30 Endocrinology Fellowship Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Endocrinology Fellowship interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
Behavioral
1. When you suffer a setback, how does it affect you and your work?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Everyone handles setbacks differently. Your interviewers want to know about your approach to navigating setbacks. They're hoping to hear that you have strategies in place to ensure that setbacks don't impact the quality of your work or your ability to interact with patients and their families.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
Give specific examples of how you coped with setbacks during residency. Describe your ability to learn from your mistakes and your commitment to staying calm and level-headed.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"Experiencing a setback can be disappointing and even disheartening, especially when it involves a patient. I'm not ashamed of any of the setbacks I had during residency training because they helped me grow as a physician. If I experience a major setback as a fellow, I will take a few moments to internally debrief and collect my thoughts, and even get some fresh air if possible or discuss what I could have done differently with an attending physician. Then, I move on, recovering quickly so I can concentrate on the next case and give it my undivided attention."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
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Behavioral
2. How do you cope with stress?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As a fellow, you can expect to experience stress on the job. You will encounter patients with unexpected diagnoses, difficult personalities, and overbearing families. The interview panel wants to know what strategies you have in place for dealing with these situations.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
Avoid suggesting that stress doesn't bother you. Instead, acknowledge that stress is expected and something you've managed on the job as a resident. Provide an answer that reassures the interview panel that you manage stress in ways that won't have a negative impact on your practice.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"I certainly had stressful days as a resident. I understand there are many situations that can cause stress in a medical setting, from having to deliver an unexpected diagnosis to dealing with EMR systems being down. By the end of PGY1, I learned to take things in stride. It's okay to experience stress and feel urgency--but it's important to step back and evaluate priorities. When I do this, it's usually easy for me to think objectively, remain calm, and take a logical approach, which alleviates stress."
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Whenever I am in a situation where I face stressful circumstances, I always gather my thoughts in my head, be level-headed, and approach the situation with a calm and cool attitude. This helps me face any kind of situation without getting overwhelmed."
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Communication
3. As a fellow in our program, how would you change your communication style if a patient's family had trouble understanding what you were trying to tell them?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Fellows are often responsible for talking with patients' families and explaining their diagnoses or medication regimen. In cases where a diagnosis is unexpected or the prognosis is not favorable, patients' families may struggle to understand information. Similarly, undereducated patients and their families may need clarification or have a lot of questions. Your interviewers ask this question in hopes of hearing that you will be willing to take extra time with patients' families when needed.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
Let the interview panel know you are always cognizant of your audience, especially when speaking with patients/patients' families about critical medical information. Discuss the importance of asking questions to ensure patients' families understand the information you've given them. Assure them that, in cases where patients/patients' families are struggling to understand, you will always attempt to offer information in a different way that considers the cause of their misunderstanding, whether it was your initial approach or their background.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"When patients, or their families, don't understand something I've explained, I first try to determine where the breakdown in communication occurred. Sometimes, a simpler explanation is all that's needed. My goal as a fellow would be to ensure that my patients and their families understand diagnoses and care plans and that all their questions are answered."
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Communication
4. How would you describe your communication skills?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Patient-centered communication is an important aspect of being a fellow, as is communication with other specialists, nurses, and administration. Your answer will give the interviewers insight into the ways you express your ideas and criticisms.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
Spend time thinking about your communication strengths before the interview. Be prepared to discuss what makes you great at communicating with patients, colleagues, and support staff. More importantly, reiterate why solid communication skills are vital for any physician. It's best to address both verbal and written communication in your response.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"My communication skills are rooted in compassion and educating others when appropriate. I'm also an active listener, which is a crucial component of communication. I treat every conversation with the utmost respect no matter who I'm speaking to. As a resident, my colleagues and patients expected me to communicate information thoughtfully and empathetically, and I've worked hard to refine those skills throughout my training so far. When I'm communicating in writing, I'm also very careful about tone because I know it's often hard to read someone's intentions through words on a screen."
