A recent patient survey comes back, and you find out that you did not meet a patient's expectations as their physician. What are the next steps you would take to improve?

If you were to ask any physician if they have ever received critical feedback on a patient survey, the answer would be a resounding yes. The goal in answering this question is to demonstrate to your interviewers that you can take feedback, analyze it, and use it as motivation to improve the care you provide. Keep in mind that most patient feedback is anonymous, and you may not be able to pinpoint the exact interaction that resulted in the feedback from the patient. If you have any experience with patient feedback surveys during your time in Pediatrics Residency, don't hesitate to talk about that experience.

"I was faced with this situation as a Pediatrics Resident, and I didn't let it get me down. I saw it as an opportunity to improve. The family that submitted the feedback anonymously said that my approach was not personal. I took the time to analyze the feedback and remember which patient encounter it came from. It was a turning point in my approach to patients and families, and I appreciated the feedback. I would take the same approach to patient surveys at your institution."