Residency Mock Interview
Prepare for 43 Residency interview questions covering clinical scenarios, patient care philosophy, and program fit.
Question 14 of 43
Who in your life has been the biggest mentor or inspiration to you?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
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Internal Medicine
Family Medicine
Radiology
Dermatology
Emergency Medicine
Community Answers
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
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.
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"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."
Ryan Brunner has over ten years of experience recruiting, interviewing, and hiring candidates in the healthcare, public service, and private manufacturing/distribution industries.
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.
Dr. Shani Saks is a board-certified internist and cardiologist in private practice.
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.
"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."
"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."
Sara Yumeen is a Dermatology resident physician.
"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."
"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."
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Anonymous Answer
My mother is my biggest inspiration. She is one of the most hard-working and dedicated persons I have known in my life. She has always been my greatest supporter, and regardless of how tired she may be, she takes the time to listen to those around her. She sees the best in others and encourages them to be their best regardless of the challenges and expectations the world brings.
Rachelle's Feedback
Your mother sounds like a wonderful person! If you take these qualities and apply them to your approach with patients, you will make a big difference in the lives of many. Nicely said :)
Anonymous Answer
I find inspiration in a variety of places and people. But I am inspired by my mother. She was involved in a serious car accident, although I was young when it happened. I remember her strength of character and the power of mindsight to recover from it. I am inspired by that because life can be hard, but it is the power of one's mind that makes you overcome any adversity.
Stephanie's Feedback
Excellent response--your mom sounds like an inspiring person! I hope she's doing better now.
Anonymous Answer
I find inspiration in a variety of people and things. The person who has inspired me the most is my dad. He has served as an Internal Medicine physician in India for the past 30 years. Ever since I was a child, I used to accompany him to the orphanage which he used to visit once a month to treat patients with medical ailments. I brought up the same devotion by serving in the NGOs after graduating from med school.
Amanda's Feedback
Wonderful! Consider taking it a step further by sharing the characteristics or qualities that you admire most in your Dad. You can also talk about how he has inspired your own approach to patient care.
Anonymous Answer
My father is my mentor. He came to this country with nothing in a small town as an only Indian person and grew to become a successful businessman despite everyone saying he would not be able to. All while making time for his family and teaching us what work ethic should look like. I try to live like him as much as possible.
Chad's Feedback
Excellent answer! Your father sounds like an inspiring individual, and the interviewer will easily understand your reasoning for choosing him as your mentor. If you are able to apply his work ethic to your residency and future career, you will undoubtedly be successful.
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