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Discovery
5. What aspects of your personality make you well-suited for a fellowship?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interview panel has already reviewed your CV; now, they want to learn more about your personality. They hope to hear about the attributes you think will help you succeed as a fellow.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
Spend time making a list of your strongest attributes prior to the interview. Look carefully at the list, focusing on the ideas that are most connected with the type of work you'll be doing as an endocrinologist. When you respond, emphasize the connection between your attributes and what's needed to succeed as a fellow. Speak with conviction.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"I'm a very methodical person who thrives within a structured environment. I like to stay organized--especially when I have a high case volume--and it's proven helpful in terms of balancing work with personal responsibilities. My demeanor is somewhat reserved, yet I am almost always optimistic and I've found patients are very receptive to me."
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Discovery
6. Outside of medicine, what are your interests and hobbies?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The life of a physician is demanding, so your interviewers want to know how you plan to maintain a healthy work/life balance during your time with them. Having hobbies and interests outside of your professional life is key to this balance.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
Don't hold back when answering this question! Discuss how your hobbies and interests will be important in your life as a fellow in their program to keep you happy, healthy, and refreshed during your training. Keep in mind that this question will also allow some insight into who you are as a person and how you will mesh with the faculty and other trainees in this fellowship program.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"I have several hobbies that keep me busy when I'm not working. I currently volunteer at the local animal shelter. I also play in indoor and outdoor soccer leagues and like to read autobiographies--I just finished Margaret Atwood's! During the fellowship, staying active outside of training will be a priority so I can stay healthy in both body and mind."
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Discovery
7. Why did you choose to pursue fellowship training in endocrinology?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your team of interviewers hopes to learn about what aspects of the specialty appeal to you and why you plan to focus your career path on endocrinology.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
Discuss your interest in endocrinology. Perhaps it's related to specific experiences you had during residency; maybe you have a family member who suffers from thyroid issues. Answer honestly, and feel free to add a personal touch to your answer. This will help the interviewers relate to you as an individual and make for a memorable conversation down the road as the interviewers decide which applicants to match into their fellowship program.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"Throughout my internal medicine residency, I gravitated toward cases involving hormonal issues. These areas of care offer a blend of challenging cases and the opportunity to foster meaningful relationships with patients, which are both aspects of care that are important to me."
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Discovery
8. What skills do you hope to gain through training in our fellowship program?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewers want to better understand your expectations of the training offered in their fellowship program. Your answer will help them determine if you'll be a good fit.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
Before the interview, research the institution and fellowship program. This will give you insight into the mission and values of the organization, the curriculum of the program, and what avenues past fellows have pursued after their training. When answering this question, don't forget to take accountability for your growth and experiences. The skills you gain as a fellow are partially reliant on being proactive and seeking out opportunities.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"I feel confident that my residency program prepared me to succeed as a fellow. I gained exposure to patients from diverse cultures and backgrounds as well as a myriad of disease presentations. As an aspiring fellow, I'm hoping to grow as a teacher and researcher. As part of your fellowship program, I'd like to improve my skills in those areas."
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Discovery
9. Why did you choose a career in medicine?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your core passion and intrinsic motivation are what keep you going on the toughest days of fellowship training. The interview panel wants to understand how to best motivate and support you, so they need to know what drives you.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
When answering this question, feel free to share a personal story. You can briefly discuss why you applied to medical school, what or who made you want to become a physician, and then share how you choose your specialty. It's a smart idea to end with how and why residency has increased your passion for medicine and endocrinology, specifically.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"There are several factors that inspired me to choose a career in medicine. Growing up, my mother battled cancer. In her lowest moments, I saw how her physicians encouraged and supported her. Every time we left the hospital, she was in better spirits than when we arrived. I saw what they did for her overall well-being, and as I grew older, I wanted to do the same for others. I'm also simply a caregiver by nature, so ensuring the well-being of my patients keeps me motivated even during long shifts and challenging cases."
