What would you say is the riskiest decision you have made in your educational path so far?

"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."

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.