"I feel confident in my ability to work with most of the patients I will see as a new sports medicine fellow without someone watching over my shoulder. My PM&R training has prepared me well to work with a variety of patients with musculoskeletal issues. With that said, I also want every interaction with a patient to be a learning opportunity, and I know your faculty has an excellent reputation for providing those opportunities to blossoming sports medicine professionals. I welcome every opportunity as a chance to learn in training here."

Prove your ability to work confidently with little supervision while not being overconfident. As a new sports medicine fellow, you should likely be very comfortable with a majority of the patients you will treat while also knowing that you will need guidance on some injuries and conditions. Your work with patients will be scrutinized and used as a learning opportunity, so let your interviewers know that you are aware of that. Speak with humble confidence in your ability to work with patients with little to no supervision.

"I have prepared for sports medicine fellowship by completing multiple rotations in this specialty during my residency training, and I am ready to start fellowship training with your program today. If I encountered situations where I felt I needed help, I would discuss this with my attending physician promptly."