30 NICU Fellowship Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our NICU Fellowship interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
Behavioral
1. What are your pet peeves?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interview panel asks this question to gain insight into your personality. They want to know what types of things "bother" you to gauge if you'll be a good fit for their program's culture.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
How to Answer
Be careful not to complain when answering this question. You should also make sure not to cast a negative light on any colleagues. Your answer should focus on something relevant, and you should also assure the interview panel that the pet peeves you mention don't ever affect the quality of your work.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Answer Example
"I don't have many pet peeves, but I will admit that people arriving late for meetings or appointments is at the top of the list. I respect everyone's time and feel that should be reciprocated. That being said, I understand that people sometimes run into unexpected delays, so I do try to be understanding. This is especially the case for patients, and I never let someone arriving late for an appointment affect the quality of care I give."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Behavioral
2. How do you react in high stress clinical situations?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As a NICU fellow, you'll face high-stress clinical situations regularly. The interview panel wants to understand how you react when faced with these stressful moments.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
How to Answer
Assure the interviewers that you react to stress in a calm manner, not allowing it to impact the quality of care you deliver, your decision-making, or how you communicate with others in a negative way.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Answer Example
"I've certainly faced a lot of high-stress clinical situations during residency, like being called to the ER to consult on cases where children have lost limbs or suffered significant blood loss during an accident. When faced with these situations, I stay focused on what's most important, which is making sound medical decisions. I tend to hone in on the details of the case, stay calm, and take things one step at a time. I've found that parents often experience panic and a flood of emotion in high-stress situations involving their children, so I also work hard to serve as a source of comfort in those moments."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Behavioral
3. When you suffer a setback, how does it affect you and your work?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Everyone handles the stress and disappointment of setbacks differently. When you enter a fast-paced fellowship program, these setbacks can be amplified, and your interviewers want to know how you handle stressful situations. They're hoping to hear that you have strategies in place to ensure setbacks don't impact the quality of your work or your ability to interact with patients and their families.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
How to Answer
Describe how you coped with setbacks during residency, giving specific examples. Focus on your ability to learn from your mistakes and your commitment to staying calm and level-headed in the face of any situation you might encounter as a fellow.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Answer Example
"Experiencing a setback is always disappointing and can be disheartening, especially when it involves a patient. I understand that setbacks happen often in fellowship, just as they did in residency. I'm not ashamed of any of the setbacks I had during residency training because they helped me grow as a physician. If I experience a major setback while on your team, I will take a few moments to internally debrief and collect my thoughts, get some fresh air if possible, or discuss what I could have done differently with an attending physician. Then, I move on, recovering quickly so I can concentrate on the next case and give it my undivided attention."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Behavioral
4. What do you see as your biggest area for improvement as an aspiring fellow?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Every candidate has areas for improvement. Your interviewers want to know you are cognizant of your weaknesses and that you have a plan in place to overcome those weaknesses.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
How to Answer
Give some thought into aspects of your practice that could use improvement. Discuss why you feel it is a weakness and explain how you will improve (or are already improving) in this area.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Answer Example
"I would say that my weakness is having limited experience with the hands-on procedures I know I have to learn and master as an aspiring NICU fellow. While I did get experience working with newborns during residency, I'm looking forward to the hands-on training I'll receive during residency, as well as being mentored by experienced physicians."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Behavioral
5. What aspects of your personality make you well-suited for a NICU fellowship?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interview panel wants to know what attributes you possess that will help you succeed as a fellow. They have already reviewed your CV, so now they want to learn more about you from a different perspective.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
How to Answer
Before the interview, spend time making a list of your strongest attributes. Analyze your list looking for the ideas that are most connected with the type of work you'll be doing as a fellow. When you respond, emphasize the connection between your attributes and succeeding as a NICU fellow, and speak with passion and conviction.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Answer Example
