What has been your most outstanding achievement on your path to becoming an ophthalmologist?

"My most astounding achievement on this journey was receiving an International Scholar Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology. I was recognized for my contributions and commitment to the Academy and for being a life-long learner."

It is okay to brag a little bit when answering this question. Show that you are proud of yourself and your career accomplishments on your path to becoming an ophthalmologist. Talking about your most significant achievement will give the interviewers an idea of where you place your values. It will also show the interviewers more about your personality, how you like to be motivated, and how to coach you in the future.

After looking through our residency program, do you have any questions for us?

"After reading your detailed website, most of my questions were answered. I do have a few questions, though. What would my first week look like if accepted into the program, and do you have any tips to help me succeed as a resident?"

Most residency programs will have a detailed description on their website stating what is involved with the program, clinical rotations, the primary teaching site, accredited length of training, the residency directors, mentoring, and more. The interviewers want to see that you have researched their program and do not want to answer questions you could have found on their website, showing a lack of attention to detail. Good questions to ask are what your first week would look like if accepted into the program and if any of the interviewers have suggestions for you to succeed in the program.

Do you have plans to pursue an ophthalmology fellowship?

"Yes, I have plans to pursue a pediatric ophthalmology fellowship. I recognize the high market demand for pediatric ophthalmologists and have a strong interest in working with the pediatric population. My younger sister was born with amblyopia, so my goal has always been to help young children with visual problems."

In the United States, approximately 65% of ophthalmology residents apply for a fellowship, a statistic that has nearly doubled over the last fifteen years. The interviewers are curious about your career goals after you complete the residency program. They want to see if a sub-specialty interests you and why you chose to pursue a fellowship. There is no wrong answer, and this is not a trick question. The interviewers want to know your future goals a little better and if you will be one of the 65% who pursue a fellowship.

What are your career goals after completing your residency?

"After completing my residency, my goal is to match a glaucoma fellowship. I am especially interested in childhood glaucoma and related pediatric anterior segment diseases after my niece was diagnosed with glaucoma at a young age. I am also fascinated with surgical procedures and clinical research, which are encouraged and supported as part of the fellowship experience."

The practice of ophthalmology can be categorized into three main areas: medical, procedural, and surgical. The interviewers are curious about your career goals to see how they can support you during your residency. If you are interested in pursuing a fellowship, they want to know your sub-specialty. Or perhaps your goal is to work as an ophthalmologist or work in a teaching capacity. Let the interviewers know your career goals and why you chose them.

How would you describe your communication skills?

"I would describe my communication skills as above average. I work very hard to ensure I speak to my patients in terms they can understand. Medical terminology can be quite confusing for those not in the medical field. After explaining something to a patient or family member, I have them repeat what I said to ensure they are clear on what I told them. I ask them if they have questions, I actively listen, and I am great at reading body language. My written communication skills are exceptional, as well."

The interviewer asks this question to see that you have the strong verbal and written communication skills required for resident positions. Your job duties will include speaking to your mentor, managers, coworkers, and the public. You will also be responsible for written communications when writing reports and communicating by email. The interviewer wants to hear that you have the necessary communication skills for the role.

Do you consider yourself a patient person? How do you increase your patience level in challenging situations?

"Yes, I am a very patient person. I understand that situations are often out of people's control, so it does no good to be impatient and cause further stress to those around me. I am consistent with my patience level and do not need to increase my patience during challenging situations."

The interviewers would like to know if you consider yourself a patient individual, as it requires a lot of patience to attend a residency and work directly with patients. Explain how you have the patience to go through your residency and work with patients. If you have a method to increase your patience level in challenging situations, share how you do that.

In your opinion, what qualities make an excellent ophthalmologist?

"I believe many qualities make an excellent ophthalmologist. You must be compassionate, patient, and dedicated to working in this field. It takes time to complete many years of training, and when done, ophthalmologists must take the time to listen to their patients while providing compassionate care. Excellent ophthalmologists also have analytical and critical-thinking skills, which help diagnose and treat highly complex disorders. I possess these skills and know they will help me succeed as an ophthalmologist."

