How to Answer: What is your personal mission statement?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Residency job interview.
27. What is your personal mission statement?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Most people have never put thought into a question like this, and not everyone has a mission statement or personal mantra that tells others who they are. As a prospective resident and future physician, this is an important question to ponder before your residency interviews because your interviewers will want to hear that you have a focused, patient-centered mission statement that defines the kind of resident you will be.
Written by Rachelle Enns
How to Answer
If you have a personal mission statement that you developed during medical school, that is great! If so, be sure to openly share it with your interviewers, and make sure it explains why you are interested in pursuing a practice in medicine following residency. But chances are you don't have a well-defined personal mission statement. If this is the case, develop one, and be sure you can recite it before the start of your residency interviews.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
Answer Example
"My mantra is 'people who shine from within do not need the spotlight.' I feel it is incredibly important to be a humble caretaker, and I would take this mission statement very seriously as a resident in your program. I'd rather have my team to be in the spotlight than be the kind of physician that takes credit for all of the good work. I'm confident that this value also reflects positively on the patients I care for."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Internal Medicine Example
My personal motto is to treat others as you would want to be treated, This holds true for daily random interactions, and especially with medical care. I strive to treat patients the way I would want to be cared for, in terms of quality and compassion of care.
Written by Dr. Shani Saks on November 4th, 2022
Family Medicine Example
"To leave everything I interact with better than when I found it. I think we all have a duty to make our world a better place, and that can be as simple as making someone's day a little bit better or improving an organization's ability to meet its mission during your time there."
Written by Dr. Griswold on November 5th, 2022
Radiology Example
"To provide excellent empathic care to all patients with respect and without judgement. I strive to care for each patient as if he or she were a member of my immediate family. When times get tough or I become tired, these ideals keep me focused on my calling as a physician."
Written by Dr. Rodman on February 1st, 2023
Dermatology Example
"I would say that my personal statement is to bring my very best to everything I do, and constantly try to improve myself, so that I can provide the best care to my patients."
Written by Dr. Yumeen on December 19th, 2022
Emergency Medicine Example
"To strive for clarity, intention, and passion in my thoughts, words, and actions."
Written by Dr. Smith on December 31st, 2022
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Rachelle's Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Jaymie's Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Jaymie's Feedback