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PMR Residency Mock Interview

30 PMR Residency Interview Questions and Answer Examples to Help You Prepare for Your Residency Interviews.

PMR Residency was updated by on November 29th, 2022. Learn more here.

Question 15 of 30

Tell me about yourself.

"I grew up in a small town in Idaho playing hockey and rugby. These sports taught me the importance of teamwork and how every person has specific skill sets to lead a team to victory. I also learned that teamwork is built on leadership, trust, and collaboration. Over the years, I suffered injuries that prohibited me from playing these sports. Undergoing the process of diagnosis and treatment allowed me to gain an appreciation for the teams that helped me heal. I decided to pursue a physiatry career to help others as my team did for me. I am now able to enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking, mountain biking, and hiking due to the exceptional care I received. After completing my residency, I plan to pursue a fellowship in sports medicine since that is my passion. I am very excited to be interviewing for your program as it will help me achieve my goal of helping others with their quality of life and overall well-being."

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How to Answer: Tell me about yourself.

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a PMR Residency job interview.

  • 15. Tell me about yourself.

      Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

      Interviewers will often ask this question first to break the ice and start the conversation. Take a few minutes to tell the interviewer about yourself, demonstrating essential skills and characteristics that are valuable as a resident.

      Taking the past, present, and future approach in your response is recommended. You want to mention how you started down this career path, what steps you have taken to get to where you are now, and what your future goals are. Be sure to highlight any promotions or achievements you are proud of and any other work-related accomplishments. You can mention extracurricular activities you are interested in, family life, or volunteer work if it ties in with the qualities needed as a resident, showing you are a responsible and dedicated individual.

      Written by Krista Wenz on November 29th, 2022

      Answer Example

      "I grew up in a small town in Idaho playing hockey and rugby. These sports taught me the importance of teamwork and how every person has specific skill sets to lead a team to victory. I also learned that teamwork is built on leadership, trust, and collaboration. Over the years, I suffered injuries that prohibited me from playing these sports. Undergoing the process of diagnosis and treatment allowed me to gain an appreciation for the teams that helped me heal. I decided to pursue a physiatry career to help others as my team did for me. I am now able to enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking, mountain biking, and hiking due to the exceptional care I received. After completing my residency, I plan to pursue a fellowship in sports medicine since that is my passion. I am very excited to be interviewing for your program as it will help me achieve my goal of helping others with their quality of life and overall well-being."

      Written by Krista Wenz on November 29th, 2022

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "My name is _________ and I am from NYITCOM applying to PM&R who has lived most of her life on the Northeast Coast. In my spare time, I love to travel, read and crochet. I have gone to over twenty-five countries and read innumerable books."

      Jaymie's Feedback

      While mentioning your name, background, and hobbies is a good introduction, it's also an opportunity to highlight your qualifications and passion for the residency program. Take this time to share your story with the interviewer, as this will help make your answer more memorable and set you apart from other candidates.
      "I'm ________, and I'm passionate about pursuing a career in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R). I've spent most of my life on the Northeast Coast, and my journey to becoming a PM&R physician has been driven by a deep commitment to helping individuals regain their quality of life. [You can elaborate more on your experience as well here.]
      In addition to my academic pursuits, I love to travel, which has taken me to over twenty-five countries. Exploring diverse cultures and perspectives has not only enriched my life but also cultivated my ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Reading is another of my passions, and I've delved into innumerable books, gaining valuable insights into the human experience.
      My interest in PM&R was sparked by [mention a specific experience or reason that led you to this field]. I am excited about the opportunity to train in a program that values [mention something specific you appreciate about the program, e.g., patient-centered care, interdisciplinary collaboration, research opportunities]. I believe that my diverse background and passion for helping patients regain their independence align well with the principles of PM&R.
      I look forward to the possibility of joining [Program Name] and contributing to the exceptional reputation you've built here."