How to Answer: 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?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Surgical Oncology Fellowship job interview.
3. 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?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interviewers want to see that you are confident enough to take the initiative when the opportunity arises as a Surgical Oncology fellow with their program. Most medical training programs don't provide formal leadership training, so your interviewers want to know that you are a natural leader. As a Surgical Oncology fellow, you will be leading OR teams in critical procedures for patients, and you will need to take charge and lead at times during your time in training.
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 8th, 2022
How to Answer
Carefully describe a situation during your residency training where you saw a chance to lead and took advantage of it. Talk about the success of the moment and your biggest takeaway. You'll want to highlight your ability to communicate effectively and lead others as you answer this question.
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 8th, 2022
Answer Example
"Growing up and into my college years, I was a natural leader to my peers. This is evident in my years of participating in team sports and being a captain of those teams. During my General Surgery residency training, I was excited to be voted chief resident during my fifth year, and I've taken advantage of this opportunity. I've been commended for my ability to lead my fellow residents and OR teams through tough situations through an open mind, solid communication skills, and a strong work ethic. During my trauma rotation last year, two patients came in from a bad car wreck, and I was on call that night. I quickly triaged the patients and set a course of action with the entire team. I didn't hesitate in my decisions, and others quickly followed my lead. The next day, my attending physician called my swift action out to our entire team, and it felt great to be recognized for helping save two lives."
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 8th, 2022
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