In the ED, we work with patients in their most vulnerable states. What about your personality and style will make you an ideal fit to work with our vulnerable patients as an Emergency Medicine Resident?

While there are many directions you can take your answer to this question, there are some key things you can reflect on before your Emergency Medicine Residency interviews to ensure you highlight one or two points about yourself. Put yourself in the shoes of a vulnerable patient heading into an emergency room. They want a physician who can build a quick rapport with them, get them answers quickly, and work diligently to do so.

"Helping patients in this vulnerable state is ultimately what draws me to a future in emergency medicine. I can build quick rapport with my patients by showing empathy, connecting with them, and making them feel at ease. My other key quality in caring for this patient base is my resourcefulness. ED patients want fast answers, and I'm ready to put in extra effort for every patient under my care."

"I would describe myself as compassionate. I was drawn to emergency medicine after one of my family members had a near death experience. I will try to the best of my ability to treat each patient as if I were taking care of my own family member."

"With every patient encounter, I try to put myself in the patient's shoes and connect on an individual level. I feel like that practice allows me to empathize more fully and to convey that to patients in a genuine way. I also recognize that being trusted in that situation is an incredible privilege and one that I will be grateful of in every encounter."