How to Answer: 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?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a PICU Fellowship job interview.
6. 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?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As you enter PICU Fellowship training, you know that you will be tackling many new procedures and tasks that you haven't been directly exposed to before. Your interviewers want to hear that you would take a collaborative and learning approach and that you aren't afraid to ask for help.
Written by Ryan Brunner on May 10th, 2022
How to Answer
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.
Written by Ryan Brunner on May 10th, 2022
Answer Example
"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."
Written by Ryan Brunner on May 10th, 2022