research fellow interview

8 Tips to Prepare for a Fellowship Interview

When preparing for a Fellowship interview, it’s essential to cover a range of aspects, including both general and technical areas. Here are eight items to focus on:

Fellowship Interview Preparation

Remember to practice your responses, seek feedback from mentors or peers, and approach the interview with confidence and enthusiasm.

1. Tell Us About Yourself

Sample Answer

I am a hardworking, creative, motivated medical graduate passionate about child healthcare. I majored in pediatrics to work with and help children suffering from different conditions. I enjoy playing soccer, hanging out with my friends, and volunteering on different community projects and initiatives during my free time.

2. Why Do You Want To Pursue A Fellowship In Your Field Of Study?

A fellowship will give me the opportunity to expand my knowledge and acquire more skills in this field, which will help me in my future endeavors. I will also contribute to the development and advancement of this particular field through research and data analysis. Lastly, I will meet like-minded individuals from different walks of life and learn from several experienced professionals in this field, which will help me improve my area of experience. This is a life-changing opportunity.

3. Do You Have Any Long-Term Career Goals? How Will This Fellowship Help You Achieve Them?

I have only one main career goal- to be in a position where I can effect real change. This fellowship will allow me to widen my knowledge in this field, conduct extensive research, write papers and theses to be used as academic references, and attract the attention of scholars and policy-makers in the country and other regions. It will start me on a journey to academic excellence and research prowess that will earn me a seat on different boards and tribunals where I can contribute to real change.

4. You Will Be Part Of A Community If You Are Awarded This Fellowship. How Do You Intend To Contribute To The Community?

I have been part of different scholarly communities before, which is an advantage since this won’t shock me. To contribute to my new community following the award of this fellowship, I plan to attend and actively participate in seminars, workshops, group sessions, and any activities provided for by this program. I will also share my research findings with them and even ensure they reach a wider population by publishing them in relevant academic journals or presenting them at various conferences.

5. Do You Have Any Specific Research Project You Plan To Work On During Your Fellowship?

Yes. I have a number of projects I have always wanted to work on. However, for the purposes of this fellowship, I intend to learn more about how we can use organic products and plant extracts to treat the symptoms of chronic diseases and manage mental disorders such as anxiety or depression. I intend to meet with professionals, including doctors, psychologists, and botanists, to gather the information to support my research.

I will also collaborate with students and professors from my alma mater who will have useful perspectives, helping me to achieve my main aim, which is to give people suffering from chronic diseases and mental disorders an alternative to the tens of pills they have to take every day to treat their symptoms and conditions.

6. Do You Have Any Experience In This Field Of Study?

I am still waiting to have tangible or significant experience in the outside world, given that I graduated not so long ago. However, I completed ten independent research projects during my time in college which were published in a number of scholarly publications and scientific journals. I also had a chance to work with some of the most renowned professors in this field when undertaking my research projects, who polished my understanding of different concepts. Whatever I learned from them will come in handy in this scholarship.

7. Which Challenges Do You Anticipate During Your Fellowship Program?

The main challenge I will face on getting this opportunity will be being away from my family since I will have to go abroad for this program. The longest duration I have been away from my parents and sisters is one week, and now I have to go for months. However, they understand that it is for the greater good, which will make coping a lot easier. I will also come back as a better person and professional, which is enough consolation. I will stay in touch with them daily through video calls and messaging, thanks to technological advancement.

8. You Have Done And Participated In A Number Of Research Projects Based On Your Resume. How Do You Normally Know Whether Your Research Is Successful Or Not?

I normally ensure that all my research objectives have been met before sharing my findings with the world or the research community through quantitative and qualitative methods. For example, I use proven research methods to collect data and obtain feedback from my research participants and stakeholders to succeed in the qualitative aspect of my research. I also analyze specific metrics and data and compare them to the current benchmarks in this field, which caters to the quantitative aspect of my research.

9. What Do You Plan To Do After Completing Your Fellowship?

I take great pride in research and academia, so I plan to return to my alma mater and head the research department or serve as an associate lecturer. These two positions will allow me to use the skills obtained from this fellowship to make a positive mark and meaningful contribution to this particular field. I will also have access to resources and professionals capable of helping me in my future research projects. Lastly, I intend to increase my involvement in the academic community and, if possible, mentor junior researchers.

10. How Would You Go About Mentoring And Collaborating With Other Fellows?

I plan to use this fellowship to impact the lives of people around me, such as my fellows. To effectively work with and mentor them, I will ensure that I am as open as possible and actively support them in their undertakings. I will also not forgo a chance to collaborate and learn from them. By collaborating with and mentoring my fellows, I will significantly contribute to society, which every scholar should strive to do.