The interviewers want to hear what you think makes an excellent ophthalmologist, as you will most likely name traits you possess yourself. Excellent ophthalmologists are patient, compassionate, curious, empathetic, and dedicated. They are committed to their profession and have exceptional analytical thinking and communication skills. Describe what you believe are the top qualities that will help you succeed in this field and make you an excellent ophthalmologist.

Would you describe yourself as a compassionate person?

"Yes, I am a very compassionate person and have been my entire life. I was always the one to bring stray animals home and give my lunch to those less fortunate than me. I believe you need to be compassionate and empathetic to work in this field and feel honored to have the opportunity to provide compassion to my patients and their family members."

Focus on ensuring the interviewers understand you are a compassionate person. You can say you are compassionate, but giving an example where you have helped others is a better way to let them know. For example, you can describe your volunteer experience, how you cared for an elderly relative, or comforted a grieving family member. Give your personal example that shows you have compassion for others.

Would you describe yourself as a detail-oriented person?

"Yes, I am very detail-oriented. I am so much so that my college professor asked me to work as his assistant correcting and filing papers and inputting data into spreadsheets. I have a letter of recommendation from him highlighting my attention to detail if you would like a copy for your records."

As an ophthalmologist, you must be detail-oriented. You will be responsible for giving appropriate treatment and medications to patients and accurately monitoring and recording vital information related to patient care. You will also work with sharp, precise tools, and mistakes can have serious consequences. The interviewers want to hear that you pay attention to detail to see that you will be an excellent addition to their residency program and as a future ophthalmologist.

How would you describe your bedside manner?

"I would describe my bedside manner as nurturing, comforting, patient, and caring. I approach all patients the same. I introduce myself, ask their name, and what I can do for them. I take the time to actively listen to their concerns, showing them I care about them and want to help them. I believe all healthcare professionals should treat patients the way they want others to treat themselves or loved ones."

The interviewers ask this question to determine if you have the qualities they seek in a resident. Bedside manner is a physician's approach or attitude toward a patient. The interviewers want to hear that you are kind, patient, friendly, compassionate, and caring. Now is the time to describe how you treat all patients with respect, empathy, kindness, and compassion.

How would your references describe you?

"I have an excellent list of references who will say that I am a hard worker who always brings a positive, compassionate attitude to the workplace. I have a strong work ethic and moral compass, and I seek opportunities to help others. I have three copies of performance reviews and letters of recommendation for your file if you would like them."

The interviewer wants to hear that your references will positively describe you. Think about the constructive things your references have said about you in the past. Be complimentary of yourself - now is not the time to be super humble.If you have past performance reviews or letters of recommendation from your references, review them before your interview. You will be better prepared to answer the question if what they wrote is fresh in your mind. It is also good to have copies for the interviewer if they would like a copy for their file.

After researching our ophthalmology residency program, what part of the program interests you the most and why?

"What interests me the most about the program are the hands-on workshops that introduce the basics of clinical care, suturing, and interpretation of various ophthalmic imaging modalities. I feel these workshops in the first week of my residency will set me up for success as I continue with my residency."

Most ophthalmology residency programs include rotations in cornea retina, pediatrics, oculoplastics, glaucoma, and neuro-ophthalmology. You will be working with fellowship-trained physicians, observing and sometimes participating in their procedures and seeing how they manage patients in their clinics. The interviewers ask this question to understand what part of the residency program interests you the most and why. They want to see where you will succeed in the program and how they can help you along the way. They also want to know that you have researched the program and what is offered.

What are three strengths you would bring to our program as a resident?

"The three strengths I would bring to the ophthalmology residency are my thirst for knowledge, my strong work ethic, and my active listening skills. I look forward to working with mentors to train me further as an ophthalmologist. I actively listen to my patients, mentors, and colleagues, which earns their respect and trust. I always arrive early to work and do tasks before I am told. I actively seek ways to help others and look forward to bringing these strengths to your program as a resident."