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Discovery
10. What are your career plans and goals after completing your fellowship training?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interviewers will likely prioritize candidates who are highly motivated to learn and pursue professional growth. They also want fellows who have well-defined career goals.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
Think about the best way to explain your career goals as a physician and outline how the fellowship program will help you reach those goals. It is okay to highlight several goals and let the interviewers know you are still considering your options. Remember, you don't want to shut the door on any potential opportunities.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"I entered medical school intending to pursue a career as an endocrinologist, and spending the last three years in an amazing internal medicine residency program confirmed that this is the right path for me. After my fellowship training, I want to practice in an academic setting where I can treat patients, educate medical students, and pursue research in clinical trials."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
Discovery
11. What do you see as your biggest area for improvement as an aspiring fellow?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Every candidate has room for improvement in certain areas. The interviewers want to know you are aware of your weaknesses and that you have a plan in place to overcome them.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
Think about aspects of your practice that be improved and attend the interview prepared to discuss this topic. If it is a clinical weakness, discuss why you feel it is a weakness and explain how you will improve in this area. If your weakness is a soft skill, elaborate on the steps you have taken and will continue to take to get better in this area.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"My main area of weakness is in research projects. I simply haven't had the opportunity to be involved in enough of them to feel confident in the overall process. While I did get some experience during residency, I'm looking forward to being much more engaged with research as a fellow."
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Discovery
12. Tell me about yourself.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers often lead with this question to get a feel for your personality. They are hoping to hear about who you are "in a nutshell," and they're curious about what aspects of yourself you'll choose to highlight.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
Preparation is key in answering this question. You'll want to be concise, yet offer details--don't share your whole life story! Be cognizant of how long you spend answering this question. If the interviewers have follow-up questions, they will ask!
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"I'm originally from Colorado where I grew up with my mom and two brothers. I followed what most would consider a "normal" academic path, although I did take a year off between high school and college to travel. I've always been an animal lover, and I actually thought I might become a veterinarian at one point before I realized I was more interested in caring for people than pets. I do have two dogs and a bird! I'm actually the second physician in my family; my cousin is a surgeon in Florida. My sister and I are very close. In fact, if I match here, she's thinking about moving to the area. As you can imagine, my life for nearly the last decade has been largely focused on medicine, and I'm really proud of my accomplishments."
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Discovery
13. What are your plans if you do not secure a fellowship position?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Life doesn't always go according to plan, and that is especially the case in medicine. The interview panel wants to know you think ahead and plan for the unexpected. When you confirm you have thought ahead and share your alternate plan with the interviewers, they will feel confident about how you view the big picture.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
Reassure the interviewers that fellowship is your number one goal, but let them know you have thought about your options should you not match into a fellowship position.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"While I'm extremely hopeful that I'll have the opportunity to become a fellow, I realize it's possible I won't match. With that in mind, I've been speaking with several of my mentors about clinical opportunities in the area. I also reached out to a physician in my hometown, and she's agreed to introduce me to several local physicians who are looking to expand their practices."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
Discovery
14. Did you consider any other sub-specialties besides this one?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interview panel wants to know you're committed to a career in endocrinology, but that doesn't mean you can't tell them about other areas of interest you explored before making your decision. In fact, if you did consider other sub-specialties, you can highlight the aspects of this one that made it your final choice.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
Answer this question honestly. Perhaps you have a friend or family member who specialized in pulmonary critical care and you initially considered that field too. Let the interview panel know your reasons for considering the specialties you did and why endocrinology ended up being your top choice.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"I did consider specializing in pulmonary critical care near the beginning of PGY3 after meeting an attending who really sold me on the field. However, my true professional interests always drew me back toward patients with hormonal issues and that's what I found myself reading about in my spare time. This is the field I'm most passionate about and believe I can have the most impact in."
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Discovery
15. Do you have any questions for me?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interview panel doesn't want you to leave the interview wondering about the on-call schedule, clinical and teaching expectations, or anything else vital to the fellowship position. They also hope to see that you've prepared a few meaningful questions, as this demonstrates your sincere interest in their program.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
Ask about topics related to the position that weren't already clarified in the interview. You should also prepare a few questions that are specific to the program, such as asking for clarification about community involvement or opportunities for research with specific faculty.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
Here are a few examples of good questions to ask the interview panel:
What is the daily workflow like for a fellow?
How often do fellows participate in community health events?
What is the structure of the fellow's schedule?
What type of didactic training do fellows receive?
If elective time is offered at the program, what electives do fellows typically rotate on?
