What was the biggest challenge you faced in your residency training program?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
How to Answer
Answer Example

There are many challenges when coming into a program as a new Pediatric Critical Care Fellow, from learning new faces to taking on a more focused group of patients for the first time. Your interviewers are aware that you likely faced a few challenges as a Pediatrics Resident and want to know that you can face challenges head-on, embrace them, and learn from them.

Pick a challenge that is commonly faced by residents rather than focusing on a potential deficit in your ability to perform as a PICU Fellow. You can also pick something unique to you that is not the result of your actions (e.g., a family member passing away). Then, explain how you took steps to manage this challenge and prepare for similar challenges in the future.

"My biggest challenge of residency training was handling the stress and managing a delicate work-life balance during my first year. In medical school, I was taught that stress management skills were important, but I never knew how true those words were until I needed them. I admit that I had some breakdowns during my first year, and some great senior residents and attending physicians gave me encouraging advice. Throughout the remainder of my training, I learned some great tactics to manage busy clinical loads and have a happy home life."

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How to Answer: What was the biggest challenge you faced in your residency training program?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a PICU Fellowship job interview.

25. What was the biggest challenge you faced in your residency training program?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

There are many challenges when coming into a program as a new Pediatric Critical Care Fellow, from learning new faces to taking on a more focused group of patients for the first time. Your interviewers are aware that you likely faced a few challenges as a Pediatrics Resident and want to know that you can face challenges head-on, embrace them, and learn from them.

Written by Ryan Brunner on May 10th, 2022

How to Answer

Pick a challenge that is commonly faced by residents rather than focusing on a potential deficit in your ability to perform as a PICU Fellow. You can also pick something unique to you that is not the result of your actions (e.g., a family member passing away). Then, explain how you took steps to manage this challenge and prepare for similar challenges in the future.

Written by Ryan Brunner on May 10th, 2022

Answer Example

"My biggest challenge of residency training was handling the stress and managing a delicate work-life balance during my first year. In medical school, I was taught that stress management skills were important, but I never knew how true those words were until I needed them. I admit that I had some breakdowns during my first year, and some great senior residents and attending physicians gave me encouraging advice. Throughout the remainder of my training, I learned some great tactics to manage busy clinical loads and have a happy home life."

Written by Ryan Brunner on May 10th, 2022

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