Are you comfortable adapting to new technologies as a vascular surgery fellow to perform non-invasive vascular tests?

"Yes, I'm very comfortable learning new machines and technology as a surgeon and look forward to mastering things like MRAs and ABIs as a fellow here. During my general surgery residency training, I best learned new things with a hands-on approach while having a faculty member train me. I'm a quick learner and confident in my tech skills."

During your two years of training in vascular surgery fellowship, you will learn new technologies and equipment to perform testing procedures like angiograms and duplex ultrasounds. The program you are interviewing with needs to be assured that you are confident in your ability to learn new technologies quickly and proficiently.

To best answer a question like this on your ability to learn and adapt to new equipment and technology, it is best to point out how you learned the same during your general surgery residency training. As you list the things you learned during your residency, be sure to speak to how you best train and master things to give your interviewers an idea of how they can best work with you if you match into their program.

What questions do you have about our vascular surgery fellowship program?

"I'm most interested in where your former fellows are finding success in their careers today and what types of research they are involved in. Are you able to speak a bit about that? Can you also describe a typical day for a new fellow in your program during their first rotation?"

During your day interviewing with a vascular surgery fellowship program, you will get to meet a variety of people. This includes the attending physicians, current fellows, and administrative support staff. While you answer their questions all day, the interviewers want to be assured that you walk away with all your questions answered in hopes that you will rank their program high on your wish list.

As you likely know from your research and application process, vascular surgery fellowship programs have detailed descriptions on their website stating what is involved with the program, clinical rotations, the primary teaching site, accredited length of training, the fellowship director, mentoring, and more. Do your homework before your interview and come prepared to discuss your burning question about the program. Some good questions are where your rotations would take place, how large the facility is, and the types of patients served. Asking questions about the culture of the institution can also help show your genuine interest in the program.

Tell me about a time you received constructive criticism from an attending physician or senior resident during your residency. How did you respond?

"During my five years of general surgery residency training, I learned from my attending physicians many times, and I was always grateful for their feedback. I remember back to my second year during my first endoscopy rotation. I was performing an endoscopy to localize lesions preoperatively for a patient. An attending physician immediately jumped in to take over and teach me while they were performing the quick procedure. While taken aback at first, I had forgotten to insert a mouth guard for the patient, and the attending took the reins immediately. We had a great talk afterward about ensuring all steps were taken before a procedure before proceeding."

It should be abundantly clear as you enter vascular surgery fellowship training that 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.

Choose an example that does not highlight a significant or persistent deficit in your ability to operate on patients. 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 tell your interviewers that you are ready to accept any constructive criticism that will come your way.

Talk about the most difficult patient case you were a part of during your residency. How did you handle the situation?

"During a trauma rotation last year, we had a case that required the removal of part of the large intestine. I had been taught about the scenario, but this was my first time as the main surgeon. Time was of the essence, and I relied on a team effort to make the procedure a success. When needed, I consulted with my attending while they watched over my shoulder. It was a four-hour procedure, and the first assistant and I had to remain in constant communication. I learned so much that day about complicated procedures that I know will benefit me greatly here."

In your general surgery residency training, you had the opportunity to work on a variety of cases in the OR. With the complexities and intricacies of vascular surgery, your interviewing team needs to be assured that whoever they match comes with the ability to handle challenging cases. They know past performance can predict future results, so they want to hear you describe how you navigate your most difficult case as a general surgery resident.

Talk openly about the most challenging case you experienced during your residency training. While the factors that made it difficult can vary from candidate to candidate, what makes your answer effective is discussing how you used your problem-solving skills and communication to make it through. Your answer should demonstrate your ability to remain calm, patient, empathetic, and logical while helping the patient to the best of your abilities.

What will you do to stay motivated and prevent yourself from burning out?

"I'm ready to commit to the clinical training, research, and educational opportunities with your vascular surgery fellowship program for the next two years. I have the full support of my family to do so. My ultimate dream is to become a vascular surgeon dedicated to clinical and research activities, and I see your program as a great fit. Managing stress during my residency was difficult at times, but I learned some great techniques from senior residents and faculty members in my first year. Most important is taking time to refresh and rest outside the hospital walls. I also prioritize eating well and staying in shape. My young kids help me relax and keep my mind centered."

