30 General Surgery Residency Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our General Surgery Residency interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 8 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
Table of Contents
- 1. Adaptability Questions
- 2. Ask The Interviewer Questions
- 3. Behavioral Questions
- 4. Career Goals Questions
- 5. Communication Questions
- 6. Compatibility Questions
- 7. Conflict Questions
- 8. Diligence Questions
- 9. Direct Questions
- 10. Discovery Questions
- 11. Education Questions
- 12. Leadership Questions
- 13. Stress Questions
- 14. Tough Questions
Adaptability
1. How do you keep your emotions from affecting your work?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Working as a general surgeon can be emotional at times. It is normal to feel emotions when working in this industry, but it is imperative to channel them, so they do not interfere with your work. Taking good care of your mental and physical health helps channel those emotions, so you can maintain composure when facing work challenges. Let the interviewers know how you remain professional when faced with an emotional workday.
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Answer Example
"It is hard not to feel emotional when losing a patient or having to deliver bad news, but I knew it was part of the job going in. I keep my emotions from affecting my work by talking with my colleagues or mentor if something is bothering me and by taking care of myself away from work. I like to run, which helps clear my mind when feeling emotional. I also think of the good things about a patient I have lost or who is diagnosed with a life-changing condition and do not focus on the sad part."
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Ask The Interviewer
2. Do you have any questions about our residency program?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Most residency programs will have a detailed description on their website stating what is involved with the program, clinical rotations, the primary teaching site, accredited length of training, the residency directors, mentoring, and more. The interviewers want to see that you have researched their program and do not want to answer questions you could have found on their website, showing a lack of attention to detail. Good questions to ask are where your rotations would take place, how large the facility is and the types of patients served, or if there are opportunities to attend scientific meetings.
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Answer Example
"After reading your detailed website and speaking with many of your fellows and residents, most of my questions were answered. I do have a few questions, though. What type of practices are most of your graduates going into after their residency? What type of educational resources are available? Finally, what would you describe as your program's strengths?"
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Behavioral
3. How would you describe your bedside manner?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Bedside manner is a physician's approach or attitude toward a patient. The interviewers ask this question to determine if you have the qualities they seek in a resident. They want to hear that you are kind, patient, friendly, compassionate, and caring. Now is the time to describe how you treat all patients with respect, empathy, kindness, and compassion.
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Answer Example
"I would describe my bedside manner as nurturing, comforting, patient, and caring. I approach all patients the same. I introduce myself, ask their name, and what I can do for them. I take the time to actively listen to their concerns, showing them I care about them and want to help them. I believe all healthcare professionals should treat patients the way they want others to treat themselves or loved ones."
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Behavioral
4. How do you cope when losing a patient?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As a general surgeon, there will be times when you will have patients that do not survive the surgery or will die in the hospital or after they are released. The interviewers want to hear that you have coping mechanisms to keep from becoming overwhelmed with the loss of life. It is essential for healthcare professionals to have someone they can speak with and have healthy avenues to decompress to prevent burnout, illness, and injury. Describe how you cope when you lose a patient.
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Answer Example
"It is never easy losing a patient. As a physician, I got into this profession to help people, so it is sad to see them die. But I knew that was part of the job before going to medical school, so I have the mindset that patients will unfortunately not always make it. I cope by knowing I did the best I could for them. If a particular death bothers me more than others, I talk with colleagues, which always seems to help. I also take care of myself mentally and physically so the grief doesn't take control of my emotions."
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Career Goals
5. Do you have plans to pursue a surgical fellowship?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The National Institute of Health 2022 statistics show that 80% of graduating general surgery residents undergo fellowship training. The interviewers are curious if you will be one of the 80% that choose fellowship training after you complete the residency program. If you plan on fellowship training, they want to see what subspecialty interests you and why you decided to pursue that specialty. There is no wrong answer, and this is not a trick question. The interviewers just want to get to know your future goals a little better.
