What drove you to apply for our fellowship program?
The choices and variety of programs in your field are almost endless. In asking this question, your interviewers want to hear you give your best pitch on the benefits you see in training with their program and why it is ultimately best for your future practice goals.
Research the curriculum, the faculty, and where past fellows have gone 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 or familiarity, give your answer some substance to show you are truly interested in joining this fellowship program.
"In all honesty, your program is the complete package. You have a world-class faculty that I'd be honored to train under for the next three years. The other aspect of your program I found appealing is the focus on helping your fellows develop their unique paths in research. I love that some of your past fellows have gone on to become distinguished and well-funded researchers, something that I aspire to be during my career."
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
I searched a lot in the world for appealing HPB fellowship programs and yours is the most interesting I found. The caseload is huge and I read the histories of your former fellows, it was always impressive.
I think that if I have the chance to participate in your program I will grow up enormously as a surgeon and as a researcher and that's what I'm aiming for.
Jaymie's Feedback
Great answer demonstrating that you've done your research on the program and insights from former fellows to help make your decision.