Vascular surgery fellows commit to two more years of training following a five-year residency program, four years of medical school, and a prior undergraduate program. The fellowship program you are interviewing with knows that their successful fellows need to dig deep to find the right attitude and mindset to prevent burning out, as many studies have indicated a high amount of stress and burnout among fellows in the specialty. They'll be looking to hear that you have the tools and resources to remain motivated during your time with their program.

First and foremost, highlight your excitement for the coming two years as a vascular surgery fellow and explain that this training path will help you achieve your career goals as a surgeon. Then carefully describe the healthy ways you managed your stress levels during a busy general surgery residency that helped keep yourself from burning out. Your interviewers know that past behavior predicts future success in their program, especially from a managing stress perspective.

What are your future career goals after you complete this fellowship training program?

"My pursuit of medicine always stemmed from a true passion for community medicine and caring for patients daily. This passion continued through medical school and my general surgery residency training. Following my fellowship training, my dream is to practice at a large level I or level II trauma setting where I can be in the OR for up to four or five days per week with cases. I also have a patient for clinical trials in the surgery setting and can't wait to explore more of what your vascular surgeons are doing on this front if I'm fortunate enough to match here."

Your team of interviewers has trained vascular surgery fellows that have gone into academic practice, private practice, and community-based hospital practice. They're very curious to learn the cadidates' career goals, so they will likely pose a question like this during your time with them.

There is no right or wrong answer to this question as long as you have a vision for where you want your career to take you. This is a time to be honest with yourself and your interviewers, and hopefully, you have a solid idea of where you want your career to take you following your training. Discuss how you feel the curriculum of the program you are interviewing with will help prepare you for success in your career.

Is there a particular rotation or experience you are most looking forward to as a prospective vascular surgery fellow?

"This is a tough question because your entire two-year curriculum is fascinating. I would likely have to say that the open vascular surgery rotation will be the most exciting for me because I'll have the ability to select the cases that I want to work on and will get the chance to be in the OR every day performing reconstructions, lower extremity bypasses, and aortic aneurysms."

Vascular surgery fellowship programs structure their curriculum differently in what they call their rotations. Some have only two over two years, and others can have up to six. In the end, you will gain experience with different types of diseases and procedures, and your interviewers simply want to hear which of these you are most excited about.

Before your vascular surgery fellowship interview, thoroughly read the program's website to learn more about the experiences and rotations you will take part in if you match there. As you answer, try to show enthusiasm for a rotation, procedure, or experience that excites you the most. If you can tie the experience to your future goals, your interviewing team will be able to sense your enthusiasm.

How would you describe your interpersonal and communication skills?

"I would describe my communication as collaborative, informative, and empathetic. My current team of residents and attending physicians wouldn't hesitate to comment on my ability to lead a team collaboratively through communication skills. One experience that confirms my communication skills was a bad two-vehicle car accident. Five patients came to our ED in critical condition while I was on call. Throughout the night, we operated on three of the patients. I helped triage the operations, communicated with family members, and directed our OR teams. All three patients survived, and my program director was so proud of my actions."

Success as a vascular surgeon is highly reliant on the communication between an OR care team, clinic staff, and the physicians you will be collaborating in care with. This question is thrown your way so your interviewers can see how you would describe your communication and interpersonal skills in a clinical setting and how your communication would benefit you as part of their program.

A two-pronged approach will work well as you answer this question. First, describe your communication skills using three to four keywords to highlight your ability to communicate effectively as part of a team. Then highlight an example or two of times when your communication proved vital during your residency training to further display that you will come to your vascular surgery fellowship as a great communicator.

Is there a specific personality type you find difficult to work with effectively?

"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."

As you likely experienced during your general surgery training, surgeons work with a wide variety of personalities. This will continue as a vascular surgery fellow, and your interviewers are curious to see if there is a personality type that has proven to be difficult for you to work with. More importantly, they want to hear that you found a way to work effectively with the personality type.

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.

What do you know about our institution? Do you see yourself fitting in well here?