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Answer Example
"Yes, I do plan on pursuing a hand surgery fellowship. My grandfather was a hand surgeon and would talk about how much he loved helping patients of all ages with something so vital and valuable as their hands. I am excited to follow in his footsteps and help patients increase their mobility and function, relieve nerve compression, and repair damaged structures in the hands and arms."
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Career Goals
6. What are your career goals after completing your chief resident training?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
After completing your chief resident (PGY-5) year training, you will be eligible to take the American Board of Surgery exam and apply for advanced clinical training in subspecialties through a fellowship. The interviewers want to hear if you plan on applying for a fellowship, working as an attending in a clinical setting, transitioning into academia, or going into private practice. Describe your career goals after completing your chief resident training.
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Answer Example
"After completing my residency, I plan on applying for a burn surgery fellowship. I have been fascinated with burns since my brother was severely burned in an explosion. Watching the years of surgeries he went through and the transformation the surgeons did make me interested in this subspecialty. After my fellowship, my goal is to work in a burn center as a burn surgeon."
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Communication
7. How would you describe your interpersonal and communication skills?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Many general surgery residency programs' websites describe their curriculum and what they seek in a resident. They will often describe their ideal resident as having excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Residents must communicate effectively with other healthcare professionals, patients, and family members. They must also effectively document patient care and practice activities and assume responsibility for teaching both students and fellow residents. The interviewers ask this question to see if you have the interpersonal and communication skills they seek in a general surgery resident.
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Answer Example
"My interpersonal and communication skills are above average. I work well with diverse groups and make every effort to ensure I speak to my patients in terms they can understand. Medical terminology can be pretty confusing for those not in the medical field. After explaining something to a patient or family member, I have them repeat what I said to ensure they are clear on what I told them. I ask them if they have questions, I actively listen, and I am great at reading body language. My written communication skills are exceptional, as well."
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Compatibility
8. General surgery is a highly competitive residency to match. Why should we choose you over other applicants?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
It isn't easy to match a general surgery residency in the United States, with an overall match rate of 52.7%. In 2021, 3,071 medical students/graduates applied to general surgery residency, and 1,619 matched successfully. The interviewers want to hear why they should choose you over others competing to match. While there are many qualified candidates, you must let the interviewers know why you are a top-notch applicant. Tell the interviewers about your away rotations, research experience, volunteer work, USMLE scores, and any other achievements or accolades that will make the interviewers remember you.
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Answer Example
"You should choose me over applicants because of my dedication, research experience, and leadership skills. I applied for an away rotation with your program and demonstrated my work ethic to house staff and my attending physician. They saw my attention to detail and communication skills and highly recommended that I be accepted into your program. I have clinical research experience and published seven peer-reviewed articles that have been published in the Annals of Surgery. Also, I have demonstrated my leadership skills as an AMA medical student outreach leader and student member of the AMA Foundation Board. I am excited about this opportunity and hope to match with your highly reputable residency program."
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Compatibility
9. What qualities do you possess that will make you a successful resident?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Neurosurgical Atlas describes the qualities that successful general surgery residents generally display: trustworthiness, independent learning, efficiency, high attention to detail, personability, and strong work ethics. The interviewers ask this question to see if you have the characteristics and qualities they seek in a resident. They want to hear that you are self-aware and confident enough to identify and describe your strengths. Describe qualities you possess that will help you succeed as a resident and bring value to the general surgery residency program.
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Answer Example
"The qualities I would bring to the program as a resident are my thirst for knowledge, strong work ethic, trustworthiness, and active listening skills. I look forward to working with my attending to train me further in my career. I actively listen to my patients, mentors, and colleagues, which earns their respect and trust. I always arrive early to work and do tasks before I am told. I actively seek ways to help others and look forward to bringing these strengths to your program as a resident."
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Compatibility
10. Name some strengths you would bring to our program as a resident.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewers ask this question to see if you have the characteristics and qualities they seek in a resident. They want to hear that you are self-aware and confident enough to identify and describe your strengths. Think of strengths that will help you succeed as a resident and bring value to the general surgery residency program. Some strengths that will make you stand out as a candidate include the following:
- Strong work ethic
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Diligence
- Attention to detail
- Critical thinking
After listing your strengths, give examples of how they will help you succeed as a resident.
