What animal best describes you?
This question is asked more often by senior residents of an Internal Medicine Residency to narrow down the top candidates for the program. While the question may seem a bit off the wall, it allows your interviewers to see how you would describe your personality, your work ethic, and your interpersonal skills.
"I think I am most like a bee. Bees are very focused on a single mission, producing honey, and work hard to achieve this goal. When I set my sights on a goal that is important to me, I tend to be focused and not get distracted easily. Finishing my bachelor's degree in three and a half years is a great example of my focused effort towards a goal."
Answer this question directly and concisely. Pick an animal with a quality or characteristic that is present in great doctors and one you want to show the interviewer that you possess. You may also include a brief example to emphasize your point.
"I would say a dolphin. Dolphins are very cerebral yet at the same time very friendly creatures."
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
Ants are very goal-oriented and work well in groups. A tiny but mighty insect as your spirit animal. They are also persistent. I think I exemplify this characteristic in that even after 5 years away from medicine, having faced adversity, I continued in my efforts, overcame all my struggles, and even completed Step 3.
Marcie's Feedback
This is an interesting and thoughtful answer! Can you talk more about why you were away from medicine for five years and what kind of adversity you've overcome? These details will make your answer more meaningful and memorable to the interviewer. Great job!
Anonymous Answer
I think I am most like a bee. Bees are very focused on a single mission, producing honey, and work hard to achieve this goal. When I set my eyes on a goal that is important to me, I tend to be focused and not get distracted easily. When I left high school, my goal was to become a medical doctor. I worked hard for it, took the entrance exam to the lone medical school, and passed. After graduation, I built the necessary experiences to achieve my next goal to become an internal medicine physician. My target now is to enter a residency program that trains physicians with a focus on giving to the community and I see your program as the best fit to achieve this and also help in my personal and professional growth.
Marcie's Feedback
Awesome! This type of interview question tests your creativity and ability to think quickly. Your bee response is original and interesting. Plus, you support your assertion by explaining how you're like a bee. Showing the interviewer that you're focused, determined, and hardworking is an excellent strategy. Great answer!
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