If you were to match into our Emergency Medicine Residency, what type of team player would you be?
In the fast-paced world of an emergency room, teamwork and communication are essential in making sure that patients are triaged correctly, waiting times aren't backed up, and everyone leaves with the best possible care provided to them. Your interviewers are giving you chance to talk about the type of team player that you are.
Explain that you are a great communicator, can take direction, and can take charge and lead others when needed. If at all possible, talk about your experiences as part of a larger team and the role that you are most comfortable playing on a team. While this is an open-ended question, be sure to give some semblance of your ability to lead others respectfully.
"I have always thrived in a team environment and can be very fluid in the roles I play on a team, as long as it is for the greater good. I am most comfortable leading others and can't wait to do this with the team of nursing staff and other care staff at your institution as an Emergency Medicine Resident. My leadership starts with building rapport with my team and keeping lines of communication open on both ends. I encourage others to come to me when needed and don't hesitate to give our constructive feedback to my team members when necessary."
"I believe being a team player is key to providing the best patient care. I am eager to work in a team with people of different backgrounds and talents to help patients."
"One aspect of Emergency Medicine that I love is that teamwork is critical and every situation requires a different balance of strengths and skills on those teams. I have been a successful part of teams as both a leader and as a supporter and I appreciate that I will be allowed to continue to dynamically shift roles for any given situation. I think I am skilled at having my voice and opinion heard without having to be the "boss" or drowning out the voices of others."