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Answer Example
"Some strengths I would bring to the program as a resident is my thirst for knowledge, my strong work ethic, and my active listening skills. I look forward to working with mentors to train me further as a surgeon. I actively listen to my patients, mentors, and colleagues, which earns their respect and trust. I always arrive early to work and do tasks before I am told. I actively seek ways to help others and look forward to bringing these strengths to your program as a general surgery resident."
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Conflict
11. How do you handle a dispute with a colleague?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
It is common for colleagues to have a dispute or disagreement at some point in their careers. The interviewers know this and want to see how you have handled disputes in the past. How you respond gives the interviewers insight into your problem-solving, communication, and conflict-resolution skills, which are essential skills to possess in any profession.
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Answer Example
"Over the years, I have found the involved parties can fix all conflicts with honest, open communication. When both parties can explain why they are bothered by something and decide how to handle the situation maturely, fewer disagreements will happen. Most disputes are simply a misunderstanding or lack of communication."
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Diligence
12. What made you choose our residency program over others?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
In the United States, there are currently 267 general surgery residency programs. The interviewers want to hear that you have researched their program in depth and that you have also compared their program to many others. When responding to this question, highlight unique aspects of their general surgery residency program that stand out from others. You may want to participate in their program because of their stellar reputation, dynamic and interactive training program, or because they are a research hospital. Let the interviewers know your reasons for choosing their residency program over so many others to choose from.
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Answer Example
"I chose your residency program over others for several reasons. First, my mentor was a resident in your general surgery residency program and highly recommended the training and guidance he received. Secondly, your program was ranked number one as the best clinical training in surgery in the United States, according to Doximity's 2022-2023 Residency Navigator. After researching your program in greater depth, I decided this is the program I want to attend."
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Diligence
13. What are the pillars of excellence for an attending surgeon?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The pillars of excellence for an attending surgeon are the 3 A's: availability, affability, and ability, in that order. The interviewers want to hear that you know the pillars of excellence for an attending surgeon and understand their meaning. Describe the three A's and what they mean to you.
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Answer Example
"The pillars of excellence for an attending surgeon are availability, affability, and ability, in that order. As a surgeon, I must be available to speak with patients and colleagues, even when I am busy. Affability is treating my patients as a person and not as an illness. I must connect with my patients on a deeper level, and show them I am human, too. And I must have the ability to be excellent in my work. As a surgeon, there is no margin for error. I look forward to following the pillars of excellence as a general surgery resident and attending surgeon one day."
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Diligence
14. Tell us what your days will look like as a general surgery resident.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Every specialty will have a slightly different day in a resident's life. The interviewers want to see that you have done your homework and understand your daily life as a general surgery resident. Some programs describe what a resident's day looks like on their website. If the program you applied to does not have that information, speak with former or current fellows and residents or visit the university or medical center and talk to staff. It would be best if you understood what your day entails before starting the program, so there are no surprises.
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Answer Example
"After speaking with a former resident and fellow of your program, I have a good understanding of the daily life of a general surgery resident. Starting at 6:30 a.m., I will perform early morning rounds, followed by surgery from 7:30 a.m. to noon. Then, I will attend a lunch conference, a surgical clinic for two hours, a trauma conference for one hour, then evening rounds until I am finished. I will check out with the on-call team if I am not on-call, which is roughly twice per month."
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Direct
15. Tell us about your volunteer experience.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
ProspectiveDoctor.com reports that the average U.S.-matched general surgery residency candidate had 8.3 volunteer experiences, and fifty-four percent of residency directors say that community service is a factor in selecting applicants for interviews. They feel that it shows strong character and selflessness - all qualities that make a great resident. Talk to the interviewers about your willingness to give back to your community through volunteerism.