How much autonomy will I have at the beginning of the fellowship and as I progress through my training?
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Discovery
16. Are you interested in being involved in community health initiatives?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
If your interviewers ask this question, it's likely that they want to hear that you enjoy leading or helping with community outreach efforts. While not all programs are involved in community initiatives, many are.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
If community outreach isn't an area of interest for you, that's okay. Simply let the interviewers know you haven't had the opportunity to participate in community outreach efforts, but you're open to doing so as a fellow. If you do have experience participating in community initiatives, share examples.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"Yes, I am! As a resident, I often volunteered at our local blood drive and free cancer screening events. I also went on a missionary trip to Libya to help care for underserved populations. As a fellow, I will definitely seek out ways to support the community through health clinics and preventative education campaigns."
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Discovery
17. What or who has been one of your biggest inspirations in life?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interview panel asks this question so they can learn more about your personal background and what motivates you. Part of the purpose of the interview is to get to know who you are as a person.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
Prepare an answer to this question before the interview. You don't want to struggle to think of an idea or give an answer that doesn't seem convincing. Whether your biggest inspiration in life is a movie, a line from a book, a family member, or an experience you had as a child, be prepared to discuss it in a meaningful yet concise way.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"My biggest inspiration in life is my friend Chloe. She lost her eyesight after being involved in an accident when we were freshmen in high school. She had the most positive attitude about adapting her life to what was obviously an extremely difficult situation to get used to. Today, she's a teacher at a school for the blind. I'm not only proud of her, but she's inspired me to push through the obstacles I've encountered, realizing that having a positive attitude is my decision and that it's always possible to adapt to the unexpected."
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Experience
18. What is the most important lesson you learned during residency training that will help you be a successful and accomplished fellow?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Residency has likely helped you grow from an inexperienced medical student into a doctor who has seen hundreds of patients. Your interviewers want to hear you talk about the most important lesson you learned during your time in residency and why this lesson is so important to your future success as a fellow.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
Spend time thinking about the important lessons you learned during residency, focusing on the ones you will carry with you for the rest of your career. Give an unconventional example of something you learned outside of clinical competency to help you stand out from other candidates.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"The most important lesson I learned was to not let my work become too routine. By the time I started PGY-2, I was used to regularly seeing certain conditions. After a while, it seemed like I could predict patients' histories before even meeting them. Fortunately, one of my attending physicians warned me against this mindset because it can be easy to overlook small details that could have potentially devastating effects on a patient's outcome. He taught me that no symptom should go uninvestigated and I vowed to be thorough in my approach for every single patient. As an aspiring fellow, I will certainly uphold this standard of care and give every patient my utmost attention."
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Experience
19. What relevant skills did you develop during residency training that you feel will benefit you as a new fellow with our program?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Fellowship training requires you to hone and master new skills while improving some of the skills you developed as a resident. Your interviewers want you to discuss the specific clinical skills you developed during residency training that will help you succeed in their fellowship.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
Think about the clinical skills and soft skills (like communication) you polished during residency training. Highlight the most advanced and notable skills and discuss how they will help you succeed as a fellow. Talk openly and honestly about the procedures, tests, and exams you gained experience with during your residency training.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"During my internal medicine residency training, I was exposed to several uncommon diseases and many patients with comorbidities. Managing these complex cases expanded my knowledge base and helped me refine my differential diagnoses skills. Having been exposed to such a broad range of cases means I have a solid foundation to build upon during fellowship."
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Experience
20. What is your most memorable patient encounter?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Engaging with patients is an important part of a fellow's work, so your interviewers want to hear about your one-on-one experience with patients.
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How to Answer
Choose a meaningful experience that highlights something you learned that might be relevant to your fellowship training. If you discussed a patient case in your personal statement, you can expand on that story during your interview.
