Tell us about a time when you received feedback from a colleague or supervisor. How did you handle it?

One time, a colleague provided me with feedback on my patient communication skills. They mentioned that I sometimes came across as too technical and needed to use more patient-friendly language. I appreciated the feedback and took it as an opportunity to improve. I asked my colleague for specific examples of where I could improve and implemented their suggestions. To practice, I started explaining medical jargon in simpler terms during patient consultations. I also asked for feedback from patients to ensure I was effectively communicating with them. Over time, I noticed a positive change in how patients responded and understood their conditions. This experience taught me the importance of actively seeking feedback and using it to grow professionally.

During my first year of fellowship, my supervisor provided me with feedback on my patient communication skills. They mentioned that I was not explaining complex medical terms effectively, which made it difficult for patients to understand their conditions. I truly valued this feedback as I believe effective communication is crucial in patient care. To address this, I actively sought guidance from my supervisor on how to improve. They provided me with resources such as patient education materials and recommended attending communication workshops. I took their advice to heart and dedicated time every week to review and practice using patient-friendly language. Additionally, I sought feedback from patients by asking them if they had any questions or needed further clarification during consultations. As a result, I noticed that patients seemed more engaged, asked more questions, and expressed a better understanding of their conditions. This experience not only helped me improve my communication skills but also reinforced the importance of actively seeking feedback and continuously working on professional development.

The solid answer expands on the basic answer by providing specific details about the candidate's actions, the resources they utilized, and the outcomes of the feedback. It demonstrates the candidate's commitment to improving their communication skills and their ability to take proactive steps to address the feedback.

Early in my residency, one of my colleagues provided me with feedback on my clinical reasoning skills. They mentioned that I tended to focus too narrowly on certain diagnostic possibilities and could benefit from considering a broader range of differential diagnoses. I appreciated their candid feedback and saw it as an opportunity for growth. To address this, I sought out additional learning resources, such as medical textbooks and online courses, to enhance my diagnostic skills and expand my knowledge base. I also actively participated in case discussions and sought input from senior physicians during patient rounds. By adopting a more comprehensive approach to each case and considering multiple diagnostic possibilities, I noticed a significant improvement in my clinical reasoning abilities. This experience taught me the importance of embracing feedback, continuously seeking self-improvement, and maintaining a curious and open mindset in my medical practice.

The exceptional answer goes above and beyond by providing a more complex and impactful feedback scenario. It demonstrates the candidate's ability to handle constructive criticism, take decisive action, and achieve a significant improvement in their skills. It also highlights the candidate's commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.