"There is so much about your institution and program that are appealing to me, and seeing things in person today helped solidify my dream of matching here. From your access to cutting-edge technologies and your translational research programs, it's easy to see that you are helping to lead the advancement of medicine. I'd love to be a part of that as a vascular surgery fellow."

On top of joining the faculty and curriculum of a vascular surgery fellowship program, you will also be joining a unique medical institution with its cultural values, mission, and patient care philosophies. To ensure a great fit for the next two years, your team of interviewers needs to know that you've done your homework on their organization and see their values as a great fit yourself.

Do your homework on the institution you are interviewing with before your interview. Most programs have wonderful websites that clearly outline their values and what they stand for. Talking with any alumni you know can give you some good insight into the day-to-day life at the institution. Come to your interview prepared to talk about the values of theirs that you hold near and dear to your heart.

Did you ever have a dispute with a colleague during your residency training? If so, how did you navigate the situation?

"Yes, disagreements in the operating room happened occasionally, and communication was always the key to working things out quickly. Last year, I had a disagreement with an anesthesiologist during the preoperative preparation of a patient. Rather than become belligerent in my ways, I heard him out and spoke my mind. My attending also stepped into the discussion, and all agreed that the anesthesiologist was right. By focusing on doing what was right for the patient, it was easy to move on. I had a nice chat with the anesthesiologist following the procedure and apologized for the disruption."

In the hustle and bustle of a stressful and busy operating room, every surgeon will encounter a disagreement. Knowing that you likely experienced this during your residency training, the vascular surgery fellowship wants to hear about the situation and how you handled it to determine how you will manage conflict as a part of their program.

Before your interview, think of a time you successfully navigated a disagreement or dispute during your residency training. You want to ensure that the situation you discuss shows your ability to handle this challenge with respect, grace, and a focus on doing the right thing. If you had to admit you were wrong in the situation, your team of interviewers should get a sense of your humility in doing what is right. Highlight your interpersonal skills and how they helped you through the situation.

How would you like to see the delivery of surgical care evolve in the years to come?

"I see myself as a huge proponent for shorter hospital stays for patients and getting them back into their homes to recover. While this is a total care team effort, from the OR to the hospital floor and the primary care team, great things are being done in this realm currently and will only continue to improve with new technologies to monitor patients outside of the hospital setting. Less invasive procedures will continue to help get patients back on their feet and into normal life for vascular patients, and I'm excited to see these advance into the future."

Perhaps no other medical field has evolved with rapidly changing technology and medical innovation than surgery. The vascular surgery program you are interviewing with wants to hear that you have your own forward-thinking and innovative vision regarding what the future holds for the field and your career.

Consider questions like this before your vascular surgery fellowship interviews so you are prepared to talk in an educated manner about how surgical procedures can and will evolve. There is no right or wrong answer to a question like this, so don't hesitate to give your professional opinion on things you'd love to see occur. Ensure that your interviewers see your passion for the advancement of care in the surgical field.

Why is continuity of care vital for vascular surgery patients?

"All too often, patients don't receive the proper post-operative follow-up in the day, weeks, and months following their procedures. For patients that receive procedures like angioplasty or stenting, it is vital that patients' progress is monitored closely in follow-up clinic appointments, and the surgeon that provided the care should be the one doing that. My residency program prioritized my clinical training, and I feel strongly that I can continue this same level of care as a fellow with your program."

Over time, studies have shown that vascular surgeons' postoperative care for patients drops off immensely when it comes to patient follow-ups after procedures in the clinic setting. Today's vascular surgery fellowship programs continue to bolster their training for fellows in postoperative care. Your interviewing team needs to hear that you understand why clinical work is important for any surgeon.

Openly talk about your experiences in the clinic setting as a general surgery resident and what you learned from that experience that you can bring to your work as a vascular surgery fellow. If you have read literature on the importance of postoperative care, this is a great opportunity to show that you are well-versed in the importance of it (and that you pay attention to medical research).

While there are many pros to practicing as a vascular surgeon, what would be one con of practicing in this specialty?

