How to Answer: Who in your life has been the biggest mentor or inspiration to you?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Residency job interview.
30. Who in your life has been the biggest mentor or inspiration to you?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interviewers want to gain some insight into the personalities and personal motivations of each candidate they talk to. This question allows your interviewers to see what has influenced you to become a life-changing physician down the road.
Written by Rachelle Enns
How to Answer
Your life's inspiration can come from a book, a mentor, your family, or a celebrity. Talk to the interviewers about who has inspired your life and why. If possible, explain how this mentor or influence has inspired your choice to pursue a career as a physician.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
Answer Example
"I find inspiration in a variety of people and things. The person who has most greatly inspired me is my grandmother. She always had a smile on her face no matter how hard she worked, and she loved everyone. She was well respected and always gave more than she received. As I pursue residency training with your esteemed program, I will always try to treat my patients with the same sense of respect and care as her as much as I can."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Internal Medicine Example
My biggest inspiration is my junior high science teacher. I remember how fascinated I was when I first learned cell biology. My teacher believed in me and encouraged my interest in life science and then in medicine.
Written by Dr. Shani Saks on November 4th, 2022
Family Medicine Example
"My family physician that I went to for my whole life inspired me to go into medicine and has acted as a mentor in helping guide me towards a career in medicine from the time I was in high school. She not only helped make me better when I was sick, but she always encouraged me to push myself to do things I thought were impossible."
Written by Dr. Griswold on November 5th, 2022
Radiology Example
"My biggest mentor has been my undergraduate organic chemistry professor. She took me under her wing while I was a freshman in college, making sure I was on-track academically and professionally to attain my goal of medical school admission. We still keep in touch and she continues to inspire me to this day."
Written by Dr. Rodman on February 1st, 2023
Dermatology Example
"One of my biggest mentors was my research supervisor during my research fellowship. He was patient and thoughtful when we presented our research to him and guided us through addressing setbacks and improving our work to an even higher quality. He gave me tasks that drew on my strengths and provided focused feedback to improve my weaknesses. He was a great teacher, and wonderful and compassionate physician. He was a great inspiration for me to aim to be an academic dermatologist."
Written by Dr. Yumeen on December 19th, 2022
Emergency Medicine Example
"There is an Emergency Medicine physician who I worked with a great deal during medical school who was a major influence on my decision to apply for an EM residency position. His clinical knowledge, procedural skill, and poise under pressure were so impressive to me and I try every day to be like him."
Written by Dr. Smith on December 31st, 2022
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