There is a podcast called The Retina Podcast,' and they asked graduating fellows the top attributes of top-notch ophthalmology residents. The fellows listed six details they all agreed make top-notch ophthalmology residents.1. They care about their patients and are dedicated doctors. 2. They read articles daily to construct a solid ophthalmology foundation. 3. They respect their patients and colleagues. 4. They communicate and are honest, accurate, and timely in their communication. 5. They go the extra mile. 6. They have a good work/life balance.The interviewers want to see what strengths you would bring to the program to determine if you have the attributes required to be a top-notch ophthalmology resident. In addition to the six attributes mentioned, here are some strengths that will make you stand out as a candidate: - Strong work ethic - Leadership - Teamwork - Attention to detail - DiligenceAfter listing your three strengths, give examples of how they will help you succeed as a resident.

Think about a difficult boss, professor, or coworker. What made them difficult? How did you successfully interact with this person?

"I once worked at an urgent care clinic where the primary physician was very demanding. When she walked into the clinic, employees would quietly announce that she was in the building so that everyone could be prepared for her arrival. This physician had great intentions, but her people skills were a little rough. I could see that she meant well and recognized that she was an excellent physician. When we interacted, I always took her feedback with the understanding that she didn't mean things as harshly as she might say them, and I never took anything personally."

The interviewers want to hear that you are easy to get along with and possess patience and conflict-resolution skills. Being an ophthalmology resident will have you working with various people, some of who may be challenging to be around.Show the interviewers that you work well with most personalities even though you recognize some folks out there are pretty difficult to please. Avoid speaking poorly of anyone, and focus on ending your response on a positive note.

What is the greatest challenge the ophthalmology field will face in the next several years?

"The greatest challenge in the field of ophthalmology in the next few years is what we currently face. We have many medications to treat visual disorders, but nothing to stop the disease process. More studies need to be done to understand why patients develop certain diseases and what can be done to stop the disease process from happening in the first place. If you don't mind me asking, what do you feel are the greatest challenges facing the field of ophthalmology in the next few years?"

The interviewers want to see that you are forward-thinking and have identified challenges in the field of ophthalmology. As this question is opinion-based, there is no wrong answer. However, if you have no response to what challenges you will face as an ophthalmologist, the interviewers will determine that you haven't put much thought into the future. It is also recommended to ask the interviewers what they think the most significant challenges will be. It shows you are interested in hearing what they have to say and value their experience.

How do you stay up-to-date on the latest trends in ophthalmology?

"I love to read, and I aim to read at least one ophthalmology article or publication every day. I also subscribe to a blog called 'Modern Retina,' which has the latest trends in the eye care medicine industry, and 'Seminars in Ophthalmology' which is a peer-reviewed medical journal. Also, my professors have done an excellent job of notifying students of any significant changes in the industry."

The interviewers ask this question to see how you stay up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques used by ophthalmologists. There are publications, webinars, conferences, podcasts, in-person training, and continuing education courses to offer ophthalmologists training in the latest issues and techniques confronting the industry. The interviewers want to see that you take your profession seriously by staying current on the latest trends.

How did you prepare for the USMLE?

"I prepared for the USMLE by starting to study on the day I started medical school. I had access to USMLE study materials through student support services at my medical school and formed a peer study group. We studied for one hour every night and joined a live review course online. By keeping a regimented schedule and holding each other accountable, everyone in my study group passed the exam."

The United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) is one that all United States physicians will need to pass to obtain licensure. The interviewers ask this question to learn about your study habits and how you prepare for important exams. Describe if you joined a study group, hired a tutor, attended a preparatory course, made flashcards, or studied alone every night.

Ophthalmology is a reasonably competitive residency to match. Why should we choose you over other applicants?

"You should choose me over applicants because of my dedication, research experience, and leadership skills. I applied for an away rotation with your program and demonstrated my work ethic to house staff and my attending physician. They saw my attention to detail and communication skills and highly recommended that I be accepted into your program. I have clinical research experience and published a peer-reviewed article on pathogenesis and image validation in age-related macular degeneration. Also, I have demonstrated my leadership skills as an AMA medical student outreach leader and student member of the AMA Foundation Board. I am excited about this opportunity and hope to match with your wonderful residency program."

An ophthalmology residency is a somewhat competitive residency to match to, with a match rate of 68%. The interviewers want to hear why they should choose you over others competing to match. While there are many qualified candidates, you must let the interviewers know why you are a top-notch applicant. Tell the interviewers about your away rotations, research experience, volunteer work, USMLE scores, and any other achievements or accolades that will make the interviewers remember you.