"Before considering a future in vascular surgery, I weighed the pros and cons. I know I will be operating on very sick patients, and the job can be very demanding, but I am ready to take on that challenge to perform my best work for my patients. I also know that the hours are long and I can face some serious complications, both while in training and practice, but I'm confident in my ability to learn here and master my skills for a successful future."

As you have likely discovered through your general surgery residency training, there are many perks to being a surgeon. Your interviewing team wants to hear that you are aware of the negatives of the field and that you are armed to combat them. This is also a great question to test your overall picture of the field of vascular surgery.

Think carefully about this question so you can come prepared to discuss one or two perceived cons of practice in vascular surgery. You can speak from a high-level perspective of medicine or get into the weeds of vascular surgical care, but make sure to come prepared to discuss your mindset regarding the cons you discuss.

Based on your knowledge and personal opinion, what will the future of vascular surgery look like?

"It's been easy to see through my residency training in my rotations in vascular care that less invasive endovascular procedures will continue to evolve and advance. It is fascinating to think that major life-changing procedures can be done with such little intrusion on patients, and I'm excited to learn and grow with the rapidly changing tech advances into the future."

As you know from your years in training as a general surgery resident, technology and advancements in care will continue to shape how surgeries are performed. This same holds true for vascular surgery, and your team of interviewers wants to see that you have the passion and insight for what the future will hold in the field.

Before your vascular surgery fellowship interview, research what the future may hold for the field. By reading and talking with current attendings, you should be able to gather some knowledge on the breakthroughs on the horizon. Because your interviewers know this is both a factual and opinionated question, don't hesitate to give your thoughts on what the future will hold.

Do you have any concerns about relocating to join our vascular surgery program or living in this city for the next two years?

"No, I don't have any concerns at all about relocating here. One of the reasons your program jumped to the top of my wish list is because of the city and the fact my husband and I have family in the area. I spent a lot of time here growing up and enjoying the beaches, outdoor activities, and sporting events. I can see our kids loving this same experience over the coming two years and possibly longer."

Because matching into a vascular surgery fellowship program can be competitive, prospective fellows often apply to programs all over the country. As you are likely doing this yourself, your team of interviewers needs to be assured that you are willing to relocate to join their program and that you can see yourself (and your family) enjoying your personal life there.

Research the city/region where the program you are interviewing with is located. If you have lived or visited the city or adjacent cities, you should mention this fact. If you know anyone there, talk about the good things they have told you. If it is an unfamiliar city/region, pick traits unique to the city that would intrigue you and explain why an applicant may be open to living in the area. Assure your interviewers that you have done your homework on the city and can see yourself thriving there. And don't forget to give a resounding 'yes' to your willingness to relocate and let them know that your family (if applicable) also agrees.

What do you think your biggest challenge in your vascular surgery fellowship will be?

"In all honesty, I feel the biggest challenge for me from the start of your, or any, vascular surgery fellowship program will be getting used to the new focus on vascular care for patients. During residency, I've become accustomed to didactic case reviews being so broad in focus. I'm seeing this as a welcome change because this niche is where I want to see my career go as a surgeon."

As your interviewers get to work with new fellows that match into their vascular surgery fellowship each year, they know that most residency programs can't fully prepare new fellows for everything they will encounter during fellowship training. They expect this; however, they want to hear where you think your biggest challenges will fall if you match with them.

Your interviewers will appreciate your honesty and candor if you can openly describe what you feel will be the most significant hurdle you will have to overcome if you join their program and how you plan to succeed. An easy way to do this would be to carefully study the curriculum and the rotations you would be completing and come to your interview ready to highlight the one area you will find to be challenging. Speak with confidence in discussing your plan to get up to speed quickly.

What drove you to pursue training as a general surgeon?

"During the rotations during my third and fourth years of medical school, I was drawn to surgery in my rotations in general surgery, urology, and ENT. My skills proved to be quite good, and I knew general surgery was my initial path in formal residency training. Over the last five years, I have gotten the chance to rotate with two of the best vascular surgeons in the country, and their work was awe-inspiring. The meticulous work needed to be done to perform simple carotid stenting and endarterectomy procedures was something I became very profound at. I'm so excited to be able to continue training in this field with your program."

