How to Answer: How do setbacks emotionally affect you and your work?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Residency job interview.
5. How do setbacks emotionally affect you and your work?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Everyone handles the stress and disappointment of setbacks differently. When you enter a fast-paced residency program, these setbacks can certainly be amplified, and your interviewers want to know you will handle any situation with ease if you are accepted into their program.
Written by Rachelle Enns
How to Answer
Describe how you typically cope with setbacks in the workplace. As you answer, focus on your ability to learn from your mistakes and stay calm, cool, and collected in the face of any situation you would be handling as their next resident.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
Answer Example
"Experiencing a setback is always disappointing and can be disheartening, especially when it involves a patient. I understand that setbacks happen often in residency. If I experience a major setback while on your team, I will take a few moments to internally debrief, get some fresh air if possible, or discuss what I could have done differently with a mentor. Then, I move on. I need to recover quickly so I can concentrate on the next case."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Internal Medicine Example
Having a setback or an unanticipated event happen is always challenging. While it is easy to get upset or frustrated, I try to look at things objectively, reframe the situation, and do what is necessary to correct or improve the situation. Additionally, seeking advice from other team members or trainers is also helpful. Taking a break to get fresh air or have a snack gives me a mental break and allows me to return to the situation with a fresh perspective. Taking a walk or exercising is also a good way to relieve stress and renew my energy level.
Written by Dr. Shani Saks on November 4th, 2022
Family Medicine Example
"Suffering a setback can be challenging. When suffering a setback, I try to look at it as an opportunity. With each setback, I try to learn something from the experience and move on."
Written by Dr. Griswold on November 5th, 2022
Radiology Example
"Setbacks are usually unexpected and often challenging to navigate. I think emotional reactions to them are natural, but I try not to let them impact my clinical work or patient care. Optimistically, setbacks can be viewed as a platform for introspection and personal growth."
Written by Dr. Rodman on February 1st, 2023
Dermatology Example
"Setbacks are common, and I view them as an opportunity to learn and improve. While setbacks may be disheartening initially, I take a moment to regroup and remind myself that setbacks are normal whenever we try to get tasks done. I then take a critical look at what went wrong and how I can work on this to prevent such setbacks in the future."
Written by Dr. Yumeen on December 19th, 2022
Emergency Medicine Example
"I think part of doing meaningful work is facing challenges. This can sometimes come in the form of setbacks, but I try to remember that setbacks are part of every process and that they allow us to learn from our mistakes or missteps and think more creatively about whatever challenge we face."
Written by Dr. Smith on December 31st, 2022
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