Talk about a time you had to adapt to major change. How did you cope, and why do you think being adaptable to change is important in fellowship training?
Healthcare is experiencing more rapid changes today than it has over the past 100 years, and your ability to handle and adapt to change with ease will be vital in your fellowship. You've gotten used to a routine and a patient base in your years of residency training, and that is about to all be shaken up in a new fellowship program. In asking this question, your interviewers want to know that you can embrace change and see it as an opportunity for overall improvement.
"With technology constantly improving and changes to healthcare regulations always shifting, I know that I will always have to be open and willing to adapt my work as a physician. During my time as a medical scribe, I learned firsthand that adapting to change was essential in this field. I worked for a large system that implemented a change in EMR. Some consulting staff members were hesitant and resistant to change, and others saw the new changes as wonderful new opportunities. I realized all of the benefits an upgraded system had. Through this experience, I learned that a positive attitude towards change is essential in making change a success, and this is an attitude that I carried with me into residency training and will continue to bring with me as a new fellow in your program."
Pick an example of a time you faced a change, either in your schooling or during residency training, and you responded constructively. Explain how the change directly impacted you and how you maintained a positive approach during the transition. No matter what example you use in your answer, be sure that you reiterate that you fully understand that your future success as a physician will rely on your ability to change with the times and provide the best care possible to your patients.
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
Surgery is constantly evolving and I noticed that since day 1 of my residency training. I have the luck to grow up in a hospital where evolution and adaptability to new features are always present. Among the many examples I can think of, I remember the first time we performed 3d laparoscopy. At first, it seemed a little weird but I immediately understood that potential and, in general, the possibility of new technologies.
Jaymie's Feedback
This is a good example of how you've had to adapt to change. If possible, go into more detail about what specifically about the process was a major change for you. Did it shorten the time of surgery, improve patient recovery times and outcomes, etc.? When speaking about how you coped with change, consider techniques like keeping an open mind, doing research, learning, and training, patience with the learning process, etc., and how you will bring those skills and abilities to adapt to change to this program.
Anonymous Answer
During my second year in residency, we have a night float rotation in which I am the only resident in-house overnight, caring for all adult and children inpatients and new ED consults – essentially 3 (connected) hospitals. During my 2nd week, our ENT floor was moved from the 6th to the 17th floor and our ENT-specific observation unit was moved to a combined OU on the 16th floor. The impact of this was the introduction of head and neck free flaps and tracked patients to new nursing staff. It was a time for me to step up and offer education to the nursing staff, which helped build rapport and gave me the opportunity to function confidently and independently. Adapting to change with a positive attitude and confidence are personal traits I hope to show my fellowship mentors.
Jaymie's Feedback
This is the perfect example to demonstrate how you accept and navigate change effectively—well done!
Anonymous Answer
When I was an intern we switched from paper paper-based system to an electronic cerner. I went ahead with a positive mindset and I will bring it with me in the fellowship training.
Jaymie's Feedback
This is a good example to share! Can you go into more detail about your role in the change process? Having a positive attitude is a great coping technique, but are there any others you could share that would benefit you in this role? Perhaps collaboration with others, asking questions throughout the process, communication with a manager, etc. Also, don't forget to answer the last part of the question as to why you think being adaptable to change is important in fellowship training.
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