Tell me about a patient encounter that taught you something about yourself.

ExperiencePatient EncounterCore

Purpose

This question is all about seeing how you learn and reflect from your clinical experiences. It's a chance to show your empathy, personal growth, and insight beyond just the medical side.

Tips

  • Pick a specific patient encounter that taught you something about yourself.
  • Focus on the personal insight or lesson you gained from the experience.
  • Use the STAR-L method: Situation, Task, Action, Result, Lessons Learned.

Common mistakes

  • Don't just describe a medical case without personal reflection.
  • Avoid framing patients negatively or blaming them.
  • Don't skip the 'lesson learned' part – it's crucial for showing growth.

Background

Use STAR-L to structure responses to questions about your experiences: -Situation: Briefly set the scene - where/when and what was going on? -Task: What was your specific role or challenge in that situation? -Action: What you did - focus on your steps, decisions, and contributions. -Result: Share the outcome - ideally positive or meaningful. -Lessons Learned: Reflect on what you took away and how you’ve grown.