I see that you struggled with 'X course or rotation' in medical school. Why was that?

"During my first pediatric rotation, I didn't realize that even when treating an adolescent, it is important to provide updates to the family. I was only engaging with the patient. After getting feedback from my attending, I realized that it is important to discuss the concerns of everyone in the room, not just the patient. I now build a rapport with the families of patients who visit the hospital by introducing myself to them and learning their names. Now, I make sure I ask the family members and the patient if they have any questions or concerns before leaving the room."

The interviewer will often look at your transcript or MSPE as they ask this question. Don't deny or deflect a statement made about you in your MSPE. Instead, accept responsibility and provide a sincere explanation. Keep the explanation brief and focus on what you have learned from the experience or how you have changed to ensure that similar problems will not happen again.

"One rotation that I struggled with was surgery which is a more manual specialty. I believe my greatest skill is using critical thinking to diagnose and treat patients. I believe I am better suited for Internal Medicine."