What do you feel is your greatest weakness coming into Dermatology residency training?

This is your chance to promote yourself despite your flaws. Your answer should point out a salvageable weakness that you can and will improve upon as a Dermatology resident. You should admit that you're imperfect but have the determination to work on your weakness because you are committed to being the best you can be. Explain that, if you didn't perform at your best, you'd feel as if you were failing your program, and you find that unacceptable.

"I feel that my greatest weakness can be my desire to be social with every person I interact with. While this has never been a weakness in my life or education, I realize that I need to have social boundaries with my patients. While I know this is a positive trait when building rapport with my patients, I will strive always to maintain professional conversations and relationships with my patients."

"One of my greatest weaknesses is overanalyzing situations. I have learned that while analysis is important, overanalysis can also be the enemy of progress in medicine. During medical school, I quickly learned to use all the information available to make the decision possible and then move on to the next task. I'm confident I'll continue growing in this realm as a Dermatology resident."

"One of my greatest weaknesses has been to be overly self-critical. At times when receiving feedback or critically assessing my own work, I have felt disheartened if my work is not at the quality I would like it to be. I have learned that every instance of feedback or work that is not where I would like it to be is an opportunity for learning and improvement, and that while my work will not always be perfect, as long as I am careful, improving myself, and constantly striving to do my best, I will be doing right by my patients."