Training as a vascular surgery fellow requires a commitment like no other you've had up to this point in your career, given the demands and time commitment to the job. The program you are interviewing with wants to match fellows who are committed to the field, and your interviewing team wants to hear what inspired you and continues to motivate you as a surgeon and future vascular surgeon.

In your answer here, focus on your reason for choosing this career path, responding with enthusiasm and passion. There is no right or wrong answer as long as you can show you have the skills and knowledge to succeed as a surgeon. To further your answer, explain how a career as a vascular surgeon will be a challenge and a motivator for you to be the best you can be during your fellowship training and your career.

Why should we choose you over other applicants?

"I feel very fortunate to be sitting her in consideration for an excellent vascular surgery fellowship program like yours. I'd have to say the one unique quality that makes me the most standout candidate you will speak with is my drive and determination. I'm a critical thinker, a problem solver, and someone who doesn't take no for an answer. These traits helped me be nominated as a chief resident with my program and helped me shine in the OR on difficult cases."

Matching to a vascular surgery fellowship program is a competitive process compared to other advanced fellowships in surgery. Knowing that they'll likely have a tough choice among a strong pool of candidates that are gifted clinically and academically, your interviewers are giving you a chance here to give your best sales pitch on yourself for their program.

Dig deep and think of one or two qualities, skills, or experiences that you have that make you the best fit for the vascular surgery fellowship program you are interviewing with. While you can talk about the great rotation, research experience, USMLE scores, or other achievements you've had, you want to ensure that your answer here is a memorable one down the road for your interviewers. Make sure your answer is unique to you.

What would you say is your greatest weakness as a surgeon?

"I've received some very honest feedback from my current attendings that I can be too much of a perfectionist in the operating room. While I'm certainly aware of this fact, there was an instance where I wasn't happy with the work of a wound closure from my team, and I blatantly let them know this. Looking back, it wasn't the best way to handle the situation, and I quickly apologized to my team. I've been working on focusing on doing what's best for the patient and being a positive force when a job is well done by my team and worrying less about things going perfectly in my mind."

Over the years, the vascular surgery fellowship program you are interviewing with has seen many fellows from residency programs all over the country. From their experience, they know that no new fellow comes with a perfectly rounded skill set, and they want to hear directly from you where your one weakness may fall.

This is a chance for you to be honest with yourself and your interviewing team and show that you have the self-awareness needed to be the best vascular surgeon you can be. Before your interview, consider where your biggest clinical weakness is as you leave general surgery residency. Being honest will show your interviewers that you know where your weakness lies. The important piece of your answer is a solid plan for improving during your time with the program you are interviewing with.

How would your current colleagues describe your bedside manner?

"My fellow residents, attendings, and care teams that I currently work with wouldn't hesitate to say that I bring a comforting environment to the patients I operate on and their families patiently awaiting great results. If I can, I take the time to talk with patients to explain their procedure and answer any questions they have to put their minds at ease. And equally important is following up after their procedure, whether in the PACU or on the hospital floor later on. These little actions go a long way in the overall health and well-being of my patients."

Surgeons often get a bad rap for having poor bedside manners, and the reasons for this can be plentiful. Vascular care and procedures require an empathetic and personal approach, and your interviewing team knows that a great bedside manner from the entire care team has a positive impact on patient outcomes. With this question, they hope to hear that how you act around and treat patients is important to you.

Now is the time to describe how you treat all patients with respect, empathy, kindness, and compassion, even in the hectic atmosphere of a busy operating room and in pre-op and post-op care. After answering this question, you want your interviewing team to walk away knowing that you would come to their program with a strong focus on the overall care for each case you work with. If you have an example of a time you went the extra mile for a patient at their bedside during residency training, now is a great time to mention that experience and why it was important.

Take a minute to talk about your interests and hobbies outside of your clinical training.

"With a growing family, my two young kids take up a majority of my free time. As former athletes, my spouse and I have our kids playing baseball, soccer, and basketball, and I'm as involved as possible in practicing and coaching them along the way. My wife and I are very passionate about cooking, and we love to explore new recipes from around the world on our own."