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Answer Example
"I started volunteering when I was 16 years old as a candy striper at Cottage Hospital in Southern California. After graduating high school, the candy striper program was dissolved, so I started volunteering with the Special Olympics as a coach. I still volunteer as a coach and work at a local assisted living facility where my grandfather lives, playing the piano for the residents once a week. I also have volunteered with Doctors Without Borders, International Medical Corps, and Africa Health Placements providing medical services to communities in developing countries."
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Direct
16. In your opinion, what is the future of general surgery?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As a future general surgeon, you should remain vigilant about changes in the industry. The interviewers ask this question to see if you have read articles about the future of general surgery, have talked with mentors or colleagues, or listened to podcasts to see what is in the future for your profession. Describe how you see the future of general surgery and where you received your information to come to that conclusion.
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Answer Example
"I recently read an article about this topic in the Annals of Surgery. Based on the article, I see the future of general surgery as having more integrated technology, such as surgical robots, artificial intelligence, 3D printing, and improved imaging methods. I also see an uptick in minimally invasive surgeries and shortened post-operative care. Even with the advancing technology, I do not see technology taking over and not needing general surgeons. I see the future having a high demand for general surgeons as many are retiring, and the increasing costs of medical school prohibit many future surgeons from fulfilling their dreams."
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Discovery
17. What are your hobbies and interests outside of work and school?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewers ask this question to gain insight into your personality and see that you have a healthy work/life balance. It is best to mention hobbies that showcase your strengths, skills, and passion that can transfer to your job as a general surgeon. For example, if one of your hobbies is volunteering at the local food bank, it shows the interviewers that you enjoy helping people and are empathetic and compassionate. Mention several hobbies and why you enjoy them while avoiding interests that could be construed as unprofessional.
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Answer Example
"I have many interests and hobbies. I enjoy volunteering, coaching my son's soccer team, playing guitar, and mountain biking. I volunteer with my family every Sunday at our local church's food bank and coach soccer every Saturday. I recently took up guitar, so I enjoy practicing when I have downtime. I mountain bike every morning before work to stay in shape and clear my head for the day."
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Discovery
18. Do you aspire to have your own practice one day? If so, what about business ownership interests you?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
According to the National Institute of Health, 45% of recertifying general surgeons were engaged in private solo practice, 27% were in a private surgical group practice, 13% were in a private multispecialty group practice, and 9% were in full-time academic practice. The interviewers want to hear if you aspire to start your own business to see if you have an entrepreneurial spirit or if you will be happy working for someone else.
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Answer Example
"No, I do not plan on having my own practice one day. While I consider myself an entrepreneur and love the idea of owning a business, the thought of starting a practice does not interest me. Working in a hospital or established surgical group is more appealing because I want to focus on being a surgeon rather than a business owner."
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Discovery
19. After researching our curriculum, what rotation are you looking forward to, and why?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Every general surgery residency program will have a variety of rotations, such as breast surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, vascular surgery, and pediatric surgery, to name a few. The interviewers ask this question to see where your interests lie and why this rotation is the most exciting for you.
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Answer Example
"After reviewing your curriculum, I am excited about all of the rotations you offer. The one I am most looking forward to is the breast surgery rotation. I want to pursue a plastic surgery fellowship after I complete my residency as I want to do reconstructive breast surgery as a specialty."
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Discovery
20. The attrition rate for general surgery residents is relatively high. What will you do to keep motivated and prevent yourself from burning out?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
According to the United States National Institutes of Health, the attrition rate for general surgery residents range from 14% to 32%, which is higher than in other non-surgical or surgical fields of medicine. The article attributes overwhelming stress during general surgery residency causes burnout and manifests in decreased job performance and attrition. The interviewers want to hear your plans to stay motivated, reduce stress, and continue your residency until completion. Describe healthy ways you manage your stress levels and keep yourself from burning out.
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Answer Example
"I understand this residency is stressful, and I am prepared for that. If I feel overly stressed, I will discuss this with my attending. In addition, I eat a healthy, balanced diet, exercise, and spend time with my family on my days off. Taking care of myself mentally and physically prepares me to handle stressful situations with ease."
