How to Answer: What do you believe is the greatest challenge our specialty will face in the next few years?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Residency job interview.
16. What do you believe is the greatest challenge our specialty will face in the next few years?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interviewers want to know that you have done your homework on the specialty that you are interviewing for and have the wherewithal to forecast the challenges that the field is facing. They also want to see that you understand that being a Physician will come with great challenges, both now and in the future.
Written by Rachelle Enns
How to Answer
Before your residency interviews, be sure to study and read up as much as possible about the challenges your field will face. Discuss the challenges you foresee and speak about how you plan to succeed despite these challenges.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
Answer Example
"There are numerous challenges I believe I will face as a family physician in the coming years. For instance, the new policy surrounding MACRA for healthcare payments, changes in the way physicians certify their sub-specialties through the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM), and the maintenance of certification (MOC) process. But I know that all family physicians are facing the same challenges, so I will not feel alone in that."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Internal Medicine Example
Internal medicine does face and will continue to face challenges. These include declining reimbursements and more paperwork and documentation requirements for patient care. It is easy to be frustrated by this, but I will try to keep in mind that the ultimate goal is to do what's best for the patient.
Written by Dr. Shani Saks on November 4th, 2022
Family Medicine Example
"One of the greatest challenges our specialty will face is continuing to provide patient centered care in the era of large medical systems. In the past, patients often saw their family doctor for many years and personally knew them. Now with so many large medical systems it has become challenging to build trust and have good continuity of care with patients."
Written by Dr. Griswold on November 5th, 2022
Radiology Example
"The greatest challenge we will face is the ever-rising cost of healthcare. It is tough to integrate cutting-edge science with superior and compassionate care, especially in a cost-effective manner."
Written by Dr. Rodman on February 1st, 2023
Dermatology Example
"I feel that the greatest challenge dermatology is facing in the next few years is access to life-changing medications for patients. Newly discovered biologic medications can be life-changing for patients with chronic inflammatory conditions, like eczema, psoriasis, and hidradenitis suppurativa. However, these medications are expensive, and obtaining insurance coverage for them can be difficult. I feel that improving access to these medications for patients is one of the greatest challenges for the field of dermatology."
Written by Dr. Yumeen on December 19th, 2022
Emergency Medicine Example
"In Emergency Medicine, I think some of the biggest risks are already making themselves clear. As the safety net of the healthcare system, overcrowded Emergency Departments worsened by ED boarding is and will continue to be a major obstacle to providing timely and high-quality care in the ED. Additionally, the growing role of Private Equity firms dictating clinical practice is a major threat not only to patient care but also to physician autonomy in the clinical setting."
Written by Dr. Smith on December 31st, 2022
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