What worries you the most about joining a reputable Internal Medicine Residency?
Your interviewers ask this questions for two reasons. First, they want to ensure that any common myths about becoming a resident are debunked for any prospective residents that have worries that aren't true. Second, they want to hear how you are working on the areas in which you are not confident.
"The transition from medical student to resident is scary, but I am looking forward to it. I have asked residents during my rotations if I could propose orders to them in the EHR so I could practice and learn the nuances of ordering medications or other forms of care. I am confident in my ability to learn and thrive with any program."
Rather than focusing on a potential deficit in your ability to perform as a resident, pick a common weakness. Then, explain how you have taken steps to prepare for this hurdle.
"I worry and hope that I am able to apply all the knowledge that I have learned in medical school into taking care of patients on a daily basis. I have prepared for this challenge by doing rotations in Internal Medicine including doing a Subinternship to prepare me to hit the ground running as a new intern."
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
The biggest concern I have in mind is the transition from a low-resource style of medicine without medical equipment that relies primarily on good clinical skills and adapts to the way medicine is practiced in the United States. Also, an adaptation from managing mainly tropical illnesses in Africa. So far, my six months of clinical rotation here in the US have been helping me with that transition.
Marcie's Feedback
These are definitely legitimate worries. Can you talk more about 'the way medicine is practiced in the United States' exactly? (What do you mean by that?) Also, what are some of the tropical illnesses you're accustomed to handling, and what are several that you expect to deal with in the states? It's great that your clinical rotation is helping you adjust and prepare. Can you discuss this in more depth? Reassure the interviewer that you're in the process of overcoming these worries so you excel in the program. Nice job!
Anonymous Answer
The transition from medical student to resident can be scary. Learning a new EMR and learning efficiency to carry a larger load of patients feels a little intimidating now. As with anything else in medicine, I know that all those things will just come with practice. Further, I am willing to spend extra time learning. I've done this in the past. I got to the hospital earlier than everyone else- also stayed later until my speed picked up.
I am prepared mentally for any challenges. I know how to reach out for support. I have a good core group of physician mentors that I am able to reach out to.
I am fully confident that I have the ability and capability to do well in residency.
Marcie's Feedback
Excellent! While your worry is a legitimate one, you've done a great job of explaining how you will overcome it (spending extra time learning; being mentally prepared; reaching out for support; etc.) Despite your hesitations, you come across as confident, motivated, and well-supported by others. Great response!
Anonymous Answer
The transition to new life in a new city and residency is defiantly going to be challenging but I am looking forward to it. I have asked my brother and the residents about their experiences. They assured me that you won't be alone on this journey, and it's part of the process. Even though I worked with an EHR system at my hospital, during my observership, I tried to familiarize myself with the EHR system there. I am confident in my ability to adapt and thrive in any program."
Marcie's Feedback
Great! This is an understandable concern, but it sounds like you've done your research by speaking to others and also have a positive attitude about the situation. What else will you do to make the transition easier on yourself? Will you join a few groups to get to know other people in the area? Will you make your living space as homey as possible? The more details you can include that show how you will adapt, the better!
Anonymous Answer
The transition from one Healthcare system to residency in the US healthcare system is scary, but I am looking forward to it. I have had the experience of working on different EMR systems and the seniors and medical staff have always been helpful which makes me excited for the opportunity and has made me confident in my ability to learn and thrive with any program.
Marcie's Feedback
Great! You come across as confident and excited about the change, which will please the interviewer. What about the transition specifically is scary? Adding more details about this will make your answer more meaningful and memorable to the interviewer. Great job!
Anonymous Answer
I worry that I may not be able to address all the patient concerns as the Intern year is busy. I am practicing how to effectively tackle the most critical patient healthcare problems in less time.
Marcie's Feedback
This is an understandable worry! Can you go into more detail about exactly how you would prioritize patient problems? Moreover, how will you ensure that you're efficient and managing your time well? To further strengthen your answer, include an example of a time when you effectively prioritized/juggled multiple pressing demands and managed your time well. Use the STAR method to describe the situation, your task/actions, and the end result. Show the interviewer that while this is a legitimate worry, you are prepared and capable of handling it. Good job!
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