Surgical Oncology Fellowship Mock Interview
Master 30 Surgical Oncology Fellowship interview questions covering complex cases, research experience, and multidisciplinary care.
Question 27 of 30
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?
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Christine Pasqueretta is a human resource and recruitment professional with experience creating, developing, implementing, leading, and measuring HR impact initiatives.
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.
Christine Pasqueretta is a human resource and recruitment professional with experience creating, developing, implementing, leading, and measuring HR impact initiatives.
"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."
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
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.
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Anonymous Answer
During a night shift in my 4th year of residence, I received a call from a nurse that signaled a 500cc loss of blood from a drain in a patient after a left extended hepatectomy in POD8. I was alone with two nurses and I coordinated the first medical steps before the OR. I had a very intense hour before my senior surgeon joined me l but I stayed calm and we brought the patient to OR, still alive.
Jaymie's Feedback
Good job giving a specific answer, sharing what actions you took and the outcome. Don't forget to answer the second part about why you chose to step up as a leader in the situation.
Anonymous Answer
Early in my PGY4 year, there was a code orange called NL, which was the first one in many years. This was due to an explosion that occurred outside of the city resulting in a notification that we would be receiving many patients with burn and blast injuries. The trauma attending was tied up with another case in the OR. I scrubbed out and immediately took action as the trauma team lead in the ER, designating and delegating the appropriate staff to each bed to ensure adequate resources for general surgery, anesthesia/RT, nursing, etc for when these patients arrived. I later received feedback from the ER physician that my confident leadership was greatly appreciated and facilitated life-saving care that day. Leadership is something that has always come naturally to me, whether it be associated with team sports, or traveling with a group when things go wrong. My quick thinking, organization, and calm composure always assist me with this role.
Jaymie's Feedback
Perfect answer! You gave a specific example that highlighted your ability to step up and perform in a time of need.
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