11. Will You Involve Marginalized Groups In Your Research?

Yes. Everyone should have a voice and a chance to participate in different spheres of life, including and not limited to research. I intend to recruit individuals from underrepresented groups to make my research as inclusive as possible. This will also allow me to learn from them, given that everyone has something to offer. I will also work closely with the entities that represent them to ensure that my research captures the perspectives of different community partners, helping me obtain accurate findings.

12. How Will You Fund Your Research After The Fellowship?

I have created several professional networks, which have come in handy in my previous research funding. I am in communication with several professors and professionals in the private sector interested in my research area, who will likely chip in when the fellowship ends, just like they have always done before. Additionally, I will apply for grants and collaborate with other researchers, depending on the circumstances. I may also resort to other means, such as industry partnerships and crowdfunding, which work for other researchers.

13. How Will You Share Your Findings With A Non-Academic Audience?

Public speaking is one of the best ways of communicating research findings to a non-academic audience. I will attend relevant talk shows, television programs, and general seminars to present my research findings in simple language. I will also engage community partners in a better position to make my findings and research more accessible through targeted promotion. Lastly, I will build and maintain excellent relationships with the editors of different popular science journals and articles to get a chance to publish my findings.

14. How Will You Ensure That This Fellowship Does Not Affect The Other Commitments You May Have?

Sample Answer

I have always managed to balance my personal life and career by staying organized and prioritizing all my undertakings, which will also come in handy in this situation. I intend to develop clear goals and priorities for my fellowship program to ensure that it does not infringe on the time needed to attend to other commitments. I will also keep my schedule flexible, so I can attend to my research and personal commitments and, lastly, ask for help where possible.

15. How Will You Bring Other Researchers And Organizations On Board During Your Fellowship Program?

I understand the importance of collaborating with other researchers, community partners, and organizations during research and scholarly work, given that I have done a number of research projects before. I will reach out to as many researchers and organizations as possible and find collaboration opportunities through active seeking. I will also attend and participate in seminars, workshops, and relevant events, which are viable grounds for networking with professionals capable of positively impacting my fellowship. Lastly, I will reach out to community partners to obtain valuable insights and perspectives to ensure my research is relevant.

16. Are You Prepared To Relocate If The Need Arises?

I am okay with relocating, even though it means being away from my family and friends. On the brighter side, I will get a chance to explore new locations and cultures, which will positively impact my research. I will also ensure that I transition as smoothly and quickly as possible by familiarizing myself with my new location within the first few weeks and learning the available resources. This won’t be my first time relocating to a new place, so I expect it to be relatively easier.

17. Do You Plan To Involve Students And Trainees In Your Research?

Yes. Students and trainees can also bring new perspectives to my research, which makes them valuable. I will allow these two groups to participate in my work through research assistant and collaborator positions, aiding them to obtain valuable experience to help them in their future research tasks. I will also mentor and allow them to share their research and findings with the world at different events.

18. How Will You Ensure That Your Research Meets The Required Ethical Standards During Your Fellowship?

I always ensure that my research projects abide by the provided ethical standards. First, I will conduct my research ethically and responsibly, which means prioritizing my participants’ well-being. I will also ensure that my research includes marginalized or underrepresented groups and doesn’t harm any community or groups by considering the implications it has on them. Additionally, I will abide by all the rules and guidelines given by the review board. Lastly, I will uphold privacy and confidentiality, ensure that participants give informed consent, and minimize harm to the environment or any group.

19. Why Do You Believe That You Are Qualified For This Fellowship?

Yes. I have everything needed to succeed in this fellowship. I have been undertaking different research projects in this field and publishing my research and findings in journals for the last seven years. I can also independently conduct in-depth research, as demonstrated by my last two research projects. Lastly, I am a hardworking and dedicated individual, which will help me manage the challenges I will likely face in this program.

20. What Do You Expect To Achieve From This Fellowship?

This fellowship will give me an opportunity to work on a research project I have always been looking forward to, allowing me to achieve an academic milestone in my life and acquire more knowledge in a particular research area. I also expect to create many useful professional networks that will prove resourceful in future research projects. Lastly, I expect to improve my research, data handling, and collaboration skills, which every scholar should strive to do. This fellowship will change both my life and career.

21. How Will You Remedy Research Limitations And Gaps?

Limitations and gaps are common occurrences in research that can be easily remedied by conducting a thorough literature review to identify any existing scholarly publications touching on the research topic and using the right data collection methods to ensure data accuracy. For better results, I also intend to use other methods and perspectives that can offer a more holistic view of the research topic and obtain feedback from peers and mentors, who are better positioned to identify research limitations and gaps.

