How to Answer: What are your career plans and goals after completing our residency program?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Residency job interview.
7. What are your career plans and goals after completing our residency program?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interviewers want to find future residents interested in furthering their careers with their institution. While it is not a prerequisite for this program, your interview panel wants to hear that you have well-defined career goals that this training program will help you reach.
Written by Rachelle Enns
How to Answer
Outline how the residency program you are interviewing with will help you prepare for those goals. It is also okay to express that you are still considering your options as long as you highlight a few directions you are hopeful to go. Remember that you do not want to shut the door on any potential opportunities.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
Answer Example
"I entered medical school intending to pursue a career as a pediatrician, and I'm so fortunate to be interviewed and considered for your esteemed pediatrician residency program. At this point, I can honestly see myself as a general pediatrician or pursuing an additional fellowship to subspecialize in pediatric oncology or gastroenterology. I believe that my goals will become clearer as I work through my residency."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Internal Medicine Example
After completing this residency program, I plan to pursue a cardiology fellowship. Cardiology is a very fast-paced field that allows for both intellectually stimulating aspects such as EKG interpretation as well as hands-on procedures, including stents and percutaneous valve replacement. Additionally, there is a very high level of ongoing research and innovations that is very exciting.
This internal medicine residency will offer me exposure to a wide range of medical conditions and will give me a strong foundation on which to pursue further training.
Written by Dr. Shani Saks on November 4th, 2022
Family Medicine Example
"I would like to pursue a career as a primary care physician. I am eager to provide excellent care to patients within the community that I grew up in."
Written by Dr. Griswold on November 5th, 2022
Radiology Example
"Ideally, I would love to land a hybrid private practice/academic job. I enjoy the fast-paced workflow and variety of cases seen in private practice, but I also enjoy the teaching environment and case complexity seen with academic positions. My top priority, however, is to serve as an excellent clinician."
Written by Dr. Rodman on February 1st, 2023
Dermatology Example
"I have explored different career paths in dermatology, including community and academic practice. I love all aspects of dermatology, and coming from an academic background, I love to teach and participate in research. I aim to practice as an academic medical dermatologist, allowing me to practice general dermatology as well as develop a specialty area of interest. I hope to teach medical students and residents and partake in research to provide the best treatments for my patients."
Written by Dr. Yumeen on December 19th, 2022
Emergency Medicine Example
"At this point, I haven't decided on an ultimate career path in Emergency Medicine, but I'm considering pursuing a fellowship in Ultrasound or Critical Care. I hope to find my passion within Emergency Medicine during residency by matching with a program with a diverse patient population and different types of training environments."
Written by Dr. Smith on December 31st, 2022
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Apart from that, during my spare time, I see myself working with my community and addressing social determinants of health through outreach projects.
I can see myself working in an underserved area like Greenville because it allows me to engage in these various aspects by joining your faculty."
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