"I'm a very methodical person who thrives within a structure. This helps me stay organized when I have a high-case volume, and it's also proven helpful in terms of balancing work with personal responsibilities. My demeanor is also very calming, yet I am almost always optimistic, which are important feelings to convey to worried parents with babies in the NICU. In my experience, patients and their parents are very receptive to me."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Behavioral
6. How do you cope with stress?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Stress is a part of any fellow's day-to-day professional life. You will encounter patients with unexpected diagnoses, difficult personalities, and overbearing families. The interview panel wants to know what strategies you have in place for dealing with these situations.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
How to Answer
Avoid suggesting that you don't get stressed. Everyone does. Instead, acknowledge that stress is expected and provide an answer that reassures the interview panel that you manage stress in ways that won't have a negative impact on your practice.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Answer Example
"For every smooth day I had during residency, I had two that were stressful. I understand there are many situations that can cause stress in a medical setting from having to deliver a terminal diagnosis to dealing with EMR systems being down. By the end of PGY2, I learned to take things in stride. It's okay to experience stress and feel urgency--but it's important to have the ability to step back and evaluate priorities and the actual impact of a situation on the things that matter. When I do this, it's usually easy for me to think objectively, remain calm, and take a logical approach, which alleviates stress."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Behavioral
7. How would you deal with XYZ clinical presentation?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interview panel may ask a question or two to gauge your clinical knowledge of specific conditions you're likely to encounter as a newborn intensive care fellow. Your confidence in answering reassures them that you are prepared for a fellowship role.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
How to Answer
If you feel confident in your answer, deliver it accordingly! If you aren't sure how to answer the question, be honest about that, acknowledging that it's not an area you have experience in. Of course, you'll want to express your interest and willingness to learn about it. Not knowing the answer to a clinical question does not ruin your chances of matching with the program. The interviewers know not everyone has had experience with every disease presentation and will appreciate your honesty.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
1st Answer Example
If you're familiar with the condition:
"If a patient were admitted with XYZ, I would...." Continue your answer with the specific details of how you would manage a patient with a specific condition."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
If you're uncertain how to answer the question:
"That isn't a condition I've had many experiences with during residency, although I do want to learn more about managing it."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Communication
8. As a fellow in our program, how would you change your communication style if a patient's family had trouble understanding what you were trying to tell them?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Fellows are often responsible for talking with patients' families and explaining their diagnoses or medication regimen. In cases where a diagnosis is unexpected or the prognosis is not favorable, it's not uncommon for patients' families to struggle to understand information. This can also be the case with undereducated patients and their families. Your interviewers pose this question in hopes of hearing that you are aware you are likely to encounter these circumstances and that you will be willing to take extra time with patients' families when needed.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
How to Answer
Let the interview panel know you are always cognizant of your audience when discussing critical medical information. Discuss the importance of asking questions to ensure patients' families understand the information you've given them. Assure them that when patients' families don't understand your explanation, you will attempt to offer the information in a different way that considers the cause of their misunderstanding, whether it was your initial approach or their background.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Answer Example
"If a patient's family didn't understand something I'd explained, I would first try to determine where the breakdown in communication occurred. If necessary, I would offer a simpler explanation. As medical professionals, we are fortunate to understand and grasp the complexities of medical issues, but a majority of the general population simply does not. My goal as a fellow would be to ensure that my patients and their families understand diagnoses and care plans and that all their questions are answered thoroughly."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Communication
9. Talk about a time you successfully educated a patient on a complex topic during residency. How did you ensure the information was understood?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Patient education is an essential skill for any physician, and that is especially true of internal medicine and its sub-specialties like pulmonary critical care. If asked this question during your fellowship interview, the interview panel expects to hear that you enjoy teaching and have a knack for explaining complex topics in an easy-to-understand way.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
How to Answer
Think about a time you educated someone on a hard-to-grasp topic, and walk your interviewers through your teaching process. Keep in mind that fellows must utilize available technology in providing education and that customizing your approach to others' learning styles is important.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Answer Example
