Tell me about a time you received constructive criticism from an attending physician or senior resident during your Pediatrics Residency training. How did you handle that situation?
Your work will be scrutinized by the senior fellows and faculty of the program you join. Your interviewers want to know that you can take the constructive criticism you receive and turn it into a positive learning opportunity.
"During my first-year rotation in the pediatric ED, I was told that I spent too much time with patients and families during consults, and it caused delays in the department. Seeing new patients in an emergency care environment was new to me, and my nurturing nature took over in most situations. After some coaching from my attending physician on how to best handle emergency consults, my patient consults went more smoothly and quickly. I didn't take the criticism personally and knew it was for the best in my professional development."
Choose an example that does not highlight a significant or persistent deficit in your ability to provide care. How you handled this criticism should show your devotion to providing optimal care and willingness to use the criticism to shape how you approach patient care moving forward. Stress that you are ready to accept any constructive criticism that will come your way.
