As a new trainee in our PICU Fellowship program, how will you respond when asked to do a procedure or task that you are unfamiliar with and uncomfortable handling?

"I am confident in my medical knowledge and the skills I developed during my Pediatrics Residency training, but I also know I will be expected to master procedures like venous catheterization, endotracheal intubation, and thoracostomy tube placement. When faced with a new situation and am not 100% confident in my skills, I wouldn't hesitate to ask a senior fellow or faculty member for guidance. My goal is to leave the fellowship with all of the skills necessary to be a confident and competent physician, and I look forward to these learning opportunities with your program."

This is not the time to say that you would jump in with both feet and potentially risk the safety and wellbeing of a patient. Your interviewers are not looking for someone who jumps when someone says jump but someone willing to jump with confidence and competence. Provide an answer that illustrates this difference. Talk about your willingness to ask for help and learn in the process.