How to Answer: What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment to date?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Residency job interview.
4. What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment to date?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your team of interviewers wants to ensure that their future residents are motivated and driven to succeed. In asking this question, your interviewers want to know what kind of successes you value in your journey towards becoming a practicing physician.
Written by Christine Pasqueretta on February 1st, 2023
How to Answer
Before your interview, research the mission, vision, and values of the institution you will be interviewing with. Reviewing these should give you a good sense of the type of organization they are and what they look for in their future trainees. Think about a stand-out accomplishment you believe will resonate with your interviewers. Choose an achievement related to the successes you hope to see as a resident in their program. Explain why the accomplishment means so much to you, both personally and professionally. Assure the interviewers that you will continue this pattern of achievement as a resident with their program.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I would honestly say that my greatest accomplishment in my life so far was being accepted into medical school. I am a first-generation college student and had an uphill battle my entire educational journey. My parents instilled a hardworking and genuine, caring nature in me from a very young age, and these values have driven me from my high school diploma to my white coat ceremony in med school."
Written by Christine Pasqueretta on February 1st, 2023
Internal Medicine Example
My greatest accomplishment to date has been my involvement in my neighborhood food bank. I started volunteering there in high school when it was just starting, in response to a need I saw in my community. I worked directly with the woman who started this program when it was located in a small office space. In response to the growing need, the food bank expanded and currently has a large warehouse with hundreds of needy families being helped there every week. I have continued volunteering there throughout my college and medical school years, and it has been a very gratifying experience.
My involvement in this project taught me to look for opportunities to help others, and how hard work takes time but ultimately pays off in a very satisfying way.
Written by Dr. Shani Saks on November 4th, 2022
Family Medicine Example
"I consider being the first in my family to attain higher education my greatest accomplishment. As a first-generation college student and medical student, I have worked very hard to get to this point and am proud of this accomplishment."
Written by Dr. Griswold on November 5th, 2022
Radiology Example
"My greatest accomplishment was matriculating into medical school. I've wanted to become a physician since I was a little boy and worked very hard throughout high school and college, often spending my free time studying or volunteering in the community. Medical school admission was the culmination of academic excellence, continued community service, and determination. I look forward to accomplishing more of my personal goals in the future as a radiologist!"
Written by Dr. Rodman on February 1st, 2023
Dermatology Example
"One of my accomplishments that I feel most proud of, and think is one of my greatest to date, is my research work investigating novel therapies in dermatology. Through my research, I not only learned valuable skills in scientific investigation, including how to be a knowledgeable reader of new research, but I also could see firsthand how my research could play a small part in contributing to a cure for difficult-to-cure dermatologic disease. I am proud of my personal growth through this accomplishment, as well as my contribution to dermatology research."
Written by Dr. Yumeen on December 19th, 2022
Emergency Medicine Example
"I have two things that I'm most proud of, one professional/educational and one personal. Professionally and educationally, I would say my greatest accomplishment so far has been getting into medical school after deciding to switch careers. I knew I was taking a big risk by quitting my job to complete a post-bac program, but I had faith that I could perform well enough academically to be accepted to my dream program. I think my greatest accomplishment was completing an Ironman triathlon. It took months and months of training and preparation, but it was all worth it when I crossed the finish line."
Written by Dr. Smith on December 31st, 2022
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