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Discovery
21. As a physician, what is your greatest weakness, and what are you doing to improve?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewers want to hear about your greatest weakness as a physician to see that you are self-aware and can identify an area that needs improvement. When you admit you have a deficiency in a particular aspect of your profession and take steps to improve, it shows the interviewer that you are motivated and inspired to grow professionally.
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Answer Example
"My weakness as a physician is a hesitancy to delegate. I know what I want to be done and how I want it done, so it's often easier to do it myself. However, it can inhibit my ability to grow as a physician. I will need to delegate tasks to my surgical team, so I have been working on making this weakness a strength. I am reading a book called Don't Do, Delegate by James Jenks and have been practicing his exercises. My propensity to hold onto control has decreased since starting the book, so I'm certainly moving in the right direction."
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Discovery
22. What unique skill or talent do you have that will complement your job as a surgeon?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As a surgeon, you must have many skills and traits complementary to being a surgeon. For example, you must have attention to detail, excellent hand-eye coordination, critical thinking skills, stamina, and the ability to adapt at a moment's notice. The interviewers want to learn more about you as a person, and what unique skills or talents you have that will complement your job as a surgeon. Describe something you enjoy doing that will transfer into your career as a surgeon.
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Answer Example
"A talent I have that will complement my job as a surgeon is playing the violin. I have played since I was three and picked it up quite easily. I would spend hours a day perfecting solo pieces, highlighting my dedication to a craft. I also enjoy the violin because it helps me clear my head and focus strictly on the piece I am playing. It enhances my dexterity, hand strength, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor skills. I feel this talent will complement my career as a surgeon."
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Discovery
23. What part of our general surgery residency program will be the most challenging for you?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
An abstract published on Pub Med listed the top challenges general surgery residents faced, including lack of experience, peer interactions, autocratic relationships, communication with patients, work-life balance, personal well-being, and gender biases. The interviewers understand the challenges you will face and want to see that you have identified the most challenging issue and have a plan to overcome any difficulties. Describe what you feel will be the most significant hurdle you will have to overcome and how you plan to succeed.
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Answer Example
"After talking with former residents of your program, the most challenging part of the program will be my lack of experience and the learning curve that comes with the residency. Most of the former residents said that was their biggest challenge, but they had amazing attending physicians that helped them overcome their lack of experience in a controlled, interactive environment. Even though that will be a challenge, I look forward to gaining the knowledge needed to be a general surgeon."
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Discovery
24. How many abstracts, presentations, and publications are you responsible for?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
ProspectiveDoctor.com reports that the average matched U.S. general surgery applicant had 7.1 abstracts, presentations, and publications. The interviewers want to hear how proactive you were as a medical student in going above and beyond your coursework and what topics interested you. After giving the number of abstracts, presentations, and publications, you are responsible for, briefly describe the subject matter.
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Answer Example
"I am responsible for three abstracts surrounding post-operative patients, four medical presentations on unusual cases seen during rounds, and one peer-reviewed article published in the Annals of Surgery regarding surgical procedures at critical access hospitals within hospital networks. I am currently working on another publication regarding appetite loss after major abdominal surgery and enjoy the research needed to present these findings."
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Discovery
25. Why did you decide to pursue a career as a surgeon?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewers want to hear your reasons for choosing this profession to understand what inspires and motivates you to work hard to become a surgeon. They want to hear if another surgeon mentored you, if you have family or friends who work in healthcare, or if you received excellent care from a surgeon.
Focus on giving your personal reason for choosing this career, responding with enthusiasm and passion. There is no right or wrong answer. The interviewers want to gain insight into what made you pursue this career path to see if you will be a good fit for their residency program.
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Answer Example
"I went to medical school because I have always been fascinated by the human body and science, so it seemed a perfect fit. Initially, I wanted to work in internal medicine, but I discovered my passion for surgery during my third year of medical training. What I enjoy about working as a general surgeon is I get to help fix patients who are sick and injured, there are so many diverse cases, and I enjoy using my hands and mind while operating."
