by some of the best physicians in the field in your program. During my clinical rotations, I took extra time to pick the brains of my preceptors to learn why certain things were being done and certain processes were followed. I would come to your program with an open mind and an eye for soaking in as much information as I can from my mentors here."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Behavioral
5. Talk about a time when you were unable to meet a deadline. How did you react and what steps did you take to ensure this was communicated?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
In the hustle and bustle of a busy residency program, failing to meet a deadline for something important will likely happen. Knowing that any candidate that they interview is human and prone to a mistake from time to time, your interviewing team wants to hear that you are able to be accountable for your actions and openly communicate the missed deadline to those that need to be aware.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
How to Answer
Perhaps you merely underestimated the depth of the project, or maybe you faced a distraction at work. Whatever the situation was, discuss the case, what you did, and the outcome. Show the interviewer that you do not have a defeatist mentality. Nobody is perfect! The interviewers know that there will be times when deadlines pass and projects go sideways. This is especially true in patient care in your first venture into direct patient care as a resident physician. They want to know how you react despite the initial failure.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Answer Example
"During my time working as a medical assistant in a busy setting, I had one day where I knew I wasn't going to be able to contact high-needs patients for new openings in our patient schedule for the end of the week. While this was a routine duty of mine on Mondays, the day blew up with charting and prepping patients for an influx of procedures. Knowing I wasn't going to be able to get to this by the end of the day, I quickly notified my supervisor. Thankfully, she had another MA on staff that day ensure it was done. She thanked me for not rushing through my other duties haphazardly to try and get everything done."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Behavioral
6. How do you handle working with little to no supervision?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Conversely to the previous question, your foray into residency will likely be the first time where you will be working one on one with patients and being the key decision maker with them. Your interviewing teams asks this question to ensure that you would come to their program with the ability and desire to work independently as a medical resident.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
How to Answer
Talk about a time when you were very successful in your work, even when you lacked close supervision from your employer or someone in a position of authority. Then, finish your reply by asking the interviewer to describe the level of supervision that residents in this program receive. It is your responsibility to ensure that the amount of support offered in this position aligns with your own needs. At the end of your response, make a connection between your ability to work independently and how it will benefit the program you are interviewing for if you match.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Answer Example
"I would come to your program with the ability to think on my feet and make critical decisions on my own. Growing up and into college, I worked in our family business and most often had hours where I was in the store on my own. I learned a lot and soaked in as much information as I could from my parents and they trusted me to run things on my own. I would be taking this same approach as I graduate from medical school and become a resident. I feel well armed with a solid knowledge base to apply it clinically with patients I would be caring for at your institution. Of course, I'm always ready to ask questions when needed and seek guidance from the experts here."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Behavioral
7. Tell us about a time when you were dissatisfied with the quality or outcome of your work. What did you do to rectify the situation?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As a resident, there will certainly be highs and there will certainly be lows as you will be learning and developing into a self practicing physician. In asking this question, your interviewing team would like to get sense for how you will handle the sure failures you will experience during residency in a healthy manner by having you talk about a time you handled a situation positively in your past. Ultimately, your reaction will determine whether or not you can recover from an on the job disappointment.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
How to Answer
Think about a time in the past when you were unsuccessful in your work. As a potential resident in their program, your interviewer would welcome an answer that talks either about a work experience or an experience from your schooling. Briefly discuss the situation with your interviewer and describe how you reacted. Be sure to include the action steps you took to recover from the situation. Discuss what you learned from the situation at the end of your response. Then, explain how you will apply that lesson to improve the quality of your work as a resident.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Answer Example
"I am rarely dissatisfied with my work because I keep very high standards for myself and what I deliver. With that said, I did face a tough learning situation during medical school during a very difficult semester of block scheduling. With having a very demanding lab and other chemistry and biology coursework, a heavily weighted research paper was very difficult for me to put extra time into. For a period of a few weeks, I was staying up extra hours and living on three to four hours per sleep at night and the final paper I turned in didn't meet my expectations. A few days after I turned it in, I took time to speak to my professor about my paper and how it didn't meet my expectations. While I didn't expect a pity grade or the ability to resubmit it, it felt great to get the weight off of my chest. Looking back, I realize that taking care of myself and getting more sleep would've helped my overall work in the end."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Behavioral