"A few months ago, I worked with a patient recently diagnosed with HIV. He refused to take his antiretroviral medication. Of course, I knew the consequences of not taking the ART medication could be fatal, so I spent time with the patient discussing the real-life impact of noncompliance. My approach was caring and respectful, but I didn't hesitate to talk about the fatal consequences. During the conversation, I learned that the patient was resistant because he didn't understand how the medication worked or why he had to take so much of it. I offered explanations about how the medications worked using relatable comparisons, stopping frequently to assess his understanding and see if he had questions. By the time I left, the patient agreed to stay compliant until our next visit."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Communication
10. How would you describe your communication skills?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Patient-centered communication is vital for the fellows of any program, as is communication with other specialists, nurses, and administration. Your interviewers want to know that you can express your ideas and criticisms in a way that's well-received by their team. This is an interesting question, as your response itself will reveal if you have good communication skills.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
How to Answer
Before your interview, think about your strengths when it comes to communicating. Come to your fellowship interviews prepared to talk about what makes you great at communicating with patients, colleagues, and support staff. More importantly, reiterate why solid communication skills are vital for any physician. Address both verbal and written communication in your response.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Answer Example
"I have versatile communication skills rooted in compassion and educating others, when appropriate. I'm also an active listener, which is a crucial component of communication. I treat every conversation with the utmost respect. As a resident, my colleagues and patients expected me to communicate information thoughtfully and empathetically, and I worked hard to refine those skills. I feel I've grown so much in my communication over the last four years, and I know my peers in the fellowship will find me easy to talk to."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Communication
11. What's your approach to teaching residents and medical students?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Most fellowship positions include teaching responsibilities, and, having recently completed residency yourself (or nearly so), you will be in a good position to teach residents and medical students. The interview panel wants to gauge how comfortable you are teaching and learn about your approach.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
How to Answer
Most clinical education for residents and medical students happens during patient interactions. Your answer should give insight into your approach to delivering patient care at the same time you're teaching. It's a great idea to give a specific teaching example from residency. You might also want to research the "PARTNER" framework that is part of the "Fellow as Clinical Teacher (FACT)" curriculum.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Answer Example
"During residency, I've had the privilege of learning from expert fellows who are skilled teachers. I paid careful attention to how they communicated specific points and knowledge when they chose to expand on their decisions and their follow-up questions. My goal is to emulate those fellows in my own teaching, and I will definitely seek out feedback from the residents and medical students I teach so I can improve wherever needed."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
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Discovery
12. Have you had effective mentors in your training thus far?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Having gone through several years of a pediatrics residency, it's likely that you encountered both effective and not-so-effective mentors. The interview panel wants to know what qualities you think are important in a good mentor.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
How to Answer
Tell the interviewers about your best and most memorable mentor during residency (or medical school). Focus on describing why they were a great mentor and how they helped you grow. Do not spend time discussing an ineffective mentor you may have had, as the interview panel does not want to hear you speak negatively about another doctor.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Answer Example
"I have had several effective mentors and feel very fortunate about that. My best mentor was Dr. Khan, a pediatrician who was one of my attendings during PGY1 and PGY2. He was kind and patient, and never failed to notice when I needed extra support or struggled with something new. I think having an approachable mentor who is genuinely invested in my training is incredibly important."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Discovery
13. What special skills or unique experiences would you bring to our program?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know how you distinguish yourself from other candidates. Your response gives insight into your professional skillset and lets the interviewer know what part of your background you value the most.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
How to Answer
Discuss something that is sure to make you stand out. Any unique and relevant experiences you had during residency, or even medical school, should be considered as you think through your answer to this question.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Answer Example
"Besides having two relevant publications, I also participated in an outreach event for parents of NICU babies last summer. Our team created educational materials that we shared during our presentation, and then we offered one-on-one consultations to answer individual questions. During the experience, I connected with parents from a variety of different backgrounds and learned a lot about the unique situations these families face."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Discovery