There are many ophthalmology programs to choose from. What made you choose our residency program over others?

"I chose your residency program over others for several reasons. First, my father was a resident in your neurology program and highly recommended the training and guidance he received. Secondly, your program was ranked number one based on student activity reported in the AMA Residency and Fellowship database. After researching your program in greater depth, I decided this is the program I want to attend."

There are currently 120 ophthalmology residency programs in the United States. The interviewers want to hear that you have researched their program in depth and that you have also compared their program to others. When responding to this question, highlight unique aspects of their ophthalmology residency program that stand out from others. You may want to participate in their program because of their stellar reputation, professional growth and advancement opportunity, or because they are a teaching hospital.

Have you considered other specialties for your residency?

"No, I have not considered other specialties for my residency. When I was thirteen, I started seeing an ophthalmologist and have been fascinated with the field ever since."

The interview panel asks this question to see if there are other medical specialties you have considered. Your response will show them what interests you and where your strengths lie. There is no wrong answer, but you want to assure the interviewers that ophthalmology is your number one choice.

How do you like to spend your free time?

"In my free time, I enjoy outdoor activities that keep me in shape. My favorite activities are surfing, trail running, and kayaking. I also enjoy spending time with my sister and nieces. We like going to parks, the beach, and museums."

The interviewers ask this question to see what interests you and if you have healthy avenues to decompress from the pressure of being a medical student. They want to know that you have a healthy work/life balance and that you do not only study in your free time. While that may seem like a good answer, medical students need time away from work and their studies to care for their mental and physical health and prevent burnout and illness. Since you are applying for a residency, you want to put your best foot forward. You want to avoid describing interests that may seem unprofessional or unhealthy to the interviewers. Some examples of what to avoid are saying you enjoy spending your free time lying around watching movies, playing video games, or going clubbing with your friends. While those activities are harmless and a great way to unwind, the interviewers may view them as unhealthy or unprofessional for an ophthalmology resident.

Why are you pursuing a career as an ophthalmologist?

"I am pursuing a career as an ophthalmologist after attending a career fair at my college. It was healthcare-focused, and different healthcare professionals were talking about their industry and what it involves. I chose to pursue ophthalmology after learning that it combines medical and surgical in one specialty, treating wellness and disease. I am a curious person with an investigative mind and enjoy learning about the diseases and functions of the eye."

The interviewers want to hear your reasons for choosing this profession to understand what inspires and motivates you to pursue this career. They want to hear if another ophthalmologist mentored you, if you have family or friends who work in healthcare, or if you received excellent care from an ophthalmologist.Focus on giving your personal reason for choosing this career, responding with enthusiasm and passion. There is no right or wrong answer. The interviewers want to gain insight into what made you pursue this career path to see if you will be a good fit for their residency program.

Tell us something about yourself that is not found on your CV.

"Something I am proud of that is not on my resume is how I volunteer with an NGO that helps communities in underdeveloped countries who suffer from eye disease. I have taken on a managerial role and organize and produce fundraising events. In the past three years in this role, I have helped raise over three million dollars with my strategic marketing plan. The money is used for teams of physicians and nurses to go to the communities that need help, and the citizens are offered free care and treatment. After my residency, I will be a part of the team that goes and provides surgical care, which I am really looking forward to."

The interviewers would like to learn more about you as a person. While you cannot share everything about your personal life and accomplishments on your CV, there must be something you are proud of that you would like to share. If possible, share something about yourself that shows the interviewers you would be a good fit for the residency program. For example, if you share that you compete in bodybuilding competitions, the interviewers will see that you are dedicated and diligent, both essential qualities for residents to possess.

Tell us about your training that qualifies you to enter our residency program.

"I received my Bachelor's Degree in Biology from Florida State University and then attended medical school at Florida State University College of Medicine after sitting for the Medical College Admissions Test. I obtained my Doctor of Medicine degree, passed both medical licensing exams, and completed my rotations, which is where I gravitated toward ophthalmology. I recently completed my one-year internship and am prepared and qualified to advance in the ophthalmology residency program."

