How do you feel about the 80-hour workweek limit for residents and fellows?
In the early 2000s, the ACGME created rules that limited work hours for all medical residents and fellows, including the 80-hour workweek. Your interviewers mainly want to hear that you are aware of the work hour limits that are in place and to know if you have any concerns or opinions on this.
"I understand this system is in place to prevent poor performance of residents and fellows due to exhaustion. There were times during my Internal Medicine Residency training where I know the line was toed pretty quickly and by the end of the 6th day in a row working 12 hours shifts, I was exhausted. But, I know that the next three years in training as a Cardiology Fellow will entail a great time requirement and I'm ready to take on whatever time is needed in training with your program."
A lot of people are opinionated about this topic, and this could include one or more of your interviewers. For this reason, it is important to focus on the pros and cons but not take a strong stance on this topic. State that you are aware of the rules, why they are in place, and the impact they can have on every Cardiology Fellow in training at their program.
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I personally feel that training in residency is for a short time and is supervised. One should make maximum use of this time to learn even if it is at an expense of hard work. But I understand all this is to prevent resident burnout. But as A fellow I am ready to make full use of these 3 years, these work-hour limits don't count for me.
Marcie's Feedback
It's wonderful that you're so eager to put your full effort forward and that you plan to maximize the time you have. The interviewer will definitely appreciate this! Be careful, however, about blowing off limits that are put in place to prevent burnout. The interviewer will want to know that you recognize the importance of having balance in your life so you don't overdo it. So definitely be enthusiastic and willing to work hard! But also show in your answer that you understand that the limits are there for a reason. Great job!
Unlock all 35 Cardiology Fellowship questions
Prepare for program directors' questions about complex cases and your clinical philosophy.
Get Started