14. Tell me about yourself.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers often lead with this question, putting the ball in your court, so to speak. It helps them get a good feel for your personality and what's important to you. They are hoping to hear about who you are "in a nutshell." What you choose to talk about gives the interviewers insight into what's important to you and who you are beyond your application.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
How to Answer
Don't spend 15 minutes giving a long narrative account of your life (your interviewers will probably stop you/redirect you if you do). Be cognizant of how long you spend answering this question, aiming to share some personal details without going overboard. If the interviewers have follow-up questions, they will ask! It is okay to mention your residency experience but do so within the context of how it's shaped you as a person, not how it drives you professionally.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Answer Example
"I'm originally from Wisconsin where I grew up in a pretty typical household and followed what most would consider a "normal" academic path. I started riding horses when I was 8, which is a passion of mine. I actually thought I might become a rancher at one point before I realized I was more interested in caring for people than pets. One day, I'd love to own my own horse and have a little bit of property too. I'm actually the fifth physician in my family, and I was lucky to have amazing support throughout medical school and residency. My brother and I are very close. In fact, if I match here, he's thinking about moving to the area. As you can imagine, my life for nearly the last decade has been largely focused on medicine, and I'm really proud of my accomplishments."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Discovery
15. Outside of medicine, what are your interests and hobbies?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Having hobbies and interests outside of your medical training is an important part of maintaining a healthy work/life balance. Your interviewers want to know that you will maintain a healthy balance during your time with them. Believe it or not, telling them that you spend all of your time focused on work and research isn't likely to leave the best impression.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
How to Answer
Tell the interviewers about the activities that interest you outside of practicing medicine. As you answer, discuss how these activities will be important in your life as a fellow in their program to keep you happy, healthy, and balanced during your training. Keep in mind that this question will also allow some insight into who you are as a person and how you will mesh with the faculty and other fellows. This question often leads to organic conversation and connection, so don't be afraid to share!
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Answer Example
"I have a variety of hobbies that keep me busy when I'm not at work. I currently volunteer at the local animal shelter where I take the dogs on walks and help groom the cats. I also play in indoor and outdoor hockey leagues and like to read about history. During fellowship training, staying active outside of training will be a priority so I can stay healthy in both body and mind."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Discovery
16. Why did you choose to pursue fellowship training in newborn intensive care?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your team of interviewers simply wants to know what aspects of newborn intensive care appeal to you and why you want to focus your career path in this direction.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
How to Answer
Discuss why you are interested in NICU. Perhaps your residency experiences guided you, or maybe you have a family member who had a baby that spent extensive time in the NICU. Answer honestly, and feel free to add a personal touch to your answer. This helps the interviewers relate to you and makes for a memorable conversation down the road as the interviewers decide which applicants to match into their fellowship program.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Answer Example
"Throughout my internal medicine residency, I gravitated toward the ICU and management of disorders of the lungs and upper airways. These areas of care offer a blend of challenging cases and the opportunity to foster meaningful relationships with patients, which are both aspects of care that are important to me."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Discovery
17. What skills do you hope to gain through training in our fellowship program?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewers hope to better understand your expectations of the training offered in their fellowship program. Your answer will help them determine if you'll be a good fit for their program.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
How to Answer
Research the fellowship program and the institution before the interview. Some online research will give you insight into the mission and values of the organization, the curriculum of the program, and what avenues past fellows have pursued after their training. Don't forget to take accountability for your growth and experiences. The skills you gain as a fellow are partially reliant on being proactive and seeking out opportunities.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Answer Example
"I feel confident my pediatric residency program prepared me to succeed as a fellow. I gained exposure to patients from diverse cultures and backgrounds as well as myriad disease presentations. As an aspiring fellow, I'm hoping to grow as a teacher and researcher. As part of your fellowship program, I'd like to improve my skills in those areas."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Discovery