22. How Will This Fellowship Contribute To The Advancement Of Your Field Of Study Or Interest?

I will share the research undertaken during this fellowship and the findings with worldwide scholars through academic publications, journals,s and conferences, and workshop presentations. It will also give me a chance to involve and mentor students and trainees who will further this field through their research projects and publications. Lastly, this fellowship will put me in a better position to actively participate in decision and policy-making processes related to this field.

23. How Will You Make Your Research More Replicable And Generalizable?

As a scholar and researcher, I understand the importance of research replicability and generalizability. Therefore, I will only use appropriate research methods and be honest about my data and the research methods used. I will also share relevant information about the research, such as my sample sizes, data collection methods, and study design. For generalizability, I intend to ensure that the sample represents a population of interest.

24. How Will You Keep Other Stakeholders Involved In Your Fellowship?

I need to collaborate with a number of parties for this fellowship to be successful, which I am ready and willing to do. I plan to actively look for and create collaboration opportunities with stakeholders, such as organizations and other researchers. I will also reach out to and follow up with policymakers, community partners, and industry leaders to ensure that my fellowship yields impactful and relevant research. Other means that have always provided useful include preparing online surveys for data collection and forwarding to them, organizing focus groups, and arranging for interviews.

25. What Will Be Your Next Course Of Action If You Don’t Get This Fellowship?

Even though this fellowship will positively impact my life and career, I also understand that I may not get it. I will quickly accept such a turn of events in such a case and continue focusing on my current and future research projects. I will also continue applying for grants to fund my projects and collaborate with other researchers.

26. What Are Your Thoughts On The Future Of Your Field Of Study?

I believe that the future of my field of study is bright. With the advancements in technology and the increasing demand for skilled professionals, there are many opportunities for growth and innovation.

27. What Is Your Experience With Working In A Team?

I have extensive experience working in teams, both in academic and professional settings. I am comfortable collaborating with others, sharing ideas, and taking on different roles to achieve a common goal.

28. What Is Your Approach To Handling Difficult Situations?

When faced with a difficult situation, I try to remain calm and focused. I assess the situation, gather information, and consider all possible solutions before making a decision. I also believe in seeking advice and support from others when needed.

29. What Is Your Experience With Research And Data Analysis?

I have experience conducting research and analyzing data in both academic and professional settings. I am proficient in various research methodologies and data analysis tools, and I am comfortable working with large datasets.

30. What Is Your Experience With Public Speaking?

I have experience delivering presentations and speeches in both academic and professional settings. I am comfortable speaking in front of large audiences, and I am skilled in using visual aids and other tools to enhance my presentations.

Conclusion

We have exhausted the most common questions in Fellowship interviews to give you an idea of what to expect. We urge you to think through your responses and create an excellent first impression to get such a chance. We wish you all the best and hope you get the chance to make a difference through your scholarship if you succeed in your interview .

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Applying for Fellowship: What You Need to Know

By Ole-Petter Hamnvik, MB BCh BAO, MMSc

Published July 21, 2017

Applying for fellowships is a stressful process. It not only involves making major decisions that will impact your life but it also requires creating a competitive application and preparing for high-stakes interviews, all while you are still fulfilling your responsibilities as a resident. NEJM Resident 360 hosted a discussion with a panel of experts on preparing for fellowship to explore many of these issues. In this blog post, I share some personal tips and useful advice from our panel experts on how to be a successful fellowship candidate.

Be the Early Bird

Creating a successful application for fellowship does not start one or two months before applications are due. Starting the process a year before you apply can ensure that you are ahead of the game.

Here are some things to think about during the year before applying:

Decide on your subspecialty:

You may be someone who knew you wanted to be a cardiologist when you applied to medical school or you may still be undecided about specialties. If you are in the second category, try to find clinical experiences in the subspecialty during your elective period, ambulatory block (for outpatient-focused specialties), or inpatient rotations in specialties that you are considering (for specialties with a heavy inpatient load, such as cardiology and oncology). Talk to fellows and faculty in the specialty to learn what their life is like. Discuss your choices with advisors (e.g., your residency program director) or mentors. You might also find the NEJM Resident 360 blog post Family Medicine, Rad Onc, or OB? How to Choose a Specialty helpful.

Invest in at least one rotation in your chosen subspecialty:

Most fellowships want at least one letter from a faculty member in the subspecialty that you are applying for. As you set up your schedule for the year, ensure that you have at least one rotation that will give you time with a subspecialty faculty member who can write a letter of recommendation for you.

Take part in research projects to enhance your application :

Depending on your subspecialty and career plans, consider working on a project that either has a research or educational focus or on a case report or case series during the year before you apply. This is particularly important if you plan to have a career that includes nonclinical or nontraditional activities such as research, medical education, health policy, global health, hospital administration, and medical writing. Participating in such activities in addition to patient care will demonstrate your commitment and set you apart from other applicants.

