"As a person and physician with the innate ability to connect with and work effectively with just about anyone, I've found the one characteristic that was hard to work cohesively with was grandiosity. Unfortunately, I had a resident colleague who talked down to support staff and care teams; this was unacceptable to me. A team effort was needed in the OR. While I became friends with my colleague, I didn't hesitate to let them know my thoughts professionally. I hope they take my thoughts into their career and help them realize they aren't above anyone they work alongside."

First and foremost, try to pick a quality that doesn't reflect poorly on you. Talking about demanding personalities may make you seem lazy or unable to work with demanding faculty at the program you are interviewing with. Instead, choose a quality that prevents the ability of even the most competent and hard-working doctors from delivering high-quality care or working as part of a high-functioning team. Rather than dwelling on the person, highlight how you found a way to work with them respectfully and professionally.