18. Why did you choose a career in medicine?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interview panel wants to understand why you chose to become a doctor. Your core passion and intrinsic motivation are what keep you going on the toughest days of fellowship training. The panel wants to know how to best support and motivate you, so they need to know what drives you.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
How to Answer
You can share a personal story when answering this question. Perhaps you can briefly discuss why you applied to medical school in the first place, then how you choose your specialty, and end with how and why residency has increased your passion for medicine and neonatal critical care specifically.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Answer Example
"There are several factors that inspired me to choose a career in medicine. When I was in grade school, my aunt was battling cancer. In her lowest moments, she talked about how her physicians encouraged and supported her. Every time she came home from the hospital, she was in better spirits than when she arrived. I saw what they did for her overall well-being, and as I grew older, I wanted to do the same for others. I'm also simply a caregiver by nature, so ensuring the well-being of my patients keeps me motivated even during long shifts and challenging cases."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Discovery
19. What are your career plans and goals after completing your fellowship training?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interviewers want to match candidates who are highly motivated to learn and grow professionally. They also want fellows who have well-defined career goals they are actively pursuing.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
How to Answer
Put thought into your career goals as a physician, and outline how the fellowship program you are interviewing with will help you reach those goals. It is also okay to highlight several goals and say that you are still considering your options. Remember that you do not want to shut the door on any potential opportunities.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Answer Example
"I entered medical school intending to pursue a career in NICU, and spending the last three years in an amazing pediatric residency program confirmed that this is the right path for me. After my fellowship training, I want to practice in an academic setting where I can treat patients, educate medical students, and pursue research in clinical trials."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Discovery
20. Why did you decide to apply to our fellowship program in particular?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
There are many fellowship program options, so your interviewers want to know why you applied to their program in particular. They are hoping to hear a genuine answer that shows you've taken the time to research their program and faculty.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
How to Answer
Research the curriculum, the faculty, and what past fellows have done post-fellowship. Pick out the features of the program you are interviewing with that appeal the most to you. Rather than discussing a simple convenience like location, give your answer some substance to show you are truly interested in joining this fellowship program. That being said, if you have family or connections in the area, it is okay to mention that too!
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Answer Example
"I researched a lot of programs when deciding where to apply, and your program is the complete package. You have a world-class faculty that I'd be honored to train under. For instance, Dr. Hall's research on XYZ is exciting, and I would love the opportunity to contribute to it. I also admire your department's involvement in the community. The other aspect of your program I found appealing is the focus on helping your fellows develop their own unique paths in research. I love that some of your past fellows have gone on to become distinguished and well-funded researchers, which is something I aspire to do as well."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Discovery
21. What is the most important lesson you learned during residency training that will help you be a successful and accomplished fellow?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Over the last three to five years, you have grown from an inexperienced medical student into a doctor who has seen hundreds of patients. Your interviewers want to hear you talk about the most important lesson you learned during your time in residency and why this lesson is so important to your future success as a fellow.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
How to Answer
Before your fellowship interview, spend time thinking about the important lessons you learned during residency, focusing on the ones you will carry with you for the rest of your career. Giving an unconventional example of something you learned outside of clinical competency will help you stand out from other candidates.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Answer Example
"The most important lesson I learned was to not let my work become routine. By the time I started PGY-2, I was used to seeing certain conditions on a daily basis, and it began to feel like I could write up assessments on these patients before I even saw them. Fortunately, one of my attending physicians warned me against being too routine with patients. Doing so makes it easy to overlook small details that could have potentially devastating effects on a patient's outcome. He taught me that no symptom should go uninvestigated, even the common ones, and I vowed to be thorough in my approach for every single patient. As an aspiring fellow, I will certainly uphold this standard of care and give every patient my utmost attention."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Discovery