During most of your interview process and the screening of your application materials and references, the vascular surgery program you are interviewing with will learn about the clinical skills you would bring to their team. Once they are confident in this, knowing who you are as a person and how you will fit on their team becomes important as well. The interviewers ask this question to gain insight into your personality and to see that you have a healthy work/life balance.

It is best to mention hobbies that showcase your strengths, skills, and passion that can transfer to your job as a vascular surgeon. Mention several hobbies and why you enjoy them while avoiding interests that could be construed as unprofessional. This is an opportunity to shed some light on who you are as a person and make you a memorable candidate come time for the match process, so take advantage of it.

What made you choose our vascular surgery fellowship program over others?

"As I researched vascular surgery fellowship programs to apply to, I had a few vital items on my checklist. First was working with highly regarded faculty to help make my experience in training all the more valuable. Second was a culture enrooted deeply in patient care and cohesiveness. I love that your program puts their fellows side-by-side with vascular surgeons, physicians from many other subspecialties, and diverse care teams to work alongside. From what I learned throughout the process and here today, your program seems like the perfect fit for my needs and training goals."

There are many great programs across the country, so outgoing general surgery residents focus their application process on the programs that best suit their needs from a professional and cultural level. In posing this question to you, your interviewers want to hear that you have some passionate and personal reasons for choosing to apply, interview, and hopefully rank their program high.

In your answer here, it's important to reiterate that you have researched their program in depth and that you have also compared their program to many others during your application process. You ideally want to highlight unique aspects of their vascular surgery fellowship program that stand out from others. You may want to participate in their program because of their stellar reputation, dynamic and interactive training program, or because they are an institution with a heavy focus on research. Because it is important to the program considering you, throw in a tidbit or two on your perceived excellent cultural fit.

What are the top strengths you developed during your general surgery training that would benefit you in our fellowship program?

"My comprehensive general surgery residency program helped me master very complex procedures and allowed me to work on cases with many intricacies. My advanced skills in this area are one of the big contributors to my pursuit of a future as a vascular surgeon, as recommended by several of my attendings. On top of the dexterity skills I mastered, I'm confident that the problem-solving skills I acquired during residency will greatly help me as a fellow in your program. When procedures have hiccups, I have the mindset to think and act quickly to do what is best for the patient."

Given the highly specialized nature of vascular surgery, successful surgeons need to possess stellar manual dexterity skills in the OR and other skills like spatial reasoning and complex problem-solving. Your interviewers want to hear you discuss the top skills you have mastered that will lead you to success as a fellow with their program.

Remember that your interviewers hope you focus at least part of your answer on direct clinical skills you have developed as a surgeon. Before your interview, take some time to reflect on the clinical and operative skills you have mastered that you know will benefit you in performing vascular procedures. Then highlight another skill or two that will round you out as a great vascular surgeon.

Talk about your scholarly activities during your residency training. How did they prepare you for success as a vascular surgery fellow?

"I feel very fortunate that my residency program was strong in training residents for success in research, publishing, and education. Over the last four years, I have been the first author of six submitted research articles, and I am proud of this accomplishment. Most of my clinical research has focused on quality outcomes and recovery times for procedures, and I would love to continue this in vascular surgery fellowship. I also presented last year at the ACS Clinical Congress and relished the opportunity to do so in front of my peers and renowned surgeons across the country."

Most strong vascular surgery fellowship programs focus on research and other scholarly activities. Your interviewers will be looking to match individuals with a strong passion and a successful track record in these areas.

Even though they can be found on the CV you submitted with your application, quickly walk through all of the research, publications, abstracts, and presentations you've been a part of during your training. As you do this, try to discuss the specific areas you have shown interest in and will continue to during your fellowship training and into your career. If you feel your scholarly activities are below what other general surgery residents have put out alongside you, highlight your strong desire to keep building and growing in this area.

What types of settings did you get to practice in and perform procedures in as a resident?

"During my residency training, I have performed a majority of my cases at the main campus hospital in state-of-the-art operating suites. I'm very grateful that I had the chance to rotate to a couple of our community hospitals and experience procedures and follow-up care in that setting. I think it's important for physicians to remain nimble in their practice location, particularly for surgeons. I love that your program will include rotations in one of the largest VA hospitals in the country."

