How to Answer: How did you handle constructive criticism during your residency training?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Surgical Critical Care Fellowship job interview.
2. How did you handle constructive criticism during your residency training?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
During the short time you will be training as a surgical critical care fellow, it should be abundantly clear that your work will be scrutinized to the highest degree by the faculty of the program you join. Your interviewers want to know that you can take any constructive criticism you receive and turn it into a positive learning opportunity.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 4th, 2023
How to Answer
As you answer this question, discuss a time that does not highlight a significant or persistent deficit in your ability to provide care. How you handled this criticism should show your devotion to providing optimal care and your willingness to use the critique to shape how you approach patient care moving forward. Don't hesitate to reiterate to your interviewers that you would join their surgical critical care fellowship program, ready to accept any constructive criticism that would come your way.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 4th, 2023
Answer Example
"From the first days in my anesthesiology residency training, I was open to using my experiences to learn from others. Where others could get defensive to criticism of their work, I used the opportunity to learn and grow and continue to do so today. As a new surgical critical care fellow, I know I will be exposed to a new environment. While I'm confident I can bring a new perspective with my background and help to educate others, I also know that I will need to learn new ways to care for patients in the ICU setting and will always welcome constructive criticism from your team."
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 4th, 2023