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Residency Mock Interview

43 Residency Interview Questions and Answer Examples to Help You Prepare for Your Residency Interviews.

Residency was updated by on December 31st, 2022. Learn more here.

Question 14 of 43

What do you see as the biggest difference between the U.S healthcare system and that of another developed country?

"I often compare the U.S healthcare system to the system in Canada, where I grew up. I know both systems very well, and they each have pros and cons. For instance, in Canada, healthcare is mostly free, but the wait times are significantly longer than in the U.S. For that reason, many Canadian citizens travel to the U.S for surgeries, MRIs, and more. They would rather pay the financial price than wait six months for an appointment and pay the price with their health. Although there are significant differences, I believe that it is often a case of 'the grass in greener.'"

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How to Answer: What do you see as the biggest difference between the U.S healthcare system and that of another developed country?

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

  • 14. What do you see as the biggest difference between the U.S healthcare system and that of another developed country?

      Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

      Perhaps you are well-traveled or have researched the differences in health care in other countries. This question allows the interviewers to see your personal opinion, critical thinking skills, and ability to be diplomatic.

      Written by Rachelle Enns

      How to Answer

      While there is no right or wrong answer to a question like this, it's a good idea to talk from personal experience if you can. If you can't, research this topic before your interviews so you can speak knowledgeably on the subject with your team of interviewers.

      Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022

      Answer Example

      "I often compare the U.S healthcare system to the system in Canada, where I grew up. I know both systems very well, and they each have pros and cons. For instance, in Canada, healthcare is mostly free, but the wait times are significantly longer than in the U.S. For that reason, many Canadian citizens travel to the U.S for surgeries, MRIs, and more. They would rather pay the financial price than wait six months for an appointment and pay the price with their health. Although there are significant differences, I believe that it is often a case of 'the grass in greener.'"

      Written by Rachelle Enns

      Internal Medicine Example

      Although I have only lived in the United States, my research taught me that many other developed countries are able to provide adequate medical care at a much lower cost. Although the quality of medical care is very high in the United States, it is not as accessible to some segments of the population.

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

      Family Medicine Example

      "The U.S. Healthcare system is world renowned and excellent in many ways. However, one major difference compared to other developed countries is the lack of access to healthcare for some individuals in the U.S."

      Written by Dr. Griswold on November 5th, 2022

      Radiology Example

      "One big difference is that the United States often spends more money on healthcare than its counterparts. For instance, the US tends to concentrate a lot of resources on geriatric and end-of-life care. Ultimately, I believe a shift towards value-based medicine could mediate these discrepancies."

      Written by Dr. Rodman on February 1st, 2023

      Dermatology Example

      "Having completed some of my training in Canada, I have seen firsthand differences in the healthcare system between Canada and the U.S. The healthcare in Canada is focused on primary care and preventative medicine, which are easy to access and at minimal-to-no cost to the patient. However, for elective procedures, or non-urgent specialist care, wait times can be exceedingly long. In my experience, in the U.S., while there may be a greater cost for care to individuals, there is greater and quicker access to specialist care and many new and emerging treatments and research."

      Written by Dr. Yumeen on December 19th, 2022

      Emergency Medicine Example

      "It seems like most other developed nations have created healthcare delivery systems to make basic and primary care for their populations more affordable to individual patients without sacrificing quality of the care that is delivered. There are many studies showing improved long-term outcomes attributable to this however, many of these systems cause prolonged wait times for some care, especially for specialist services. Additionally, the United States is unique in its population size, socioeconomic demographics, aspects of ways SDOH influence overall wellness, and the fact that there are 50 state-based sets of regulations on the financing and delivery of some care. I don't think that adopting an exact copy of any other nation's healthcare system would work precisely for the United States but I think most would agree there are aspects of other plans which would improve our own."

      Written by Dr. Smith on December 31st, 2022

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "My home country’s healthcare system directly mirrors the UKs NHS. While the UK is still more developed than us, we face long waiting times and a shortage of doctors translating into longer working hours and clinical burnout. This compared to the USA where every doctor must complete a residency program with direct supervision and assistance, the emphasis on doctor wellness is much higher. Also, healthcare is free but does not translate into better care as the system is frequently overburdened unlike the USA."

      Jaymie's Feedback

      You did a good job presenting a direct comparison between the two systems, discussing waiting times, doctor shortages, doctor wellness, and the impact of free healthcare on service quality. Consider how these differences in healthcare systems might be relevant to your role in the program. If you can draw connections to your potential contributions in the role, it would strengthen your answer.
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