What scares you most about being a physician?
"One thing that scares me is having to face the reality that I can't 'save them all.' I know that may sound silly, but when we go to medical school, I think all of us have this idea that we are going to be the ones to save as many people as possible. Of course, that's not ever a reality, but it doesn't mean that we don't want to give it all we've got."
"I think any physician who is honest will tell you that there are lots of things that scare us. For me, the thought of the pediatric patient that I have to send to an oncology center scares me because I know I may never get to see them again. The thought of having to walk into the room of a patient who is unresponsive to tell their family that the prognosis is not good for recovery never gets easier. Many things are uncomfortable and, often, scary about being a doctor. On the other hand, for everything that is frightening or seems to be set with uncertainty, there are so many more things that make this career well worth the time and effort it takes to make it work. Seeing sick people recover and people who felt hopeless finally begin to feel hopeful again are just a few of the things that make facing every fear worth the effort."
We all have things that make us feel uncomfortable or that nagging thought in the back of our minds that makes us question things from time to time. Being a physician is a great responsibility: responsibility to patients, peers, subordinates, and to self. This is not a trick question or a way for the interviewer to find something negative about you. Rather, this is an opportunity for you to show the 'human side' of you. Don't be embarrassed about having something that makes you uncomfortable. Just be sure when you give an example, you find a reason that that fear makes you a better doctor.
"The thing that scares me the most, I suppose, is that I will miss something that could make a difference in a patient's life. I don't necessarily mean a life or death situation. However, sometimes missing a diagnosis because of a lab error or because I wasn't aware of a certain medication the patient is on can make a big difference in a plan of care. I want to be vigilant in my practice as a physician so that my patients know they can count on me."
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
Sometimes, small details can make a difference in diagnosis or treatment, for example, not knowing what medications this patient is taking.
Rachelle's Feedback
This is a significant responsibility, indeed! Rather than leaving your answer on this point, be sure to make the connection as to why this fear makes you a better physician. You can also explain the action steps that you take to overcome this fear.
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