8. Which statement sounds more like you: 'I hate to lose' or 'I love to win'? Give an example of a time you proved this.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interview team wants to know more about your love of winning and the impact that loss has on you. During your residency program, you will experience the highest of the highs and the lowest of the lows and they want to ensure that you can handle both with ease.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
How to Answer
Choose which of the two statements sound most like you, and then be prepared to give the interviewer an explanation. For instance, if you hate to lose, you might express to the interviewer that the pain of losing has a more significant impact on you than the love of winning. You could follow up your response by talking about when you failed at something, how it felt, your actions to recover from the loss, and what you learned from the situation. The goal of your response is to express the fact that you have a healthy competitive side and to show the interviewer that you have the drive to win.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Answer Example
"For me, I would say that I love to win. In the medical field, wins are when we save a patient or help to bring a great outcome and these wins are always celebrated by a large team. I love when we can all celebrate a win together and I look forward to leading this wins in residency. With that said, I also hate to lose. Whenever I feel like I underperform, I use that as a lesson to move forward with and learn from. Looking back over my path to this point, my biggest wins have come in teams when I was playing sports in high school and in college. A true team effort makes me very happy to be a part of."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Behavioral
9. Talk about a time when you used good judgment and logic to solve a problem.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Coming out of your medical school program and into the world of medical residency for the first time, your skills in using your own judgment and logic to solve real world patient problems on your own will be put to the test. In proposing a question like this, your interviewers want to know about a situation where you used good judgment to solve a work problem to get at your ability to do this if you were to join their program.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
How to Answer
As you prepare for your residency interview, think of a few real life examples that showcase your logic and reasoning abilities. Share a brief overview of the problem you faced, discuss the pros and cons of each decision you could have made, and tell the interviewers why the solution you chose was the best. Be sure to include details of the positive impact you generated by using strong judgment. The goal of your response is to assure the interviewers that you approach issues with care and logic so they will be confident in your ability to use this same logic if matched into their training program.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Answer Example
"Whether in an outpatient setting or in critical operating room procedure, effectively treating patients to give the best outcome comes down to a physician's problem solving abilities and I'm confident that my use of solid judgment will help me to be a confident physician. My medical school utilized a problem-based learning strategy that put groups of students working with a faculty member. In this environment, we were given real world clinical situations and we had to use our basic science knowledge and critical thinking skills to walk through solving the situations. This experience helped me to develop great critical thinking skills and has prepared me well heading into residency."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Behavioral
10. Tell me about the most competitive work situation you have experienced. How did you handle it, and what was the result?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As you interview with residency programs, a question like this will be asked for two distinct reasons. First and foremost, some residency programs are highly competitive to get into because the demand among prospective residents is so high. As well, training as a resident once in the doors of the institution can be highly competitive as well in the pursuit of achieving chief resident status and other accolades down the road. The interviewers wants to determine if you function well in a competitive environment as they look to consider you for their program.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
How to Answer
Answer this question by telling the interviewer about a specific time you faced a competitive situation throughout your path to this point. Be sure to explain how you react in the face of competition. Discuss the actions you took to ensure healthy competition and include details of the stand-out results you generated. The goal of your answer is to show the interviewers that you can rise to a challenge and that you are excited to push yourself to be the best as a resident with their program. You'll also want to highlight your desire to maintain healthy competition by cheering others on along the way.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Answer Example
"Throughout my youth and into my teenage years, I participated in the highly competitive world of figure skating. I learned from a young age that making it to state and national competitions took dedication to the craft and a focused mindset. I also prided myself on my sportsmanship along the way in cheering my competition on, encouraging them and cheering them on in success. I learned how to handle the wins with grace and the losses with class. These are all lessons that I've brought with me on my journey through college and medical school and will continue with into residency training."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Behavioral
11. Tell me about a time when you undertook a project that demanded a lot of initiative. How do you think this experience will benefit you in your residency?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Most residency training programs require at least one scholarly project during your time with their program. What direction you take that project will ultimately depend on your desired career path and can include clinical research, healthcare quality and educational type projects. Your interviewers want you to demonstrate your ability to take on projects that require a great deal of commitment.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
How to Answer
Answer this question by discussing a specific time you took the lead on a demanding initiative or project. Be sure to include details of your project timeline, which portion of the project you led, or what you had to teach yourself for the project to be successful. You ideally want to show the interviewers that you are a motivated individual who is ready to take on the demanding scholarly project necessary for your success in their residency program.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Answer Example