In most vascular surgery fellowship programs, fellows get the opportunity to practice at several clinic training sites. This can include main campus hospitals, satellite surgery centers, and even VA hospitals. In asking this question, your interviewers want to hear if you gained experience practicing in multiple settings during your residency training and that you are excited about the settings their program will put you in.

Talk openly about the hospitals and clinics that your general surgery residency program put you in, and explain that you are very appreciative of those experiences you got and what you learned from them. If possible, try to do a bit of reading on the different settings the program you are interviewing uses so you can express your enthusiasm for them as you answer.

What type of leader do you expect to be in our program?

"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."

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.

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.

How do HIPAA laws impact your daily work as a general surgery resident? Will you continue to take these laws seriously as a fellow in our program?

"HIPAA compliance comes down to doing the little things right every moment I can. When charting at a workstation, I ensure I save my note and log off the unit before walking away. I don't bring up a patient's protected information when conversing about cases. I feel fortunate that the mentors I've worked under during my residency training taught me about HIPAA laws, and I'm ready to bring great compliance habits to your vascular surgery fellowship program."

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act dictates a lot of policies and procedures for any person in the medical field, and physicians can be the most impacted. Your interviewers need to know that you take the privacy of your patients' information very seriously.

HIPAA compliance comes down to doing the little things right concerning protecting the private information of your patients. Describe your formal training on the topic during your medical school and residency training. Highlight your ability to keep private health information out of the view of others when charting and out of public conversation. No matter how you answer, be sure your interviewers walk away knowing you take these matters seriously.

How do you keep your emotions from affecting your work in the operating room?

"It is hard not to feel emotional when losing a patient or having to deliver bad news to the family of a patient, but I knew it was part of the job going into my residency training and will continue to be as a fellow with your program. I keep my emotions from affecting my work by talking with my colleagues or attending physician if something is bothering me and taking care of myself away from work. I like to run, which helps clear my mind when feeling emotional. In the OR, I have one goal in mind, and that is a successful procedure. While curveballs being thrown are more the norm than the abnormality, I have an uncanny ability to stay focused in the face of any situation."

During your general surgery residency training, you've experienced the highs and lows that operating on patients can bring. Your interviewers need to know that any vascular surgery fellow they bring aboard comes with the ability to channel their emotions so they do not interfere with their work; this question allows them to hear your tactics for keeping your emotions in check.

Talk openly about your ability to keep your emotions separate from your work as a surgeon and explain why doing so is important. While everyone's tools and tactics may vary, you want to show that you can stay focused on the task at hand no matter what situation you find yourself in. Another great thing to discuss is your ability to maintain your mental, physical, and emotional health outside the hospital walls in your free time.

What would you say was the most stressful part of your general surgery residency?

"The biggest cause of stress in my first couple of years of residency training was the hours and long periods on my feet. While this caused physical stress, I needed to quickly learn new ways of ensuring I was as energized as I could be and as rested as possible at the same time. This meant a change in my home life. Exercising more, relaxing more, and eating much healthier became a part of my everyday life, and it helped while in the OR. These are habits I will bring here every day as well."

Stress and burnout are very real for both general surgeons and vascular surgeons. To determine your ability to handle the stress that will come with the next two years of training as a vascular surgery fellow, your interviewers want to get an idea of what caused you the most stress during your residency training because they know every fellow's stressors can vary.

It is okay to open up about the aspects of your residency training that caused you to stress because your interviewers understand that every surgeon is exposed to it. The key is how you handled the stress in a healthy, safe, and productive manner, so be sure to key your answer in how you were able to do that during your residency and will continue to do it in fellowship training.