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Answer Example
"I once cared for a young woman with infertility issues. Despite her struggles, she was exceedingly pleasant at every appointment. I chose to talk about this patient because she was very undereducated about her health when I first encountered her and I learned a lot about how to effectively deliver patient education over the course of her visits."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
Experience
21. Choose one item from your CV and elaborate on it.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The purpose of your CV is to present your education, experience, and accomplishments in a concise and direct way. Typically, it's impossible to tell what experiences might be more meaningful beyond the hard skills listed in bullet points. The interview panel wants to know which experience you find significant enough to elaborate on when given the chance. Your response will provide insight into who you are as a physician and as a person.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
The smartest decision is to choose an experience from your CV that both highlights strengths relevant to fellowship training and resonates with you/aligns with your future career goals. Speak passionately about the experience you choose.
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Answer Example
"In the summer between my third and fourth year of medical school, I volunteered with The American Cancer Society as part of their "Road to Recovery" program. As a volunteer, I gave rides to patients who struggled to find transportation to their treatment appointments. I never imagined that the few months I spent volunteering there would contribute to my medical training, but I learned so much about how to communicate with patients. The experience really drove home the point that patients are individuals with unique interests and needs and I'm excited to develop relationships with the patients I'll meet as a fellow in your program."
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Experience
22. How have you contributed to this field of medicine so far?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Residency training is demanding, but your interviewers want to know that you have contributed, or at least aspire to contribute, to the field at large. Your pursuit of fellowship indicates your vested interest in contributing to the field of medicine, so the interview panel wants to learn more about how you've acted on that thus far in your career.
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How to Answer
Tell the interviewers about any research you've published or contributed to. You can also highlight any community outreach events you've helped with, volunteer experiences, missionary work, or anything else that goes beyond the scope of your clinical residency training.
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Answer Example
"Contributing to the field of medicine has always been important to me, and I think research is one of the best ways to do that. In medical school, I joined the Future Researchers group and learned about the foundations of research, including the steps to getting published. Then, in residency, I collaborated with several peers on a research project that we're hoping to see published this year."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
Experience
23. Have you had effective mentors in your training thus far?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interview panel wants to know what qualities you think are important in a good mentor. It's likely that you encountered both effective and ineffective mentors during residency, so you can use those experiences when answering this question.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
Describe your best mentor during residency (or medical school). Focus on sharing details about why they were a great mentor and how they helped you grow. The interview panel does not want to hear you speak negatively about another doctor, so do not spend time discussing an ineffective mentor.
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Answer Example
"I have had several effective mentors and feel very fortunate about that. My best mentor was Dr. Smith, an internist who was one of my attendings during PGY1 and PGY2. He was kind and patient and never failed to notice when I needed extra support or struggled with something new. I think having an approachable mentor who is genuinely invested in my training is incredibly important."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
Interest Level
24. Why did you decide to apply to our fellowship program in particular?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interviewers want to know why you applied to their program in particular. They are hoping to hear a genuine answer that shows you've taken the time to research their program and faculty.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
Research the curriculum, the faculty, and where past fellows have gone post-fellowship before your interview. Pick out the features and benefits of the program you are interviewing with that appeal the most to you. Rather than talking about a simple convenience like location, give your answer some substance to show you are truly interested in joining this fellowship program. That being said, if you have family or connections in the area, it is okay to mention that too!
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Answer Example
"Your program is the complete package--and I researched a lot of programs! You have a world-class faculty that I'd be honored to train under for the next three years. For instance, Dr. Hill's research on XYZ is exciting, and I would love the opportunity to be involved in that project. I also love that some of your past fellows have gone on to become distinguished and well-funded researchers, which is in line with my own career goals."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
Interest Level
25. What do you know about our faculty?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewers want to know if you've taken the time to research their faculty. Answering knowledgeably shows the interview panel that you applied to their program for specific reasons.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
Research the program's faculty before the interview. When answering, make sure you pronounce names correctly and indicate that you're aware of major accomplishments and current research projects being handled by faculty. If you have a personal connection with any of the program's faculty, now is the time to mention that.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"I was really impressed with your program's faculty. Dr. Mabrito's research on machine learning applications in endocrinology is intriguing, and I've been reading the last few articles she published. I also had the privilege of meeting Dr. Vee at a conference last year. He was so knowledgeable about the emerging role of lipidomics in the prediction of diseases, which is actually what inspired my own research goals."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
Interest Level
26. What do you know about our institution?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your answer to this question will help the interview panel gauge your interest in their fellowship program. They are asking this question to see how much time you've invested in learning about their institution specifically.
