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.