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Medical School Mock Interview

Question 2 of 50 for our Medical School Mock Interview

Medical School was updated by on December 11th, 2022. Learn more here.

Question 2 of 50

When you suffer a setback, how does that emotionally affect you and your work?

"Experiencing a setback is always disappointing and can be very disheartening, especially when involving a project that I have put a lot of time and effort into. I understand that setbacks happen often for medical students. If I experience a major setback here, I will take a few moments to internally debrief, get some fresh air if possible, or discuss what I could have done differently with a mentor. Then, I move on. Rather than dwell on my mistakes, I choose to learn from them."

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How to Answer: When you suffer a setback, how does that emotionally affect you and your work?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Medical School job interview.

  • 2. When you suffer a setback, how does that emotionally affect you and your work?

      Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

      Everyone handles the stress and disappointment of setbacks differently. When you work in the medical field, those setbacks can be amplified. While attending a renowned medical school like the program you are interviewing with, setbacks can be amplified because your grades can determine the success of your future career. Knowing that some setbacks will come your way during medical school, your interviewers need to hear that you can positively deal with them.

      Written by Rachelle Enns

      How to Answer

      Discuss with the interviewers how you typically cope with setbacks by talking about a time you had to do just that. Rather than focus on the roadblock you faced, take the time to discuss the hard work you put into overcoming the setback and the lessons you learned from the situation that you will bring to medical school.

      Written by Ryan Brunner on August 29th, 2022

      1st Answer Example

      "Experiencing a setback is always disappointing and can be very disheartening, especially when involving a project that I have put a lot of time and effort into. I understand that setbacks happen often for medical students. If I experience a major setback here, I will take a few moments to internally debrief, get some fresh air if possible, or discuss what I could have done differently with a mentor. Then, I move on. Rather than dwell on my mistakes, I choose to learn from them."

      Written by Rachelle Enns

      2nd Answer Example

      "Setbacks are challenging and often evoke frustration or sadness. While these feelings are natural, they should not be dwelled upon. I personally use setbacks as opportunities for introspection, education, and personal growth. Physicians will encounter adversity and complications throughout their career; they must learn from these times for the sake of their patients."

      Written by Dr. Rodman on December 11th, 2022

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "When I suffer from a setback, I do become emotionally frustrated. However, when I feel these emotions arise, I take a little 5-10 minute break to take a walk outside or breathe. Usually, after a breathing exercise, I am calm and can focus on the next set of actions I need to do. I think by giving myself this break to it allows me not to let my emotions override the work I need to get done."

      Rachelle's Feedback

      It's wonderful that you can recognize this in yourself and have a method for keeping your emotions in check when professionalism is required.
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