Take time out of the training path:

Many residents are interested in taking a year off to do research, work as a hospitalist, or act as a chief medical resident. In many cases, this may strengthen your application. However, being away from clinical medicine for too long might elicit concern about your clinical skills when you return to practice. Make sure to address your decision to take time out in your personal statement and be prepared during your interview to explain why you decided to take that path, how you spent this time, and how the experience will help you during fellowship and your career. If you were a hospitalist and practiced independently for an extended period, you may be asked about the challenges of being a trainee again and required to run your plans by someone else.

Assembling Your Application

As the application submission deadlines loom closer (within 6 months), start collecting all the documents that you need to create your application. Some components depend only on you (e.g., the personal statement and resume) while other parts require input from busy people (e.g., letters of recommendation). The earlier you start, the better!

Here are the steps required to assemble your application:

Familiarize yourself with the application requirements:

Most subspecialties use the Electronic Residency Application Service ( ERAS ). Some programs and subspecialties have specific requirements, so you will want to review the ERAS website in detail as well as the relevant fellowship program websites.

Request letters of recommendation (LoR):

How many? Aim for four letters if the number is not specified. Check program requirements on the ERAS and program websites.

Who should write the letters? After you review the letter requirements for your programs, think about who can write a meaningful LoR about your abilities as a doctor rather than someone who will rehash your CV. Usually, one of the letters is from your residency program director. Others can be written by clinicians in general medicine or subspecialties with whom you have worked. If you have been involved in research or education projects, get LoRs from your project supervisor. Include at least one letter from a subspecialist in the specialty that you are applying for.

When should I ask for the letter? Asking for a letter while you are still working with a faculty member is best — and the earlier the better — as this allows them to pay more attention to your performance in real time and perhaps take note of specific strengths or examples. You can provide additional instructions on how to submit the LoR closer to the due date.

How do I ask for the letter? First, don’t be afraid to ask! All faculty members at institutions with residency programs are accustomed to writing LoRs. You can email your request, but also offer to meet in person to discuss your career plans. Writers based outside of the U.S. may require more guidance. An international faculty member may be brief about your abilities, and this could be perceived more negatively than intended. Providing sample LoRs could be helpful.

Here are some more helpful tips:

Ask if they feel they know you well enough to write a positive letter on your behalf

Provide an updated copy of your CV and your personal statement to frame the LoR

Consider noting specific areas on your CV that you would like highlighted

Always remember to thank your letter writers, especially after you match, because they will be curious about the outcome!

How are the letters submitted? Letters are submitted electronically via ERAS. Make sure you review the ERAS procedure carefully and instruct your letter writers on how to submit their LoRs.

Write your personal statement:

Your CV and LoR may be prioritized over your personal statement, but programs use your personal statement to learn more about you. The personal statement is the only place in your application where you can add your voice and bring together all of the pieces of your application. Send your personal statement to friends and mentors to ensure that it is error-free. Keep it brief — no more than one page.

Some questions you may want to ask yourself as you write your personal statement include:

What experiences make you a strong candidate for this program?

What parts of your application suggest that you will have a successful career?

How can you draw the reader’s focus on your unique achievements?

What relevant information is not included elsewhere on the application (e.g., unexplained absences from clinical work or a failed exam)?

Create your application/CV:

ERAS will prompt you to input all the information that fellowship program directors are looking for, such as education, academic projects, publications, etc. Include all achievements, including ongoing projects. Be prepared to address anything that is on your application during the interview.

Select programs to apply to and submit your application:

Once you have created your application, you will submit it to programs (usually via ERAS). Deciding how many and which programs to apply to will depend on personal preferences, your competitiveness as an applicant, and the type of training you seek. For example, if you are planning a career as a clinician-investigator, focus on academically oriented programs. If you had some struggles during medical school or residency and therefore do not have a very strong application, you may need to apply more broadly. Your residency program director can help you decide how many and what programs to apply to. Look at the fellowship program website to find out the career paths of prior fellows.

Acing the Interview

Fellowship interviews are often a bit more involved than residency interviews. The number of faculty members and trainees is much smaller in the fellowship program, and some fellows may stay on faculty after their fellowship. Therefore, faculty will be considering you as a potential future colleague and want to determine in the interview whether you will be a good fit.

Tips for acing the interview include:

Be engaged: Show your best side during the interview day. Make sure you are rested. Do not schedule interviews when you are post-call! Be social, put your phone away, and get to know the faculty, fellows, and other applicants.

Practice and prepare : Many residency programs will offer mock interviews with experienced fellowship interviewers. Even if you do not have the opportunity to do a mock interview, prepare answers to commonly asked questions and practice delivering these answers out loud.

Some interview topics to prepare for include:

talking about yourself

your strengths/weaknesses

describe a challenging patient interaction and how you resolved it

where you want to be in 5 to 10 years (You don’t have to be specific but you should have some sense of what you would like to do and how you will get there.)