"I have a very deep clinical interest in genetics and focused my research project in medical school on genetics in cancer diagnoses. On top of a full plate of classwork, this project was extremely time consuming. But, the long hours reading, researching, pulling data and interviewing key experts in the field was so fun and eye opening and really helped my passion grow for genetics in the medical field. The project timeline was six months from creation to turning in my final project. My diligence in setting key milestones for the project and working around deadlines really gave me a good start on further research studies that I'd love to work on as part of your residency program."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Behavioral
12. When have you had to make a split second decision? How do you react under unexpected pressure?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
While your experience in the classroom, lab and in clinical rotations during your medical schooling has mentally prepared you for life as a physician, your time as a resident will be when you are fully exposed to the pressure packed situations as a medical doctor. For the first time, you will be responsible for the direct care of patients and your interviewing team needs to be assured that you would join their residency confident and comfortable in your ability to work under pressure.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
How to Answer
Answer this question by telling the interviewers about a specific time you had to make a split-second decision and made the right choice, despite being under unexpected pressure. Outline the situation, describe the last-minute decision you were required to make, and explain how you came to your final decision. Be sure to tell the interviewers that you made a well-calculated decision despite being under pressure. Give as much detail as you can regarding how you weighed the pros and cons of the decision. If your final decision made a measurable impact, be sure to discuss the results you generated.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Answer Example
"I really thrive in pressure situations and am looking forward to the fact that these situations will now become real as I become a resident . My level headed thinking and my calm demeanor help me react well in pressure situations and also help my team focus on the task at hand as well. Prior to medical school, I worked for one year as an ER Tech. This was the first time I was exposed to the fact that no two days are the same on the job in providing care to patients and that you have to be prepared for any situation. On what I thought was a routine Sunday morning shift, I came in to a serious bus accident where we had many critically injured patients. While triage was happening among the nursing staff, one patient was showing signs of going into shock and I made the quick decision to get an IV started. Other staff were busy, so I knew getting a head start on things could make a big difference for this patient. I was later praised for my quick actions that day."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Behavioral
13. Talk about a time when you had to learn something new within a short deadline. How will this experience help you as a new resident?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
In the upcoming years of your medical residency training, the amount of knowledge and skills that you learn, develop and master is very difficult to comprehend right now. In asking this question, your interviewers want assurance that you can learn new skills under pressure and put them to use quickly in the direct care of patients.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
How to Answer
At points throughout your interview, you'll want to show your interviewers that you will join their residency program as a new resident that is willing to put in the time and effort to learn every new skills possible. Think about a time you learned a new task or responsibility with little advanced notice. Discuss your diligence and actions to learn the content, task, or responsibility within a short timeline and describe to your interviewers why undertaking this was vital. As you answer, be sure to talk a bit your ability to be a quick learner and why this is important as a resident.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Answer Example
"I can't reiterate to you how eager I am to come learn from and train with some of the best physicians in the world at your institution. If fortunate enough to match into your residency program, I would bring an attitude and open mind that is ready to learn new skills on a daily basis and put them to use right away. During my unique three year medical school MD program, the accelerated path certainly found me needing to learn new concepts quickly and put them to use. I remember back to my embryology class and having to cram the final four weeks worth of material in just five day prior to the final exam. It took extra work and commitment, but I'm happy to say I aced my final and now consider embryology one of my favorite areas of medicine."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Behavioral
14. Tell me about a time when you worked with a person who did things very differently than you. How did you collaborate effectively?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Since everyone's work style is unique in a medical practice, it can be challenging to collaborate with everyone 100% of the time. The interviewers want assurance that you would join their residency program as a team player, regardless of personality or work style differences that you would face.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
How to Answer
The goal of your response is to describe your approach to collaborating with others while highlighting how your collaboration style will be a good match for the residency program you are interviewing with. Answer this question by telling the interviewers about a specific time you worked with someone who approached their tasks or communication style differently than you. Outline the situation and describe why it was a challenge to collaborate with this person. Focus on describing the specific actions you took to ensure a successful collaboration and the great result(s) in the end.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Answer Example
