What strategies will you use to develop the fine motor and decision-making skills needed to perform cataract surgery safely during residency?
Specialty-Specific
Purpose
This question is all about understanding how you plan to tackle the challenges of ophthalmic surgery. Interviewers want to see if you’re proactive and have a solid plan for developing the skills needed for such precise work.
Tips
- Acknowledge the challenges of cataract surgery and the importance of precision.
- Share specific strategies for improving fine motor skills, like practicing in wet labs or using simulators.
- Discuss how you’ll enhance decision-making skills through case reviews, discussions, and seeking feedback.
Common mistakes
- Don’t underestimate the difficulty of eye surgery or sound too overconfident about your skills.
- Avoid vague plans like 'I'll just learn in the OR'—be specific about your strategies.
- Don’t focus only on one skill area; show that you understand the need for both manual dexterity and clinical judgment.