Make sure you know what questions interviewers are not allowed to ask (e.g., what other programs you applied to, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and family status). If any of these questions come up, try to make light of it and take the conversation in a different direction. Let your residency program director know if you are concerned about questions asked during your interview.

Know your interviewers : Many fellowships will give you the interview schedule ahead of time; make sure you read about the interviewers and their interests. If you know the program has a faculty member that might make a good mentor, make sure to contact the program well ahead of time to see if they can schedule an interview with that person. In addition to the division’s website, you can find useful information about interviewers on PubMed, LinkedIn, Doximity, Google, etc. This information will allow you to find some common points for discussion during the interview.

Ask questions : You should have read the program’s website in detail before the interview. Reviewing the website of the medical school or the medical center might also be helpful. You may find information on a relevant grant or multidisciplinary initiative. Prepare honest questions to help get to the essence of the type of curriculum the program offers (including clinical experiences you would like to learn more about, research mentorship, or non-clinical training opportunities).

Interact with current fellows: They are on the front lines and can tell you more about call schedules, work hours, and other day-to-day questions than any of the faculty members. In addition, current fellows can give you the inside scoop on the program, the program director, and mentorship.

Send thank you notes: Sending a thank-you note (via email or snail mail) is not required and may not be reciprocated. If your post-interview feelings are genuine, you can choose to send a quick note to express your ongoing interest in the program and you can include specific points, but do not cut and paste a generic thank you note. If there are been major updates to your application, let the program know.

Post-interview communication: The official match policy is to discourage any communication from the program to the applicant after the day of the interview. Therefore, if you do not hear from the program, it does not necessarily indicate a lack of interest in you. However, fellowship programs are not prohibited from contacting you so you may get a call or an email, usually just to check if you have any additional questions. Programs cannot ask you how you are going to rank them. If you have concerns about a post-interview communication, discuss it with your residency program director who can help resolve the situation.

Once you are done with the interview season, you will need to submit your rank list and wait for match day! Good luck!

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Top 25 Brigham and Women’s Hospital Research Fellow Interview Questions & Answers

Get ready for your Research Fellow interview at Brigham and Women's Hospital with a list of common questions you may encounter and how to prepare for them effectively.

Embarking on a career as a Research Fellow at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, one of the most prestigious medical institutions in the world, is indeed a commendable achievement. This role requires not only an extensive understanding of your research domain but also exceptional analytical skills to contribute effectively to ongoing studies.

To help you prepare for this important next step in your scientific career, we’ll delve into some potential interview questions that you may encounter during your interview process with Brigham and Women’s Hospital. These are designed to assess your technical knowledge, critical thinking abilities, and passion for making significant contributions to medical research. Let’s get started!

Common Brigham and Women’s Hospital Research Fellow Interview Questions

1. can you detail your experience with clinical research and how it applies to the role of a research fellow here.

Unraveling the intricacies of your experiences with clinical research is pivotal to understanding how you’ll navigate the role of a Research Fellow. The hospital is keen on seeing how your past experiences align with the responsibilities and expectations of the position. Additionally, it’s critical to gauge if you possess the necessary skills to conduct research that contributes to the hospital’s mission of cutting-edge, patient-centered care.

Example: “I have been involved in clinical research for over five years, focusing on cardiology. My work has primarily centered around investigating the impacts of lifestyle changes on heart disease progression.

Applying this to a Research Fellow role at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, my experience would enable me to effectively design and conduct studies. I am adept at managing all stages of research projects, from hypothesis formulation to data analysis and interpretation.

Moreover, I’ve published several papers in high-impact journals, demonstrating my ability to communicate complex findings clearly. This skill is crucial when collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, ensuring our collective efforts contribute to advancing patient care.”

2. How would you approach maintaining compliance with Brigham and Women’s Hospital policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements during your research?

Compliance is key in a research setting, especially in a healthcare environment. The question is a way to understand your grasp of regulatory requirements, your ability to follow detailed procedures, and your commitment to uphold the hospital’s standards. It also assesses your understanding of how non-compliance can impact research outcomes and the reputation of the institution. Therefore, the interviewer is keen on learning about your approach to maintaining compliance in all aspects of your research work.

Example: “To ensure compliance with Brigham and Women’s Hospital policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements during my research, I would familiarize myself thoroughly with the institution’s guidelines. This includes understanding specific protocols related to patient data privacy, ethical considerations, and safety standards.

I believe in maintaining constant communication with the hospital’s ethics committee or relevant authority regarding any changes in regulations that may affect ongoing studies.

