"In my residency class, I had a colleague who could be overbearing and overpowering. It was difficult to work with them because this personality is the complete opposite of my personality. It didn't take me long to realize that staying calm with them and not taking things they said personally helped my mindset and my ability to work effectively with them. As we built a rapport over time, my next step was to set healthy boundaries with them and even call them out when I felt they were taking over a situation when they shouldn't. To this day, we continue to have a great working relationship."

Focus on a time your work style was different from another person's, but you still had to work together closely. Discuss, in a positive tone, how you made the situation work. Emphasize your ability to be a team player and build a connection with others, even if their personality or approach to work is different from yours. At the end of your response, explain how your communication abilities and level of professionalism will benefit you as a fellow with this institution.