What type of leader do you expect to be in our program?
Just like you quickly learned in general surgery residency, vascular surgeons must possess solid leadership skills to work as leaders and participants in team-based care inside and outside the operating room. Your interviewers ask this question to see if you have the skills to be a collaborative leader of care teams and partner in decision-making around issues related to patients and surgical problems.
"If I'm fortunate enough to match into your amazing program, you'd be getting a vascular surgeon in training that leads by example in the OR and doesn't hesitate to take control of any situation. I quickly learned that an operating room required the surgeon to be in charge, and I do so with a caring approach to all of the OR colleagues. I can be firm when needed, but surgical techs, nursing staff, and first assistants appreciate a calming demeanor and relaxed tone during high-intensity situations."
Perhaps you have led a team during medical school, been a coach for a youth sports team, or were on the advisory board for a non-profit organization. Whether you have led a group of 500 or a team of 2, you must show the interviewer that you can handle the responsibility of being a general surgeon.
