Surgical Oncology Fellowship Mock Interview

Master 30 Surgical Oncology Fellowship interview questions covering complex cases, research experience, and multidisciplinary care.

Question 19 of 30

Talk about a time you received constructive criticism from an attending physician or senior resident during your General Surgery residency training. How did you handle that situation?

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Ryan Brown

Ryan Brown created and launched MockQuestions in 2008.

Given the highly specialized nature of the Surgical Oncology training that you are pursuing, your work will be scrutinized to the highest degree by the senior fellows and 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 during your training with them.

Ryan Brown

Ryan Brown created and launched MockQuestions in 2008.

"During my vascular surgery rotation, I rushed a simple procedure while my attending worked alongside me. She had to take over and walk me through the steps while I watched. Following the successful procedure, the attending surgeon was very frank in letting me know that the procedure required a methodical approach and that no corners could be cut. While that was never my intent, it was great advice that I continued to take through the rest of my residency training and well into my career as a Surgical Oncologist."

Ryan Brunner

Ryan Brunner has over ten years of experience recruiting, interviewing, and hiring candidates in the healthcare, public service, and private manufacturing/distribution industries.

Choose an example 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 feedback to shape how you approach patient care moving forward. Don't hesitate to reiterate to your interviewers that you would join their program ready to accept any constructive criticism that would come your way.

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Jaymie

A real coach, not AI. I read every answer myself and write back with personalized feedback.

Typically responds within 24 hours.

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Anonymous Answer

Once, during an easy cholecystectomy, I was confident in my capabilities and I was a bit faster on the surgical times, I pierced the gallbladder. It was not a big deal but my surgeon explained to me that I was in no rush and that being faster is not the goal but it's being precise. Sometimes after 4 years I still think about his words, the calm was and is the way for doing well.

Jaymie's Feedback

You're off to a great start by giving a specific example and what you learned from it. Consider giving a more recent example if you have one. If you use this example, consider removing or rephrasing "no big deal" as that may unintentionally come off as flippant to the interviewer.

Anonymous Answer

As I've become more senior in my residency I am often told by attendings to "develop my own approach" and use it when operating. However, this often results in the attending suggesting I do it their way regardless of their original instructions because they think it's best. Although this could be misinterpreted as a negative criticism I instead use it as a learning opportunity and remind myself that although I have already developed a personalized approach to a task, there can always be a better/safer way to do things. I ensure to remain open-minded and accepting of advice and criticism to become the best surgeon I can be and always do my best for my patients. It is important to remember that even though I am nearing the end of my training there will always be more to learn, even as an attending, in a career that is supported by a model of lifelong learning.

Jaymie's Feedback

This is an excellent answer. Interviewers often ask this question to see if you are receptive to feedback, open-minded, coachable, and willing to learn new information, techniques, and approaches. You covered each of these areas in your response!

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30Surgical Oncology Fellowship Interview Questions & Answers

Career Goals

1.Following Surgical Oncology fellowship training, what are your ultimate career goals in practice?

Teamwork

2.Talk about the types of collaborations you were a part of between other medical specialists during your time as a General Surgery resident. What did you learn from these experiences that you can bring to our fellowship program?

3.As a Surgical Oncology fellow, you will work with patients who are often fearful of their diagnosis and any impending surgery you will be performing on them. What skills will you bring to put them at ease?

Compatibility

4.How important do you believe bedside manner is for a Surgical Oncologist?

Situational

5.If you were in surgery and called for a certain instrument that wasn't available, thus adding time to the surgery that otherwise would have been much shorter, how would you address this problem?

Discovery

6.With all of the options available as a General Surgeon, what is motivating you to pursue Surgical Oncology fellowship training?

Behavioral

7.Talk about a difficult surgical case you had during your residency training. How did you handle the situation professionally and respectfully?

Discovery

8.Take some time to tell us about yourself and who we'd be getting as our next Surgical Oncology fellow.

Conflict

9.How would you deal with a disagreement among colleagues or a senior fellow as a trainee with our program?

Discovery

10.What aspects of our Surgical Oncology fellowship program interest you the most?

Behavioral

11.What was the biggest challenge you faced in your residency training program?

Direct

12.Would you have any concerns about relocating to join our Surgical Oncology fellowship program and living in this city?

Discovery

13.What are some key things that you are looking for in a Surgical Oncology fellowship program?

Stress

14.How do you think you will perform under pressure as a Surgical Oncology fellow?

Behavioral

15.During your residency training, did you find any personality types that were difficult for you to work effectively with?

Discovery

16.If we asked your friends, what would they say are your strengths and weaknesses?

Compatibility

17.Do you believe telehealth is an effective form of healthcare delivery, specifically as it relates to surgery and surgical oncology patients?

Direct

18.Are you ready for the time commitment required to successfully complete our Surgical Oncology fellowship program?

Behavioral

19.Talk about a time you received constructive criticism from an attending physician or senior resident during your General Surgery residency training. How did you handle that situation?

Discovery

20.How would you describe your personality using just three words?

Diligence

21.How would you stay on top of trends and changes in the Surgical Oncology field as a fellow with our program?

Direct

22.Are you considering or interviewing with any other Surgical Oncology fellowship programs?

Competency

23.Do you have any thoughts on how would you like to see the delivery of healthcare evolve in the coming years?

Situational

24.As a new trainee in our Surgical Oncology fellowship program, how will you respond when asked to do a procedure or task that you are unfamiliar with and uncomfortable handling?

Communication

25.As a Surgical Oncology fellow, how will you explain a complex diagnosis or procedure to a patient using verbal instructions?

Behavioral

26.Tell us about a time you had to work with new technology during medical school or residency training. What did you do to ensure proficiency as quickly as possible?

Behavioral

27.Talk about a time you showed initiative by taking the lead in a situation during your General Surgery residency training. Why did you take action as the leader, and what was the outcome?

Discovery

28.What procedure are you most excited to learn during Surgical Oncology fellowship training?

Competency

29.How timely would you say your charting and dictations were during your General Surgery residency training?

Compatibility

30.At our institution, we employ great Advanced Practice Providers in our cancer services and surgery team. Would you have any issues working closely with them as a Surgical Oncology fellow?