To be considered for an ophthalmology residency, you need a bachelor's degree, a competitive score on the MCAT, approximately four years of medical school, a passing score on two medical licensing exams, and the completion of a one-year internship. If you have made it to the interview, you must have met the requirements to apply to the ophthalmology residency program. The interviewers would like you to describe the steps you have taken to meet their requirements. Be sure to mention where you received your education and how it has prepared you for their residency program.

Do you see yourself as a leader? When have you led a team?

"Yes, I see myself as a leader. Not only have I managed a team in two prior roles, but I also believe that leadership does not always equate to management. I am sure to lead at all times by providing the best model of enthusiasm, integrity, and work ethic. Currently, I display my leadership skills as a student member on the American Medical Association Board."

Perhaps you have led a team at work, been a coach for a youth sports team, or were a student member on the American Medical Association board. You should always be prepared to show the interviewer you have a natural ability to lead others. Whether you have led a group of 500 or a team of 2, you must show the interviewer that you can handle the responsibility of being a leader, a mentor, and a future ophthalmologist.

What do you feel the day in the life of an ophthalmology resident looks like?

"After speaking with a former fellow of your program, I have a good understanding of the daily life of a resident. After the morning staff meeting, I will be assigned between 5-8 patients. I will review their charts, perform rounds on my patients, and develop daily plans with a senior resident called my buddy. The afternoons are typically spent ordering tests, writing notes, and performing procedures. If I am on call, I will take the consult pager at 3:00 pm and see consults until 7:00 pm."

The interviewers want to see that you have done your homework and understand what your daily life will look like as an ophthalmology resident. Some programs describe what a resident's day looks like on their website. If the program you applied to does not have that information, speak with former or current students or visit the university or medical center and talk to staff. You should understand what your day entails before starting the program, so there are no surprises.

What part of your healthcare career brings you the most stress?

"To be completely transparent, I probably bring myself the most stress because of my innate desire to be the best. I strive for perfection too often, which causes undue stress on myself. I manage this by speaking with my mentor and focusing my energy on productive activities that are good for my career."

Stress in the healthcare industry can often be a regular part of the day-to-day work experience. Talk to the interviewer about the most stressful aspects of your career. Ensure that your answer does not include a factor that would make you appear unfit for the position. (i.e., a healthcare professional should not find caring for sick people the most stressful part of the job). While you'd like to mention what part of your career brings you the most stress, you don't want to dwell on it. Instead, you should mention the stressful part and then talk about how you reduce the stress, so it does not consume you. If healthcare professionals do not have healthy ways to destress, it can lead to illness, injury, and job burnout.

How well do you work under pressure?

" I work very well under pressure. As a full-time student with a full load, I was constantly under pressure to do my homework and complete multiple assignments. I also worked part-time, so I have developed a system that prioritizes the most urgent assignments and tasks I need to complete to stay on track. I find that being organized and remaining focused on the task at hand keeps stress from taking over, which allows me to stay calm while working under pressure."

Focus on giving an example of working under pressure related to your role as a healthcare professional. You might have had a patient that went into cardiac arrest while you were assessing them or had a loved one come into the hospital who was injured while you were working. Using the STAR method is an excellent way to formulate your response to this question. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Briefly describe the situation, explain your role, the measures you took to solve the issues, and the outcome. The interviewer wants to hear that you can effectively work under pressure as a healthcare professional.

We require all candidates to submit to a drug screen before entering our program. Will there be an issue passing the drug screen?

"No, passing a drug test will not be an issue. I do not use drugs and never plan to."

The interviewers advise you of their pre-employment (pre-offer) drug screen and ask if you'll pass, so they can decide if they want to continue with you in the application process. Residency programs invest a lot of money in screening applicants, and they want to avoid sending you for a drug test if you will not pass.As with any interview question, you want to focus on being completely honest in your response. As embarrassing as it may be, if you do not think you will pass the drug test, you need to inform the interviewers now. If passing the drug test will not be an issue, ensure the interviewer that you will pass the test because you do not use drugs.

How would you approach a patient that refused care based on their religious beliefs, even if you knew their decision could cause them to die?