"During one of my rotations as a medical student, I was fortunate enough to be rotating alongside one of my fellow students in a pediatric clinic. We had great preceptors here and an overall great experience, but I did learn the importance of differing work styles in a clinical practice and how to effectively navigate them here. We found that both physicians had their own unique methods for routine exams, their own processes for referrals to specialists and their own preferences for appointment times. Rotating in this practice, I had the chance to be precepted by both physicians and I learned great things from each. One day, I was called out for how I went about an abdominal exam that I performed on a patient complaining of pain following the time with the patient. I explained why I went the route that I did and that I had learned it from the other precepting physician. The physician gave his thoughts on how to improve that for next time and I certainly kept an open mind to his advice."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Behavioral
15. Do you have experience working long hours? How would you motivate yourself during long stretches of shifts and call time that will be required during your training?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As your team of interviewers considers many candidates for their residency program, they'll want to know that you can handle the long, grinding hours that will come as part of your training with their program. They'll want to know that you will still get the job done and provide the best care possible even when it's hard to stay motivated after grueling hours of long shifts and call time. The goal of your response is to show that you are a reliable person who delivers high-quality work, regardless of how motivated you feel at the moment. By the end of your reply, the interviewer should feel confident that you are a self-motivated individual who takes accountability for your work.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
How to Answer
To get at your ability to stay motivated and ready to go as a resident with their program, tell the interviewers about a specific situation in which you completed something you didn't feel motivated to do. Outline the situation, describe your responsibility, and explain why it was difficult to stay motivated in that situation. Be sure to tell the interviewers that even though you were not enthusiastic about the task, you did it promptly and with care, knowing that it would help everyone involved. Give as much detail as you can about the actions you took to reach the finish line. If your hard work made a measurable impact, be sure to offer details about this accomplishment.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Answer Example
"As an aspiring physician, I know that the next four years are going to require hard work, dedication and some uncomfortable times and I can't tell you how excited I am for this process to start. In my difficult medical school program, I'm confident that the long hours of lectures, studying for exams and lab times have prepared me to succeed in your residency program. To add to that, I feel very fortunate to have rotated in some great Hospital Medicine and Critical Care settings that have prepared me for long hours on the job. I love the fast paced world and being motivated after even 11 hours on shift still comes easy to me."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Discovery
16. What would you say is the riskiest decision you have made in your educational path so far?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Taking calculated and well thought out risk during your medical residency is something that will be encouraged by all staff that you train with. Your mentors during residency will be experienced physicians who know that climbing out of your comfort zone and taking a risk or two is what helps you grow as a doctor. The interviewers want to know how you approach making risky decisions and want to hear you talk about a time that you did just this.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
How to Answer
Prior to the start of your residency interviews, put some serious thought into what you would consider the biggest risk you have taken in your life. Start with an overview of the decision you needed to make and explain why it was risky. Describe who the situation impacted as well as the outcomes. Complete your answer by sharing how your decision paid off or mention any recognition you received for your success. The goal of your response is to show the interviewers that you can analyze a situation and that you understand the importance of making well-calculated decisions, even if there is some risk involved.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Answer Example
"In all honesty, I would consider my riskiest decision in my path so far to be the decision to step away from the family business to pursue a career in the medical field. My parents have owned a small chain of restaurants ever since my siblings and I were young and it was always an expectation that we would all continue that tradition and keep the business growing and thriving. As the youngest of three kids, I watch my older brother and sister go on to learn the business and run their own. From a young age, I was washing dishes, bussing tables and cooking in the back. But my passion for science and caring for others drove me through school and though I always feared backlash from my parents on not carrying on their family tradition, they couldn't have been more proud of my decision to branch away and do my own thing. The risk I took was really breaking out of my own comfort zone and expectations and I couldn't be happier with my decision."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Discovery
17. What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment to date?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As your team of interviewers considers a great pool of applicants to match into their residency program, they want to ensure that their future residents are motivated and driven to succeed. In asking this question, your interviewers want to know what kind of successes you value in your own personal journey towards becoming a practicing physician.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
How to Answer
Prior to your interview, be sure to research the mission, vision and values of the institution you will be interviewing with. Reviewing these should give you a good sense of the type of organization they are and what they look for in their future trainees. Think about a stand-out accomplishment that you believe will resonate with your team of interviewers. This approach means choosing an achievement related to the successes you hope to see as a resident in their program. Explain why the accomplishment means so much to you, both personally and professionally. If you can, finish your response with a qualifying statement regarding how you will continue this pattern of achievement as a resident with their program.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Answer Example