22. How have you contributed to the field of medicine so far?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interviewers want to know what you've done beyond the basics of residency training. Your pursuit of fellowship training indicates that you have a vested interest in contributing to the field of medicine at large, so the interview panel wants to learn more about how you've acted on that thus far in your career.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
How to Answer
Tell the interviewers about any research you've published or contributed to. You can also highlight any community outreach events you've helped with, volunteer experiences, missionary work, or anything else that goes beyond the scope of your clinical residency training.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Answer Example
"I know it's still early in my career, but contributing to the field of medicine is important to me. In medical school, I was part of the Future Researchers group and I learned about the foundations of research, including the steps to getting published. Then, in residency, I collaborated with several peers on a research project about polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescents that we're hoping to see published this year."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Discovery
23. Choose one item from your CV and elaborate on it.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The CV is a concise and direct document. It's usually impossible for interviewers to tell what experiences are the most meaningful by reading the hard skills listed in your bullet points. With this in mind, the interview panel wants to know which experience you find significant enough to elaborate on when given the chance. Your response will provide insight into who you are as a physician and as a person.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
How to Answer
The best decision is to choose an experience from your CV that both resonates with you and highlights strengths relevant to a NICU fellowship. Your priority should be speaking passionately about the experience you choose.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Answer Example
"In the summer between my second and third year of medical school, I volunteered with a group called "Rori's Kids." Their aim is to provide companionship to children who are stuck in the hospital for long periods of time. Although it's a small organization, it impacts a significant number of kids. I never imagined that the few months I spent volunteering there would contribute to my medical training, but I happened to be paired up with a young boy suffering from leukemia. I saw him three times a week, and we did things like play checkers, watch cartoons, and draw. Even though his condition was serious and his prognosis was undetermined, he was always cheerful and excited to see me. One day I was fortunate enough to meet his parents, and we spent an hour talking and getting to know each other. The experience really drove home the point that patients, and their families, are individuals with unique needs. I'm excited to develop relationships with my patients' families as a NICU fellow."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Discovery
24. What are your plans if you do not secure a fellowship position?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interview panel wants to know if you're the kind of person who thinks ahead and has an alternate plan for when things don't work out as intended. This happens often in medicine, so when you share your alternate plan with the interviewers, they will feel confident about how you view the big picture.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
How to Answer
Let the interviewers know what you plan to do if you do not match into a fellowship position. Reassure them that fellowship is your number one goal, but that you have made alternate plans. If you'd plan on gaining clinical experience and then applying for a fellowship the following year, it's okay to share that.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Answer Example
"While I'm extremely hopeful I'll have the opportunity to become a NICU fellow, I realize it's possible I won't match. With that in mind, I've been speaking with several of my mentors about clinical opportunities in the area. I also reached out to a pediatrician in my hometown, and he's agreed to introduce me to several local physicians who are looking to expand their practices."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Discovery
25. What are your research interests?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Most fellowships include at least some amount of research, so the interview panel wants to know where your research interests lie. It's possible they are hoping to hear ideas that are different from current research in their department; they might also be looking for someone whose research interests are aligned with current projects.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
How to Answer
Let the interview panel know about your research interests, including any preliminary research you've done in those areas. When answering this question, it's a good idea to include that you are open to hearing about any current or upcoming research projects they think you might be interested in. The only wrong answer here is saying that you're not interested in research.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Answer Example
"I'm most interested in studying the role of inflammation in lung disease in infants and have been working on a literature review to build up my knowledge base. However, I'm definitely open to other areas of research and would like to hear about any current or upcoming research projects at your institution."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Discovery
26. Did you consider any other sub-specialties besides this one?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interview panel wants to know you're committed to newborn intensive care, but that doesn't mean you can't tell them about other areas of interest you explored before making your decision. In fact, if you did consider other sub-specialties, you can highlight the aspects of this one that made it your final choice.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
