Tell us about yourself.
Interviewers will often ask this question first to break the ice and start the conversation. Take a few minutes to tell the interviewers about yourself, demonstrating essential skills and characteristics that are valuable as a resident.
Taking the past, present, and future approach in your response is recommended. You'd like to mention how you started down this career path, what steps you have taken to get to where you are now, and what your future goals are. Be sure to highlight any promotions or achievements you are proud of and any other work-related accomplishments. You can mention extracurricular activities you are interested in, family life, or volunteer work if it ties in with the qualities needed for an otolaryngology resident, showing you are a responsible and dedicated individual.
"I grew up in a small town in Minnesota playing hockey and football. These sports taught me the importance of teamwork and how every person has specific skill sets to lead a team to victory. I also learned that teamwork is built on leadership, trust, and collaboration. Over the years, I suffered head and neck injuries that prohibited me from playing these sports. Undergoing the process of diagnosis and treatment allowed me to gain an appreciation for the teams that helped me heal. I decided to pursue an otolaryngologist career to help others, as my teams did for me. I can now enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking, mountain biking, and hiking due to the exceptional care I received. After completing my residency, I plan to pursue a fellowship in head and neck surgery since my passion is to help others with the same injuries I previously had. I am very excited to be interviewing for your program as it will help me achieve my goal of helping others with their quality of life and overall well-being."
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
I grew up in Kansas City as the 2nd of 5 children. Both of my parents were nurses who inspired me to pursue a career in medicine. Looking after my siblings as we all grew up gave me a caretaking spirit that followed me through my training. I knew that I wanted to be a physician, so I was honored to attend a combined undergraduate and medical program after high school. While there, I discovered my love for otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery during my rotations. This has been a goal for a long time, and I am ecstatic and grateful to interview for a fellowship position for the career I have been aspiring for over a decade.
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