"I would honestly say that my greatest accomplishment in my life so far was acceptance into medical school. From a young age, I don't think many people would've given me a shot to even obtain a bachelor's degree, let alone get to where I'm at today in pursuit of becoming a practicing physician. I am a first generation college student in my family and really had an uphill battle my entire educational journey. My parents instilled a hardworking nature and a genuine caring nature for people in me from a very young age and these values have driven me from my high school diploma to my white coat ceremony in med school."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Discovery
18. What was the most difficult decision you have had to make up to this point in your career path?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Throughout your medical education leading up to your medical degree, you have learned and mastered an enormous amount of knowledge and your interviewing team will be confident in this. In asking this question, your interviewer wants to ensure that you would come to their training program with essential decision-making skills on top of your knowledge base. Your journey into residency may be the first time you will be calling the shots with patients and your interviewing team needs to be confident in your ability to do so.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
How to Answer
Use an example relevant to your work or education and be sure to highlight how you approached the decision by taking the interviewer through your critical thinking and decision-making process. You should also include details of how your decision worked out for the best. At the end of your response, remember to connect your critical thinking skills and how they will benefit you in the coming years as a medical resident in training.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Answer Example
"I would have to say that the most difficult decision that I have had to make was changing my major from education to biology and turning my career path around to be a physician. I was a second-year student and knew that the decision would set me back as far as graduation went. On top of that, becoming an educator was almost a given in my family with my mom, dad and older brother all being etchers. However, after weighing the pros and cons, I knew that this added time was well worth the overall reward. I am so happy that I chose this path because I have built some great relationships and I'm on a path to make some very positive differences in the lives of my patients."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Leadership
19. Tell me about a time when you showed initiative by taking the lead on a team project.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to see that you are confident enough to take the initiative when the opportunity at some point arises. Most medical training programs don't provide formal leadership training, so your interviewers want to know that you can join their residency program as a natural leader. As well, as you advance to the final year of your residency, you will leading teams of junior residents and your interviewers will want to hear that you can lead others with success.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
How to Answer
Describe any project or learning experience where you saw a chance to lead and took advantage of it. Talk about the success of the project and your biggest takeaway from experience. If you have a direct work experience where you successfully lead others with success, be sure to talk about that experience with your interviewing team.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Answer Example
"Growing up and into my college years, I've always been a natural leader to my peers. This is evident in my years participating in team sports and being a captain of my teams. During my two years in lab research prior to medical school, I was quickly appointed as the lead research assistant of our lab and was given the authority to guide others in their work on a day-to-day basis. The lab leadership quickly saw that I was a great communicator that had a keen eye for setting expectations and leading by example on the job. I was very excited to lead our team of assistants in the lab and they all took to my leadership style quickly."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Leadership
20. Describe a time when you showed initiative at work.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants evidence that you are the type of person to take the initiative in the workplace. As a new resident, you will be relied upon to take initiative on the clinic or hospital floor. You will be working with teams of nurses and other support staff for the first time and you'll need to prove that you won't shy away from taking initiative with these teams.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
How to Answer
Taking the initiative could mean that you take on responsibilities independently without being asked or continually coached by your manager. It could also mean that you are the type of person who jumps in and assumes the lead before others do or before being asked. Answer this question by telling the interviewer about a specific time when you showed initiative in your work. Outline the situation, describe the task, and explain the actions you took to take the initiative. Give as much detail as you can regarding the positive results of your actions. At the end of your response, be sure to describe your high level of initiative and how this characteristic will benefit you as a resident with this institution.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Answer Example
"Service to my community and the underserved is extremely important to me and really one of the main reasons I'm pursuing a career as a physician. During medical school, I organized many community service activities with my fellow students and was commended by our program for these efforts. One particular effort was to help mentor children from disadvantaged backgrounds in the community. I took the extra effort to reach out to area schools to get an idea of the numbers of children that could use the mentoring. Then, I developed a plan with school administration and worked to gather other volunteers. While this certainly wasn't a requirement of my program, the lives we helped will stay with me forever from this experience."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Operational
21. Talk about a time when you successfully educated someone on a complex topic. What was key for you to focus on to ensure the information was understood?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Patient education is an essential skill to master during your time in residency. If asked this question during your interview process, your interviewing team will be looking to hear that you will bring a knack for educating others if you were to match into their program.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