How to Answer
Be honest. Perhaps you have a friend or family member who specialized in pediatric nephrology, and you initially considered that field too. Let the interview panel know your reasons for considering the specialties you did and why neonatal intensive care was the stand-out choice in the end.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Answer Example
"I did consider developmental-behavioral pediatrics near the beginning of PGY3 after meeting an attending who really sold me on the field. However, my true professional interests always drew me back to infants, and that's what I found myself reading about in my spare time. This is the field I'm most passionate about and where believe I can have the most impact."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
General
27. What do you know about our institution?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interview panel wants to gauge your interest in their institution and fellowship program. They are asking this question to see how much time you've invested in learning about them.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
How to Answer
Avoid answering with generalities like, "Your institution is highly respected and well-known." Instead, spend time researching the institution and program before the interview so you can cite details and specifics that solidify your interest in the program. Your answer to this question very likely plays a role in whether or not the program ranks you.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Answer Example
"I know that your institution sees a really diverse patient population, including those from the neighboring community, where there isn't specialized medical care available. I'm also impressed by the rate of grant approval over the last five years and have read great things about your fellowship orientation program and really appreciate the efforts that go into helping fellows succeed. What I like most is the program in place for parents with babies in the NICU to learn more about caring for their newborn."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
General
28. Do you have any questions for me?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interview panel wants to make sure you don't leave the interview wondering about the on-call schedule, clinical and teaching expectations, or anything else vital to the NICU fellowship position. They also hope that you've thought about what it would mean to join their program and have prepared a few meaningful questions.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
How to Answer
Ask about anything related to the position that wasn't already clarified in the interview. Beyond that, prepare a few questions that are specific to the program, like asking for clarification about community involvement or opportunities for research with specific faculty.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Answer Example
Here are a few examples of good questions to ask the interview panel:
What is the daily workflow like for a fellow?
What are the research expectations?
How often do fellows participate in community health events?
What is the structure of the fellow's schedule?
What type of didactic training do fellows receive?
If elective time is offered at the program, what electives do fellows typically rotate on?
How much autonomy will I have at the beginning of fellowship and as I progress through my training?
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
General
29. What do you know about our faculty?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewers want to ensure you're applying to their program because you're familiar with, and interested in, their specific institution and faculty. Answering knowledgeably shows the interview panel that you applied to their program for specific reasons, not just to case a wide net.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
How to Answer
Research the program's faculty before the interview. When answering, make sure you pronounce names correctly and give specifics that indicate you're aware of their major accomplishments and current/past research projects. If you have a personal connection with any of the program's faculty, now is a good time to mention that.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Answer Example
"I was really impressed with your program's faculty. Dr. Lei's research on the mechanisms involved in recovery from lung injury is intriguing, and I have spent some time reading the last few articles he published. I also had the privilege of meeting Dr. Lu at a conference last year. She was so knowledgeable about chronic respiratory failure in NICU patients, which is actually what inspired my own research goals."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Personal Discovery
30. What or who has been one of your biggest inspirations in life?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewers are interested in what inspires you. They ask this question to learn more about you in this regard.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
How to Answer
Prepare your answer to this question before the interview. You don't want to be put on the spot and fumble your words or give an answer that doesn't seem convincing. Whether your biggest inspiration in life is a movie, a line from a book, a friend or relative, or an experience you had in your youth, be prepared to discuss it in a meaningful, yet concise way.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022
Answer Example
"My biggest inspiration in life is my friend Troy. He was involved in an accident when we were juniors in high school, and he became paralyzed from the waist down. Everyone I knew was devastated. But Troy held his head high, worked really hard to adapt to a new lifestyle, and smiled more than anyone else I knew. Today, he's a teacher in a low-income neighborhood. I'm not only proud of him, but he's inspired me to push through the obstacles I've encountered, realizing that having a positive attitude is my decision and that it's always possible to adapt to the unexpected."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 9th, 2022