What aspects of your personality make you well-suited for fellowship?
The interview panel wants to know about your attributes that will help you succeed as a fellow. They have already reviewed your CV, so now they want to learn more about you from a different perspective.
Before the interview, spend time making a list of your strongest attributes. Analyze that list looking for the ideas that are most connected with the type of work you'll be doing as a fellow. When you respond, make emphasize the connection between your attributes and succeeding as a fellow, and speak with passion and conviction.
"I'm a very methodical person who thrives within a structure. This helps me stay organized when I have a high-case volume, and it's also proven helpful in terms of balancing work with personal responsibilities. My demeanor is also very calming, yet I am almost always optimistic, and I've found patients are very receptive to me."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
My training in AJH has equipped me to be well-suited for fellowship. Academic-wise, I thrived in my clinical duties. Running the ICU as the senior-most person after the intensivist allowed me to gain knowledge, confidence, autonomy, and multitasking skills. I also worked on my procedural skills and became certified in central and arterial lines. On the non-academic aspect, I was appointed as the GME representative and social chair. Those positions required me to work in a team which allowed me to work efficiently with others towards a common goal.
Marcie's Feedback
It's great that the experience you have gained so far has made you more independent, a better multitasker, and increasingly confident. Talk more about the personality traits you have that will allow you to excel in the fellowship. Some notable qualities include being trustworthy, dependable, loyal, helpful, polite, personal, kind, self-disciplined, motivated, and compassionate. Good job!
Anonymous Answer
I am a truly passionate and dedicated intensive care physician. I consider myself resilient; a trait I have developed since the beginning of my training. Since I. have previously worked in a critical care environment, I believe that one of my strongest traits is the empathy I can show for patients, their families, and the multidisciplinary team involved in their care.
Jaymie's Feedback
These are all great aspects that the interviewer will find valuable in a candidate.
Anonymous Answer
I feel that all of the same qualities that made me well suited for residency also prepare me for fellowship. Particularly my organization skills and integrity in the intensive care unit are paramount and allowed me to succeed in these rotations during residency.
Jaymie's Feedback
These are two great examples to share.
Anonymous Answer
I am very orderly and like to stay organized. I believe this helps me prioritize tasks, stay on task, and provide me with calming interaction with my colleagues, patients, and family. For example, I have it on my note, that for examining 14 patients, I have 4 checkboxes, one for placing orders (after rounding on the patient), two: for following up (like labs, and consultants' recommendations), Three: for ordering morning labs, Fourth: Updating families.
It also helps me balance work with personal responsibilities. I encourage sharing calendars with families and instead of worrying about one particular event, having that plan laid out daily, weekly, monthly and yearly helps me focus and avoid unnecessary stresses.
Jaymie's Feedback
Often, candidates rattle off a list of skills or qualities they possess when asked this question. You did an excellent job answering the question directly and then giving examples and context to support your skills and abilities. Great job!
Unlock all 30 Pulmonary Critical Care Fellowship questions
Prepare for program director questions about ventilator management, ethics, and your training goals.
Get Started