How to Answer
Think about a time where you provided education to someone on a hard to grasp topic and walk your interviewers through your process or providing the education. Keep in mind that for a resident physician, utilizing available technology can be very useful in providing education. As well, customizing your approach depending on the person's learning style is vitally important. In the end, ensure that your interviewers walk away from your time together knowing that you value and emphasize patient education as you enter your residency training.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Answer Example
"During my fourth year of medical school, I mentored first year students in their pre-clinical year on a variety of subjects. With my expertise in biochemistry, that is where I did a lot of my mentoring. With one particular student who was struggling, I utilized a great program called Chimera to help the student visualize a lot of the concepts after finding out that is how they best learned and retained information. As I come into residency training, I am really looking forward to getting to know my patients and providing them one on one education to help them receive the best outcomes possible."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Operational
22. How will you successfully interact with some of the difficult physicians and ancillary staff in our program as a resident?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Coming into your interview for a residency program to match with, you need to be aware of the fact that the coming years will put you working hand in hand with some difficult to please precepting physicians and other staff around the institution. Your interviewers want to see evidence that you can interact professionally and constructively with others, even if they have a challenging personality or work style.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
How to Answer
The goal of your response is to show the interviewers that you work well with a range of individuals. Your answer should assure the decision-makers that your communication style will be an excellent addition to their team. Answer this question by telling the interviewers about a specific time you encountered a challenging person throughout your path to this point and successfully communicated with them. Outline the situation, describe why it was vital that you communicated successfully with this person, and explain the actions you took to build a healthy relationship with the individual. In the end, reiterate to your interviewers that you are aware that some of the staff you will work with will have high expectations of you and that you are ready to meet those expectations head on as part of their next incoming resident class.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Answer Example
"Whether in a fast-paced clinic, a stressful operating room, or a packed hospital floor, I fully understand that I will be working closely with staff that can be challenging at times and have very high demands of me as a resident. As part of your program, I would always keep an open mind to any interactions I would have and wouldn't take any criticism of my work in a negative way. I would come ready and willing to learn and grow in the coming years to become the best physician I can be. If I ever felt that a staff member was out of line or going too far, I wouldn't hesitate to have a 1:1 conversation with them to reset expectations and tell how I feel about our interactions. In the end, we are all working towards one goal and that is providing the best care possible to patients."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Operational
23. How would you build a relationship with someone who intimidates you?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
If asked this question during your residency program interview, you can be assured that your interviewers have witnessed a resident or two come into their program and be intimidated by a faculty member or two. If the program you are interviewing with has any world renowned clinicians or researcher, becoming their mentee can certainly be intimidating and your interviewers want to find out that you can get over the initial intimidation and work to build a great relationship with a person.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
How to Answer
We have all been in a situation where we find a colleague slightly intimidating. When you answer, clearly show the interviewer that you have the self-awareness needed to recognize when feelings of intimidation arise. One way to communicate this is by telling a brief story of a time you built a relationship with someone who intimidated you at first. You should include specific details of how you developed a relationship with this person. The goal of your response is the show that you never let intimidation impact the quality of your work. At the end of your response, remember to connect your relationship-building skills to how they will benefit the patients, staff and your fellow colleagues with the program you are interviewing with.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Answer Example
"I had a boss a couple of years ago who was very intimidating because of his high demands and strong personality. I enjoy strong personalities; however, he didn't smile very often and was a bit flat with his emotions. This was sometimes hard to navigate. I don't think he meant to be, so I would remind myself before speaking to him that he was human just like the rest of us. This approach helped me to communicate with him with much less intimidation."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Operational
24. Talk about a time you had to work with a new technology. What did you do to ensure proficiency as quickly as possible?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
After spending the last seven to eight years in an undergraduate program and medical school focusing on academics, technology in the medical field has been completely evolving and will continue to evolve year after year. While you may be academically gifted, your interviewers need to get a sense that you would come to their residency program with the ability to pick up and master any new technologies in the field over your time there. As well, your venture into residency will likely put you working with many pieces of equipment you haven't had the opportunity to in the past.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
How to Answer
