If I asked your closest friends, what would they say are your strengths and weaknesses?

"If you were to ask my friend, I'm sure they would say that my strength is my compassion, and I take this same approach with my patients. They would then likely say that my weakness is self-criticism. I frequently reflect on my words and actions and wonder if I should have said or done something different."

Give a strength that is unique to you and applies to the field of medicine. It is a common strategy to offer a weakness that is actually a strength (e.g., "My weakness is that I work too hard"). The interviewers will recognize this as a transparent tactic. For this reason, you must provide an example of a legitimate weakness you have worked to improve. Don't offer more weaknesses than strengths in your answer.