Moreover, I would conduct regular audits of my work to identify any potential areas of non-compliance and take corrective action promptly. It is crucial to also involve all team members in these processes to foster a culture of responsibility and adherence to rules within the research group.”

3. In what ways have you demonstrated innovative thinking in your past research projects?

As a renowned institution, Brigham and Women’s Hospital values innovative thinking as a means to push boundaries in the field of research. When assessing potential research fellows, hiring managers want to know that you have a history of thinking outside the box, challenging the status quo, and developing fresh insights. They’re interested in how your innovative thinking could potentially drive groundbreaking research and advance the institution’s mission to improve patient health.

Example: “In my past research projects, I’ve often employed innovative thinking to overcome challenges. For instance, during a project on gene therapy, we faced issues with effective delivery of the therapeutic genes.

To address this, I proposed using nanotechnology for targeted delivery. This approach not only resolved our issue but also opened new avenues in precision medicine.

Moreover, while researching neurodegenerative diseases, I developed a novel computational model to predict disease progression. This tool has since been used to tailor patient treatment plans more effectively.

These experiences have honed my ability to think outside the box and apply creative solutions to complex problems.”

4. Describe a situation where you had to deal with an ethical dilemma during your research.

Brigham and Women’s Hospital, or any research institution for that matter, needs to ensure that its fellows can navigate the complex ethical issues that often arise in research. This question is designed to assess your ability to identify ethical dilemmas, think critically about potential solutions, and act responsibly. Your ability to handle such situations is integral to maintaining the integrity of the research and the reputation of the institution.

Example: “In one of my previous research projects, we were studying the effects of a new drug on patients with Alzheimer’s. During the course of the study, we discovered that while the drug had some positive effects, it also had severe side effects in a small subset of participants.

The ethical dilemma was whether to continue administering the drug knowing its potential harm, or stop and potentially lose valuable data. We decided to prioritize patient safety over data collection and stopped administering the drug to those affected. This decision reflected our commitment to uphold ethical standards even when faced with difficult choices.”

5. What strategies would you employ to secure funding for research at our hospital?

Securing research funding is a major aspect of any research fellow’s role, especially within a renowned institution such as this. The interviewer wants to understand your strategic thinking, creativity, and ability to advocate for and advance the hospital’s research goals. They’re interested in your potential to build relationships with funding bodies, draft compelling grant proposals, and how you might leverage the hospital’s reputation to secure necessary resources.

Example: “To secure funding for research, I would leverage existing relationships with donors and sponsors. This includes presenting them with well-documented proposals outlining the potential impact of our research.

I’d also explore grants from government agencies, foundations, or corporations that align with our research focus. Writing strong grant applications is crucial here.

Collaborations can be another avenue – partnering with universities, other hospitals, or businesses can pool resources and increase chances of securing funds.

Lastly, crowdfunding and public fundraising campaigns could be considered, especially for research with high public interest. This not only raises funds but also increases visibility and community engagement.”

6. Could you explain how your previous research aligns with the mission and values of our organization?

Diving into the heart of your research approach signifies your understanding of the organization’s mission and values. Brigham and Women’s Hospital is dedicated to advancing medical knowledge and improving patient care through groundbreaking research. Hence, the interviewer wants to ensure your past research efforts align with these goals. They’re looking for signs of innovative thinking, commitment to patient well-being, and a drive for continuous learning—all key facets of the hospital’s ethos.

Example: “My prior research has largely focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of diseases and developing targeted therapies, which aligns with Brigham and Women’s Hospital’s mission to advance medical knowledge through investigation.

For instance, my work on identifying novel biomarkers in cardiovascular disease directly corresponds with your organization’s dedication to innovation in patient care. I believe this experience will allow me to contribute significantly to your ongoing projects.

Moreover, my commitment to collaboration and interdisciplinary research mirrors your values of teamwork and shared knowledge. This approach has always yielded fruitful outcomes in my past experiences, and I am confident it will continue to do so at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.”

7. How do you plan to contribute towards improving patient care through your research work?

The essence of a research fellow’s role, especially in a healthcare setting, is to contribute to the body of knowledge that can improve patient care. By asking this question, the hiring team is seeking to understand your dedication to this goal. They want to ensure that your research interests align with the hospital’s mission of providing the highest quality health care to patients and their families, and that you have a clear idea of how your work can directly or indirectly contribute to patient outcomes.

Example: “I intend to contribute by focusing on translational research, bridging the gap between laboratory findings and patient care. By working closely with clinicians, I aim to understand their challenges and then design studies that address these issues.

For instance, if medication adherence is a problem, my research could explore innovative ways to improve compliance. This could involve developing easier-to-use drug delivery systems or investigating behavioral strategies for better adherence.

Ultimately, my goal is to produce research outcomes that are directly applicable in improving patient care, ensuring our healthcare system becomes more efficient and effective.”