Think of time where you had to learn a new technology and ensure that your example proves your ability to study, learn and master its use in short order. Then, as you answer, discuss with your interviewing team the fact that you know you will be learning a new EMR and other medical equipment during your residency program and that you are willing and ready to be a great learner of any new technologies thrown your way during your time with them.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Answer Example
"First and foremost, I want you to know that I would come to your program understanding that today's physicians need to embrace technology to be able to provide the best patient care possible. I've always been enamored by great technological advancements in healthcare over the years. More recently during the pandemic, one area that physicians need to embrace is telehealth and I was fortunate to be exposed during my clinical rotations. Learning technologies like Zoom and other video conferencing apps was a new concept to me. Prior to beginning their use, I watched training videos and practiced having virtual consults with my classmates to ensure that there wouldn't be any technical glitches when I worked with patients. Coming to your residency program, I would be fully confident in my ability to use video for telehealth consults with patients."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Situational
25. Have you ever worked in a situation where the policies and guidelines were not clear? How did you cope in that situation?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
When it comes time to provide direct care to patients as you enter residency, the policies and procedures set out by an organization aren't a one size fits all for patients. In asking this question, your interviewers will want to hear that you are able to work effectively when things might be a bit gray for operating procedures on the job. They'll be looking to hear that you have a strong moral compass to rely on when faced with patient-care decisions.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
How to Answer
Answer this question by telling the interviewer about a specific situation you faced where you were unclear about the guidelines or rules. Outline the situation, describe what your responsibility or goal was, and explain how you chose to approach the situation. Be sure to tell the interviewer that even though you were not entirely clear about the guidelines or rules, you still took great care in your approach, leaning on your knowledge base. Give as much detail as you can regarding how you coped in the face of ambiguity. If your process generated positive results, be sure to provide those details. In the end, reiterated to your interviewers that you are fully aware that you will have great autonomy when making important decisions for patients as their next resident.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Answer Example
"Following my undergraduate program, I worked for a year as a research assistant. The lab I was working in was pretty new and had received a large amount of funding. I worked closely with the primary researcher on establishing SOP's for the work moving forward. In this environment, I asked a lot of questions and learned quickly how to think on my feet with great judgement. In residency, I understand that I will once again be working in an environment where guidelines for patient care won't always fit the unique situations I will be handling. I would come to your institution with the mindset of always doing what is best for the patient and their outcomes."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Situational
26. Tell me about a time you wish you had handled a workplace situation differently.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Practicing medicine is a world where you will be consistently learning, growing and adapting throughout your career. From time to time, small mistakes will happen and your interviewers need to get a sense that you are willing and ready to learn and grow from your mistake as part of their next class of residents.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
How to Answer
Most people cannot handle every difficult situation with the utmost grace at all times. No matter who you are, there is undoubtedly a work-related situation that makes you cringe a bit when you look back. Answer this question by giving a story-based example of a time you reacted to a scenario in a way that you typically try to avoid. Outline the situation and describe why you reacted the way you did. Focus the bulk of your response on the actions that you took to repair the situation. Also, include details about the lesson you learned.
Written by Rachelle Enns on January 2nd, 2022
Answer Example
"During my undergraduate program, I worked part time as a waitress to help pay my way through college. One evening, I was waiting on a very rude customer who was clearly intoxicated. The customer was saying some mean things about our staff and, in the moment, I couldn't help but defend our staff and tell the customer he was being rude and out of line. He began yelling and walked out of the restaurant to only come back in five minutes later and demand to talk to the manager. While my manager could clearly tell that he was being out of line, I still had second thoughts for how I handled the situation. Confrontation is something that I typically avoid, but my emotions got the best of me that day. To this day, I feel like I do a much better job of keeping my emotions in check in situations like this."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Situational
27. Tell me about a time when you had to work with someone who was difficult to get along with.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know how well you get along with others despite personality or work style differences. Show the interviewer that you can encounter individuals in the workplace who may seem challenging without confrontation. Show that you have the ability work effectively with any personality or work style differences you will surely encounter as their next resident.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
How to Answer
Focus on when your work style was different from another person, but perhaps you still had to complete a project together. Discuss, in a positive tone, how you made the situation work. Outline your ability to be a team player and build a connection with others, even if their personality or approach to work is different from yours. At the end of your response, be sure to connect your communication abilities and level of professionalism and how these factors will benefit you as a resident with this institution.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Answer Example