Vascular Surgery Fellowship Interview Questions

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1. Are you comfortable adapting to new technologies as a vascular surgery fellow to perform non-invasive vascular tests?
2. What questions do you have about our vascular surgery fellowship program?
3. Tell me about a time you received constructive criticism from an attending physician or senior resident during your residency. How did you respond?
4. Talk about the most difficult patient case you were a part of during your residency. How did you handle the situation?
5. What will you do to stay motivated and prevent yourself from burning out?
6. What are your future career goals after you complete this fellowship training program?
7. Is there a particular rotation or experience you are most looking forward to as a prospective vascular surgery fellow?
8. How would you describe your interpersonal and communication skills?
9. Is there a specific personality type you find difficult to work with effectively?
10. What do you know about our institution? Do you see yourself fitting in well here?
11. Did you ever have a dispute with a colleague during your residency training? If so, how did you navigate the situation?
12. How would you like to see the delivery of surgical care evolve in the years to come?
13. Why is continuity of care vital for vascular surgery patients?
14. While there are many pros to practicing as a vascular surgeon, what would be one con of practicing in this specialty?
15. Based on your knowledge and personal opinion, what will the future of vascular surgery look like?
16. Do you have any concerns about relocating to join our vascular surgery program or living in this city for the next two years?
17. What do you think your biggest challenge in your vascular surgery fellowship will be?
18. What drove you to pursue training as a general surgeon?
19. Why should we choose you over other applicants?
20. What would you say is your greatest weakness as a surgeon?
21. How would your current colleagues describe your bedside manner?
22. Take a minute to talk about your interests and hobbies outside of your clinical training.
23. What made you choose our vascular surgery fellowship program over others?
24. What are the top strengths you developed during your general surgery training that would benefit you in our fellowship program?
25. Talk about your scholarly activities during your residency training. How did they prepare you for success as a vascular surgery fellow?
26. What types of settings did you get to practice in and perform procedures in as a resident?
27. What type of leader do you expect to be in our program?
28. How do HIPAA laws impact your daily work as a general surgery resident? Will you continue to take these laws seriously as a fellow in our program?
29. How do you keep your emotions from affecting your work in the operating room?
30. What would you say was the most stressful part of your general surgery residency?

Vascular Surgery Fellowship Interview Questions

1. Are you comfortable adapting to new technologies as a vascular surgery fellow to perform non-invasive vascular tests?

2. What questions do you have about our vascular surgery fellowship program?

3. Tell me about a time you received constructive criticism from an attending physician or senior resident during your residency. How did you respond?

4. Talk about the most difficult patient case you were a part of during your residency. How did you handle the situation?

5. What will you do to stay motivated and prevent yourself from burning out?

6. What are your future career goals after you complete this fellowship training program?

7. Is there a particular rotation or experience you are most looking forward to as a prospective vascular surgery fellow?

8. How would you describe your interpersonal and communication skills?

9. Is there a specific personality type you find difficult to work with effectively?

10. What do you know about our institution? Do you see yourself fitting in well here?

11. Did you ever have a dispute with a colleague during your residency training? If so, how did you navigate the situation?

12. How would you like to see the delivery of surgical care evolve in the years to come?

13. Why is continuity of care vital for vascular surgery patients?

14. While there are many pros to practicing as a vascular surgeon, what would be one con of practicing in this specialty?

15. Based on your knowledge and personal opinion, what will the future of vascular surgery look like?

16. Do you have any concerns about relocating to join our vascular surgery program or living in this city for the next two years?

17. What do you think your biggest challenge in your vascular surgery fellowship will be?

18. What drove you to pursue training as a general surgeon?

19. Why should we choose you over other applicants?

20. What would you say is your greatest weakness as a surgeon?

21. How would your current colleagues describe your bedside manner?

22. Take a minute to talk about your interests and hobbies outside of your clinical training.

23. What made you choose our vascular surgery fellowship program over others?

24. What are the top strengths you developed during your general surgery training that would benefit you in our fellowship program?

25. Talk about your scholarly activities during your residency training. How did they prepare you for success as a vascular surgery fellow?

26. What types of settings did you get to practice in and perform procedures in as a resident?

27. What type of leader do you expect to be in our program?

28. How do HIPAA laws impact your daily work as a general surgery resident? Will you continue to take these laws seriously as a fellow in our program?

29. How do you keep your emotions from affecting your work in the operating room?

30. What would you say was the most stressful part of your general surgery residency?