How to Answer: Tell me about a time that you failed. How did you get back up again with a positive attitude?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Residency interview.
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