"During my undergraduate program, I had a group project where one team member was very combative to new ideas and overbearing when it came to giving direction to the group. In this situation, I didn't hesitate to give my feedback directly to the team member one-on-one. Not wanting to single them out in front of the group, I felt a direct conversation was the best environment to let them know how the entire group felt. I learned that open communication was essential to having a great result in the end for our group. Interdisciplinary care as a resident and physician is so important today and I would come to your next class of residents with an open communication style and the ability to work with any type of personality on your team."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Situational
28. Tell me about a time when you had to make a decision without all the information you needed.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
In your venture into residency, you will be faced with critical decisions on a daily basis. These decision may often involve the care of a patient and your sound judgement in the moment will be critical for great outcomes. At some point during your interview to match into their residency program, your interviewers will want to hear more about your critical thinking skills in moments where you may not have all of the information you need.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
How to Answer
Think about a time during your path to this interview when you needed to make a decision without all of the information you would typically possess. Then, tell a story that outlines the situation and how you approached coming to a conclusion. Outline your ability to think critically and independently to prove to your interviewers that you will make an outstanding resident at their institution. At the end of your response, be sure to make a connection between your decision-making abilities and how you will make an impact as a resident.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Answer Example
"I feel very fortunate to have spent time working as a medical assistant prior to medical school because I was exposed to the entire business process of a clinic setting. During this time, we had a patient that presented to the clinic with memory loss and I wasn't able to gather all the information from them needed for the physician to begin their examination. I worked through verifying insurance coverage and putting out contact to the patient's next of kin to gather more information. As a team with my in the lead, we proceeded forward with the visit and it ended up being very important for the patient to be seen that day. In times like this as a resident, I would always look to do what is best for the patient as long as I wasn't jeopardizing the reputation of your organization."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Situational
29. Have you ever had to work with an angry patient or family member during your medical training? How did you successfully manage that situation?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your venture into residency will now put you into more and more situations where you will be the direct provider for patients. Because you need to have the ability to successfully navigate the inevitable angry patient or family member, the interviewers want to know that you can professionally handle stressful or uncomfortable situations with them.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
How to Answer
Briefly describe a time you had to work with a patient that was upset or down right angry. Be sure to highlight your ability to remain patient and rational in the face of conflict. Focus the bulk of your response on the positive action you took and the resolution you came to with the patient rather than details of the conflict itself.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Answer Example
"During my time rotating in a busy occupational health practice, I was very excited to learn the world of pre-employment screening and physicals. In one of my first days working with my preceptor, I was exposed to the world of DOT drug screens as part of the employment process and I encountered a patient who was very upset that they were being subjected to a DOT drug and alcohol screen. The patient was refusing that portion of the pre-employment exam and, with help from my preceptor, we reiterated that compliance with the drug screen was necessary for their employment. We allowed the patient to sound off on his complaints about the entire DOT process for CDL drivers. In the moment, keeping our cool and allowing the patient to vent was critical in ensuring that the situation didn't get out of control. Arguing would have only made it worse."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Situational
30. Have you ever had a situation where you felt you could have communicated better?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Patient-centered communication is vitally important for the residents of any program and your interviewers need to be assured that you would join their program as a great communicator. They'll also want to be assured that you can be aware of your communication shortcomings if you ever are faced with one during your time as a resident with their institution.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
How to Answer
Prior to your interview, think back to a time when you were able to reflect back upon a time you could have communicated to someone better. While the example you talk about could come from any situation, make sure that the situation you describe can show how you learned a lesson and took action to make the situation right. No matter how you answer, make sure that your interviewers walk away from your time together knowing that you are cognizant of the fact that your communications are very important as a resident and that you will take each and every conversation at their institution seriously.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022
Answer Example
"On a busy day during my clinical rotations in an urgent care clinic, my preceptor and other physicians were trying to keep up with high patient volume that day. With one patient, my preceptor let me handle the patient follow up after examination to discuss next steps and a treatment plan. Knowing that time was running short for clinic to close, I hustled through my conversation with a patient. As I went to close, my preceptor jumped in and finished with some great points of education and follow up with the patient. After the patient left, I learned a very valuable lesson from my preceptor that day and that was the only worry about the task at hand with the patient in front of me at the time. This is a lesson I will carry with me for the rest of my career as a physician."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 2nd, 2022