Are you ready for the time commitment required to successfully complete our Surgical Oncology fellowship program?
In the early 2000s, the ACGME created rules that limited work hours for all medical residents and fellows, including the 80-hour maximum workweek. Even with this, most Surgical Oncology programs put their fellows through strenuous work schedules to build experience through hands-on cases. Your interviewers need to hear that you will come to their program ready to dedicate your time and efforts to succeed.
"Yes, I am ready for the commitment needed for the next two years in your Surgical Oncology program. I see that your fellows have call time, and I'm looking forward to being the responsible fellow on call for emergent cases. I'm also committed to working the maximum number of hours to get the best experience possible during my fellowship training."
Before your interview, look at the program's website to see if they indicate the hours required each week in their program. If they do, ensure that you are ready and willing to sacrifice the time needed for your success. This is also a great time to discuss your support system and ability to handle long hours, many days on shift in a row, and being on call for up to 24 hours at a time.
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I have been ready for the time commitment required since I started my residency training, I knew how this life could have been and I expected nothing less in my future: I'm still capable to afford long shifts and to stay many hours in OR, and I really like it.
Jaymie's Feedback
Excellent job demonstrating your commitment to the program and your willingness to be flexible with the shifts required.