8. Can you describe a time when you encountered difficulties in data collection or analysis? How did you resolve them?

Research is often filled with unforeseen challenges, and it’s important to know how a potential fellow deals with these bumps in the road. By asking this question, the hiring team is looking to assess your problem-solving abilities, perseverance, and adaptability specifically in the context of research. They’re interested in understanding how you approach difficulties and how you manage to keep the research on track despite them, which is critical for the fast-paced, solution-driven environment of Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Example: “During my PhD, I was analyzing genetic data for a population study. However, the dataset had missing values and outliers which skewed the results. To resolve this, I used statistical imputation methods to fill in missing data based on existing patterns. For outliers, I employed robust statistical measures that are less sensitive to extreme values. This approach improved the accuracy of my analysis significantly.”

9. With reference to your past experiences, how do you ensure that your research findings are communicated effectively to all stakeholders?

Communication is key in research. From your colleagues in the lab to the hospital administrators who decide on funding, everyone needs to understand your findings and their implications. This question is designed to find out if you are adept at translating complex scientific information into language that various stakeholders can understand, and if you are proactive in making sure everyone stays informed. The reference to Brigham and Women’s Hospital might suggest that they’re particularly interested in how you communicate with non-scientific stakeholders, such as hospital administrators or potential donors.

Example: “In my experience, effective communication of research findings hinges on understanding the needs and knowledge levels of stakeholders. I prioritize clarity and simplicity in presenting data, using visuals where possible for easier comprehension.

For technical stakeholders, I delve into methodologies and statistical analyses. For non-technical stakeholders, I focus on key insights and their implications.

I also believe in two-way communication. After presenting, I encourage questions to ensure understanding and address concerns. This approach has proven successful in ensuring all stakeholders are well-informed about my research findings.”

10. What measures would you take to foster interdisciplinary collaborations within the hospital?

Collaboration is key to innovation, especially in a research-intensive environment such as a hospital. Working with people from different departments and fields can offer fresh perspectives and ideas, and can lead to breakthroughs that wouldn’t be possible in isolation. Therefore, the ability to foster such interdisciplinary collaborations is an essential skill for a Research Fellow. This question is asked to evaluate your teamwork ability, your initiative in fostering collaborations, and your understanding of the importance of interdisciplinary work in a hospital research setting.

Example: “To foster interdisciplinary collaborations within the hospital, I would propose regular cross-departmental meetings. This can help to share insights and discuss potential collaborative projects.

I’d also advocate for shared training sessions. By learning together, teams can understand each other’s roles better which promotes cooperation.

A mentorship program could be beneficial too. Pairing staff from different disciplines allows knowledge exchange and builds relationships.

Lastly, creating a collaborative digital platform can facilitate communication and project management across departments. This ensures everyone stays informed and involved in ongoing initiatives.”

11. How do you manage timelines on multiple research projects simultaneously?

The crux of the role as a Research Fellow often involves juggling numerous studies and projects, each with their unique timeline and set of deliverables. This question is designed to gauge your project management skills, your ability to prioritize tasks and your strategies for staying organized. The hospital seeks individuals who can efficiently manage their time and resources to ensure all projects are completed accurately and on schedule, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the research team.

Example: “Managing timelines on multiple research projects requires a strategic approach. I prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance, utilizing project management tools to keep track of deadlines and progress.

I believe in clear communication with team members about expectations and updates. This helps everyone stay aligned and aware of the project status.

Also, I regularly review my plan to accommodate any changes or delays that might occur during the research process. This flexibility allows me to maintain control over the timeline without compromising the quality of work.

Overall, it’s a combination of prioritization, effective use of technology, open communication, and adaptability that enables successful management of multiple research timelines.”

12. In which areas of medical research do you believe Brigham and Women’s Hospital should invest more resources?

This query is designed to gauge your industry knowledge, strategic thinking, and alignment with the mission and values of the hospital. Decision-makers want to hear your perspective on critical research areas that could potentially advance the hospital’s impact on patient care and medical breakthroughs. It also gives them an idea of how you could contribute to the organization’s future direction.

Example: “I believe Brigham and Women’s Hospital should invest more resources in personalized medicine research. This field is rapidly evolving, with the potential to revolutionize patient care by tailoring treatments based on individual genetic profiles.

Another area worth investing in is mental health research. The pandemic has highlighted the need for better understanding and treatment of mental illnesses.

Finally, considering our aging population, geriatric research could be beneficial. Understanding age-related diseases will help improve quality of life for older adults.”

13. How familiar are you with drafting proposals for grant applications relevant to health research?

Securing funding is a critical part of conducting research, and this question is designed to gauge your experience and skill in this area. As a research fellow, you’ll be expected to contribute to the writing and submission of grant applications. This includes being able to effectively communicate the value and potential impact of the research, aligning it with the funding body’s priorities. Brigham and Women’s Hospital, being a leading research institution, would be particularly interested in this skill.