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How to Answer
Don't answer with generalities like, "Your institution is highly respected and well-known." Instead, answer with details and specifics that solidify your interest in the specific program you're interviewing with.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"Your institution sees a diverse patient population, including those from the neighboring community where there isn't specialized medical care available. I'm also impressed by the rate of grant approval over the last three years, and I've read great things about your fellowship orientation program. It means a lot that your program invests time to help fellows succeed."
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Scope Of Interest
27. What are your research interests?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Research is a common component of fellowship, so the interview panel wants to know where your research interests lie. They may be hoping to hear ideas that are different from current research in their department; it's also possible they are looking for someone whose research interests are aligned with their current projects.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
Discuss your research interests, including any preliminary research you've done in those areas. It's a smart idea to include that you are open to hearing about any current or upcoming research projects they think you might be interested in.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"I'm very interested in studying metabolomic profiling of adrenal function in asthma patients and have been working on a literature review to build up my knowledge base. However, I'm definitely open to other areas of research and would like to hear about any current or upcoming research projects at your institution."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
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Scope Of Knowledge
28. How would you deal with XYZ clinical presentation?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interview panel may ask a question or two to gauge your clinical knowledge of specific conditions you're likely to encounter as an endocrinology fellow. Your confidence in answering reassures them that you are prepared for a fellowship role.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
If you feel confident in your answer, deliver it accordingly! If you aren't sure how to answer the question, be honest. Acknowledge that it's not an area you have experience in. Of course, you should express your interest and willingness to learn about the topic. Not knowing the answer to a clinical question does not ruin your chances of matching with the program; the interviewers know not everyone has had experience with every disease presentation and will appreciate your honesty.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
1st Answer Example
If you are familiar with the condition:
"If a patient were admitted with XYZ, I would..."
Continue your answer with the specific details of how you would manage a patient with a specific condition.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
If you're uncertain about how to answer the question:
"That isn't a condition I've had many experiences with during residency. However, I do want to learn more about managing it."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
Teaching Skills
29. What's your approach to teaching residents and medical students?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
You're likely to have teaching responsibilities as a fellow. Having recently completed residency yourself (or nearly so), you will be in a good position to teach residents and medical students. The interview panel wants to know how comfortable you are with teaching and learn about your approach.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
Most clinical education for residents and medical students happens during patient interactions. Your answer should give insight into your approach to delivering patient care at the same time you're teaching. It's a great idea to cite a specific teaching example from residency. You might also want to research the "PARTNER" framework that is part of the "Fellow as Clinical Teacher (FACT)" curriculum so that you can incorporate aspects of the framework into your answer.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"During residency, I learned from expert fellows who were skilled at teaching. I paid close attention to how they communicated specific points and knowledge, especially when they chose to expand on their decisions. My goal is to emulate those fellows in my own teaching, and I will definitely seek out feedback from the residents and medical students I teach so I can improve."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
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Teaching Skills
30. Talk about a time you successfully educated a patient on a complex topic during residency. How did you ensure the information was understood?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Patient education is an essential skill for any physician, and that is especially true of internal medicine and its sub-specialties like endocrinology. The interview panel expects to hear that you enjoy teaching and have a knack for explaining complex topics in an easy-to-understand way.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
Discuss a time you educated someone on a hard-to-grasp topic and describe your teaching process to the interviewers. Keep in mind that fellows must utilize available technology in providing education and that customizing your approach to others' learning styles is important.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"A few months ago, I worked with a patient recently diagnosed with HIV. He refused to take his antiretroviral medication. I knew the consequences of not taking the ART medication could be fatal, so I spent time with the patient discussing the real-life impact of noncompliance. My approach was respectful, but I didn't hesitate to be upfront when it came to the potentially fatal consequences. During the conversation, I learned that the patient was resistant because he didn't understand how the medication worked or why he had to take so much of it. I offered explanations using relatable comparisons, stopping frequently to assess his understanding and see if he had questions. By the time I left, the patient agreed to stay compliant until our next visit."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 15th, 2022