"I understand that it might be difficult to accept, but I would need to honor my patient's wishes if they refuse care for any reason. I would inform them of all the possibilities care could provide and that refusing care could cause death. I would also offer them to get a second or third opinion if they chose. Once the patient is fully informed, I would have them sign an against medical advice form following my hospital's protocols."

The interviewers want to see that you accept a patient's right to refuse care for any reason, including their religious beliefs. If a patient is of sound mind, they can refuse care, even if you disagree with their decision. The interviewers want to hear that you would ensure the patient was informed they could die if they refused care and that you honor their decision even if it is difficult for you to accept.

Ophthalmology Residency Interview Questions

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1. What has been your most outstanding achievement on your path to becoming an ophthalmologist?
2. After looking through our residency program, do you have any questions for us?
3. Do you have plans to pursue an ophthalmology fellowship?
4. What are your career goals after completing your residency?
5. How would you describe your communication skills?
6. Do you consider yourself a patient person? How do you increase your patience level in challenging situations?
7. In your opinion, what qualities make an excellent ophthalmologist?
8. Would you describe yourself as a compassionate person?
9. Would you describe yourself as a detail-oriented person?
10. How would you describe your bedside manner?
11. How would your references describe you?
12. After researching our ophthalmology residency program, what part of the program interests you the most and why?
13. What are three strengths you would bring to our program as a resident?
14. Think about a difficult boss, professor, or coworker. What made them difficult? How did you successfully interact with this person?
15. What is the greatest challenge the ophthalmology field will face in the next several years?
16. How do you stay up-to-date on the latest trends in ophthalmology?
17. How did you prepare for the USMLE?
18. Ophthalmology is a reasonably competitive residency to match. Why should we choose you over other applicants?
19. There are many ophthalmology programs to choose from. What made you choose our residency program over others?
20. Have you considered other specialties for your residency?
21. How do you like to spend your free time?
22. Why are you pursuing a career as an ophthalmologist?
23. Tell us something about yourself that is not found on your CV.
24. Tell us about your training that qualifies you to enter our residency program.
25. Do you see yourself as a leader? When have you led a team?
26. What do you feel the day in the life of an ophthalmology resident looks like?
27. What part of your healthcare career brings you the most stress?
28. How well do you work under pressure?
29. We require all candidates to submit to a drug screen before entering our program. Will there be an issue passing the drug screen?
30. How would you approach a patient that refused care based on their religious beliefs, even if you knew their decision could cause them to die?

Ophthalmology Residency Interview Questions

1. What has been your most outstanding achievement on your path to becoming an ophthalmologist?

2. After looking through our residency program, do you have any questions for us?

3. Do you have plans to pursue an ophthalmology fellowship?

4. What are your career goals after completing your residency?

5. How would you describe your communication skills?

6. Do you consider yourself a patient person? How do you increase your patience level in challenging situations?

7. In your opinion, what qualities make an excellent ophthalmologist?

8. Would you describe yourself as a compassionate person?

9. Would you describe yourself as a detail-oriented person?

10. How would you describe your bedside manner?

11. How would your references describe you?

12. After researching our ophthalmology residency program, what part of the program interests you the most and why?

13. What are three strengths you would bring to our program as a resident?

14. Think about a difficult boss, professor, or coworker. What made them difficult? How did you successfully interact with this person?

15. What is the greatest challenge the ophthalmology field will face in the next several years?

16. How do you stay up-to-date on the latest trends in ophthalmology?

17. How did you prepare for the USMLE?

18. Ophthalmology is a reasonably competitive residency to match. Why should we choose you over other applicants?

19. There are many ophthalmology programs to choose from. What made you choose our residency program over others?

20. Have you considered other specialties for your residency?

21. How do you like to spend your free time?

22. Why are you pursuing a career as an ophthalmologist?

23. Tell us something about yourself that is not found on your CV.

24. Tell us about your training that qualifies you to enter our residency program.

25. Do you see yourself as a leader? When have you led a team?

26. What do you feel the day in the life of an ophthalmology resident looks like?

27. What part of your healthcare career brings you the most stress?

28. How well do you work under pressure?

29. We require all candidates to submit to a drug screen before entering our program. Will there be an issue passing the drug screen?

30. How would you approach a patient that refused care based on their religious beliefs, even if you knew their decision could cause them to die?