"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."

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.