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?

Question

Christine Pasqueretta · Accepted Answer

"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."

Christine Pasqueretta · Answer

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.

Rachelle Enns · Answer

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.

Anonymous User · 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."

Anonymous User · 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."

Anonymous User · 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."

Anonymous User · Answer

"A major change was moving to the USA from India for my residency training. I had to adapt to a new system of healthcare and a new culture. I took it in stride and took advice from my seniors who had been in a similar situation before. I would constantly ask my colleagues and supervisor for feedback and improve myself. I also made friends with the local folks and went to nearby community centers to learn more about the culture. Change is very important during training and also while practicing medicine. It is important to adapt to the system to provide the best care to our patients."

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?

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2. 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?

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