What book are you currently reading?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
How to Answer
Answer Example
Internal Medicine Example
Family Medicine Example
Radiology Example
Dermatology Example
Emergency Medicine Example
Community Answers

The interviewers would like to know what you choose to read in your spare time. Your favorite genre says a lot about you and the type of resident that you will be.

Speak honestly about what you are currently reading. If you aren't currently engaged in a book, talk about the one that has impacted you the most. Elaborate on why this particular book is important to you. Speak with passion to show your interviewers that learning through reading is important to you.

"Currently I am reading 'Ego is the Enemy' by Ryan Holiday because it was recommended by a faculty member in my medical school. It is a book about ambition, resilience, and success. This book has helped me feel prepared to take on any challenge in residency, and I feel that every professional should read it."

I am currently reading the Pioneer Woman Cookbook by Ree Drummond. I enjoy cooking, eating, and having dinner parties in my spare time.

"I am currently reading "Being Mortal" by Atul Gawande."

"I am actually really interested in audiobooks. Due to my busy schedule as a medical student, I have found that audiobooks allow me to enjoy my favorite novels while driving, exercising, and preparing meals. I am currently listening to Harry Potter."

"I most recently read "Camino Winds" by John Grisham. I love legal dramas and mysteries, and this book has been an interesting page turner about a crime that happens in a town during a hurricane. I find mystery novels, and movies, a great way to unwind! "

"Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat. It's sort of a cooking-technique and cookbook plus travel/culture book all in one."

Anonymous Answer

"I am reading Goedel Escher bach by Hofstader. Its a book about lives and work of mathematician Kurt Godel, artist MC Escher and composer Johanne Sebastian Bach. It pertains to how mathematics, art, and music are not separate entities, but a sort of "oneness" to the universe and how cognition in thinking emerge from well-hidden neurological mechanisms.

-the overall theme is that of oneness and unity of the collective pieces that make the whole

-similar to human beings - we are not isolated specimen in a vacuum with a single gene mutation with all else equal - we are dynamic, living, breathing entities interacting with the world around us and our circumstances impact our selves in the same way that social determinants of health can play a significant role in wellness that cannot be explained by simple pathophysiology

-and I think physicians play an important role in uncovering these determinants of health

-family medicine really embodies that philosophy"

Rachelle's Feedback

This sounds like a very intriguing book and very relevant to your targeted career path. Great answer!

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"Recently, I have been reading mystery novels by Agatha Christie. Each of her stories presents with a crime and prime suspect. Christie draws the reader's attention away from the prime suspect until the reader believes that the crime was committed by someone else. I enjoy reading her mysteries because they highlight the importance of details and how the smallest detail can change the entire story."

Kevin's Feedback

This is an intriguing writing approach, indeed! Although you mention how her novels highlight the importance of details, connect the dots between how that translates to your career.

"I’ve been reading Agatha Christie’s mystery novels. Each of her stories presents a crime and prime suspect. I love how Christie draws the reader’s attention away from the prime suspect, distracting the reader to believe the crime was committed by someone else. I enjoy her mysteries because they highlight the importance of paying attention to the details. Even the smallest detail can change the entire story. I feel the same way about work. In order to perform well in your work, you have to have a high attention to detail. Every work experience is its own story, and there is import to paying attentions to the details, as they will guide the story. Miss a detail, and the outcome is different, resulting in rework, or failure. But Agatha Christie’s novels are a fun way to meditate on those points, while distracting me from the pressures of work. It;s a great way to strike a solid work/life balance for me."

Anonymous Answer

"Currently, I am reading "The One Thing" by Gary Keller. It's about the one thing you should do today to make your work easier or do away with unwanted items and help achieve your short and long term goals. I especially like the domino effect described in the book, which shows that tiny changes can fetch significant results."

Rachelle's Feedback

Fantastic response! You are detailed while offering a fun glimpse into what you have learned so far.

Anonymous Answer

"I have been reading the Laws of Human Nature. The book helps one to understand human nature, understand what drives them and their motivation. It teaches the reader to be introspective and master self-control to develop one's sense of purpose. It is an especially important book for people working in healthcare by understanding our patients' personality types and best working with people with different personalities. This enables the physician to empathize with them, thus building a better patient-centered approach to medicine as well as improving doctor-patient relationships."

Stephanie's Feedback

This sounds like a very compelling book. I suggest personalizing your response a bit by using "I statements." What has this book helped you to understand? How has it impacted you?

Anonymous Answer

"I am currently reading ‘The Trials of Apollo, The Tower of Nero’ which is the 5th book of this series. I grew up reading a lot of adventure and fantasy books/movies. This is an avenue where i can immerse myself in the story and detach from the stresses of life."

Jaymie's Feedback

Sharing your fondness for adventure and fantasy books and movies can provide a glimpse into your hobbies and leisure activities! Be ready to elaborate if the interviewer expresses interest and would like to discuss it further. Perhaps mention what you enjoy about the series, what you've learned from it, or any parallels you've found to your professional life.

Anonymous Answer

"I'm reading 'Letter to a Young Female Physician: Notes from a Medical Life' by Suzanne Koven. It provides insightful perspectives on the challenges and rewards of a medical career, particularly for women. Favorite quote: "Your training and sense of purpose will serve you well. Your humanity will serve your patients even better."

Jaymie's Feedback

Great choice! This is relevant to the interview and your career.

How to Answer: What book are you currently reading?

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

29. What book are you currently reading?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

The interviewers would like to know what you choose to read in your spare time. Your favorite genre says a lot about you and the type of resident that you will be.

Written by Rachelle Enns

How to Answer

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022

Answer Example

Written by Rachelle Enns

Internal Medicine Example

I am currently reading the Pioneer Woman Cookbook by Ree Drummond. I enjoy cooking, eating, and having dinner parties in my spare time.

Written by Dr. Shani Saks on November 4th, 2022

Family Medicine Example

"I am currently reading "Being Mortal" by Atul Gawande."

Written by Dr. Griswold on November 5th, 2022

Radiology Example

Written by Dr. Rodman on February 1st, 2023

Dermatology Example

Written by Dr. Yumeen on December 19th, 2022

Emergency Medicine Example

"Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat. It's sort of a cooking-technique and cookbook plus travel/culture book all in one."

Written by Dr. Smith on December 31st, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

Rachelle's Feedback

This sounds like a very intriguing book and very relevant to your targeted career path. Great answer!

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

Kevin's Feedback

This is an intriguing writing approach, indeed! Although you mention how her novels highlight the importance of details, connect the dots between how that translates to your career.

Anonymous Answer

Rachelle's Feedback

Fantastic response! You are detailed while offering a fun glimpse into what you have learned so far.

Anonymous Answer

Stephanie's Feedback

This sounds like a very compelling book. I suggest personalizing your response a bit by using "I statements." What has this book helped you to understand? How has it impacted you?

Anonymous Answer

Jaymie's Feedback

Anonymous Answer

Jaymie's Feedback

Great choice! This is relevant to the interview and your career.

Next Question