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Discovery
26. There are many pros to being a surgeon. In your opinion, what are some cons of being a surgeon?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question is asked to see that you are realistic and have identified some downsides to being a surgeon. The interviewers want to hear what the cons are to this profession and how you will not let them keep you from pursuing your dream of working as a surgeon.
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Answer Example
"I agree with you; there are many pros to being a surgeon. Like any profession, there are a few cons, such as long work hours, extensive educational requirements, and legal risks. However, I knew this before pursuing my career, so the long work hours and education don't bother me. Regarding the legal risks, I do everything by the book how I was trained, I give informed consent and go over the risks associated with my treatment, and I am a diligent physician. Continuing with this throughout my career will minimize the legal risks associated with my profession."
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Education
27. Do you have any overseas clinical experience?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
In most medical schools, it is possible to arrange an overseas clinical elective, especially during your fourth year. There are many benefits to studying overseas as a medical student, which the interviewers know. They ask this question to see if you chose an overseas clinical elective to understand what interests and inspires you. Some residency programs will also require overseas clinical experience to match their program. Describe your experience, if any. If you did not go overseas as an elective, explain why you chose not to.
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Answer Example
"Unfortunately, I do not have overseas clinical experience. I was interested in choosing that as an elective but could not find a sponsoring institution, and the costs prohibited me from doing so. Even though that did not work out for me as a medical student, my goal is to work overseas later in my career either with the Lancet Fellowship or Doctors Without Borders."
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Leadership
28. Do you see yourself as a leader? When have you led a team?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
General surgeons must have leadership skills to work as leaders and participants in team-based care inside and outside the operating room. The interviewers ask this question to see if you have the skills to be a collaborative leader of care teams and partners in decision-making around issues related to injured patients and surgical problems. Perhaps you have led a team during medical school, been a coach for a youth sports team, or were on the advisory board for a non-profit organization. Whether you have led a group of 500 or a team of 2, you must show the interviewer that you can handle the responsibility of being a general surgeon.
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Answer Example
"Yes, I see myself as a leader. Not only have I managed a team in two prior roles, but I also believe that leadership does not always equate to management. I am sure to lead at all times by providing the best model of enthusiasm, integrity, and work ethic. Currently, I display my leadership skills as a student member on the American Medical Association Board."
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Stress
29. What part of medical school was the most stressful for you?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewers want to hear what part of medical school was most stressful to determine what aspects of the residency program may be challenging. They also want to hear how you managed your stress so they can understand your coping mechanisms. Describe what you found most stressful and what steps you took to reduce your stress. You could also break down the most stressful part of each year and how you coped, showing the interviewers that you successfully managed your stress as each year progressed.
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Answer Example
"I cannot name one thing that was the most stressful, as each year had new stressors. The most stressful part of my first year was getting used to the fast-paced environment and learning large amounts of information in a short amount of time. The board exams made my second year stressful, and my third year was getting close to applying for residency. By my fourth year, I had learned to manage my stress by staying focused and organized. I developed a great study system and used my downtime to exercise and rest. After attending medical school, I know I am ready for whatever stress I might experience in my residency program."
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Tough
30. How would you approach a patient who refused surgery based on their religious beliefs, even if you knew their decision could cause them to die?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewers want to see that you accept a patient's right to refuse care for any reason, including their religious beliefs. If a patient is of sound mind, they can refuse care, even if you disagree with their decision. The interviewers want to hear that you would ensure the patient was informed they could die if they refused care and that you honor their decision even if it is difficult for you to accept. If you have encountered this situation in your years of medical training, let the interviewers know how you worked with this patient.
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022
Answer Example
"I understand that it might be difficult to accept, but I would need to honor my patient's wishes if they refuse care for any reason. I would inform them of all the possibilities care could provide and that refusing care could cause death. I would also offer them to get a second or third opinion if they choose. Once the patient is fully informed, I would have them sign an against medical advice form following my hospital's protocols."
Written by Krista Wenz on December 12th, 2022