How to Answer: Talk about a time you showed initiative by taking the lead in a situation during your Pediatrics Residency training. Why did you take action as the leader, and what was the outcome?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a PICU Fellowship job interview.
9. Talk about a time you showed initiative by taking the lead in a situation during your Pediatrics Residency training. Why did you take action as the leader, and what was the outcome?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interviewers want to see that you are confident enough to take the initiative when the opportunity arises. Most medical training programs don't provide formal leadership training, so your interviewers want to know that you are a natural leader. As you advance to the final year of your PICU Fellowship, you will lead teams of junior fellows and care teams consisting of nursing and other support staff and your interviewers will want to hear that you can lead others successfully.
Written by Ryan Brunner on May 10th, 2022
How to Answer
Carefully describe a situation from your residency training where you saw a chance to lead and took advantage of it. Talk about the success of the moment and your biggest takeaway from the experience. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and lead others.
Written by Ryan Brunner on May 10th, 2022
Answer Example
"Growing up and into my college years, I was a natural leader to my peers. This is evident from my years participating in team sports and being a captain of my teams. During my residency training, I was excited to be voted as chief resident during my final year. While recently rotating in our inpatient peds ward, I took charge of a critical patient situation on a night shift and guided our nursing staff to stabilize a patient. It was gratifying to be the physician in charge of directing care and feel comfortable and confident doing so. I will carry what I learned from this experience into your PICU Fellowship program."
Written by Ryan Brunner on May 10th, 2022