Example: “I have extensive experience in drafting proposals for health research grants. I understand the importance of clearly defining the problem, outlining a feasible methodology and demonstrating potential impact.

My expertise includes identifying suitable funding sources, tailoring applications to meet specific criteria, and effectively communicating complex scientific concepts.

In my work, I’ve learned that collaboration is key. Engaging with stakeholders, from colleagues to community members, ensures proposals are comprehensive and impactful.

Attention to detail is crucial; minor errors can lead to rejection. Therefore, I meticulously review each proposal before submission.

This process has resulted in successful grant approvals, advancing important health research projects.”

14. Explain a scenario where your research significantly impacted patient outcomes.

This question is designed to gauge your real-world impact as a research fellow. The goal of research in a medical setting is to improve patient care, whether through new treatments, improved processes, or groundbreaking discoveries. By asking about your direct impact on patient outcomes, the interviewer wants to understand how your work translates from theory to practice, and how you can make a difference in patient lives.

Example: “During my PhD, I was part of a team studying the impact of personalized medicine on cancer treatment. We found that by analyzing individual patient’s genetic profiles, we could predict their response to certain chemotherapy drugs.

This led to more effective treatments and fewer side effects for patients. Our findings were published in a high-impact journal and have since been incorporated into clinical guidelines. This research has significantly improved patient outcomes by reducing unnecessary treatments and increasing survival rates.”

15. Which methodologies and technologies do you commonly use in your research process and why?

This question is designed to assess your technical skills and your understanding of the research process. It’s all about showing that you can not only conduct research, but also choose the most appropriate methodologies and technologies for specific research goals. It also helps the hiring team at Brigham and Women’s Hospital evaluate if your skill set aligns with the resources they have or the direction they are moving toward in terms of research technology and methodologies.

Example: “In my research process, I frequently utilize both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. For data collection, I often use surveys, interviews, and observational studies to gather comprehensive information.

I employ statistical analysis software like SPSS and R for data interpretation. These tools help in identifying patterns and trends which are crucial for evidence-based decision making.

The choice of methodology and technology is guided by the nature of the research question and the resources available. They enable a thorough exploration of the topic at hand, ensuring the results are robust, reliable, and valid.”

16. Given the diverse population served by our hospital, how would you ensure inclusivity in your research?

In today’s interconnected society, it’s vital that medical research represents and includes the diverse populations it serves. This question helps to gauge your understanding of the importance of diversity and inclusivity in research. It highlights your ability to design studies that capture a full spectrum of patient experiences and conditions. Your response could also reveal your commitment to equitable healthcare, which aligns with the values of institutions such as Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Example: “To ensure inclusivity in research, I would adopt a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, by designing studies that represent the hospital’s diverse population. This includes stratifying samples to reflect different ethnicities, ages, genders, and socioeconomic statuses.

Secondly, engaging with community leaders can provide insights into cultural nuances and help recruit participants who may otherwise be overlooked.

Lastly, ensuring all research materials are accessible and understandable for everyone involved is crucial. For instance, providing translations or using simple language can make a significant difference.

Inclusivity isn’t just about representation, it’s also about making sure everyone feels seen, heard, and understood.”

17. How do you stay updated about the latest advancements in your research field?

The field of medical research is a rapidly evolving one, with new breakthroughs and advancements occurring on a regular basis. Therefore, staying abreast of these developments is not just a matter of interest, but an absolute necessity. This question is posed to ensure that potential research fellows are proactive in their learning, and that they are committed to continuous education. It also allows the interviewers to assess whether the candidate can maintain the high academic and research standards upheld by institutions such as Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Example: “Staying updated in my research field involves a combination of reading peer-reviewed journals, attending conferences, and participating in relevant online forums. I regularly read journals like The New England Journal of Medicine and JAMA to stay abreast of the latest studies and findings. Conferences are also invaluable for networking and gaining insights from leading experts. Online platforms provide real-time discussions on emerging trends or breakthroughs. This multi-pronged approach ensures I’m up-to-date with advancements in medical research.”

18. Can you discuss any specific challenges you foresee in conducting research in a hospital setting like ours?

Hospital settings can be complex environments with a multitude of variables that could potentially impact a research study. This question is posed to see if you have a clear understanding of these challenges, from potential bureaucratic hurdles, time constraints, ethical considerations, to the difficulties in managing patient populations. It also allows the interviewer to gauge your problem-solving skills and how you would navigate these challenges. Furthermore, it’s a chance for you to show that you’ve done your homework about the unique challenges that might be associated with a prestigious institution such as Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Example: “Conducting research in a hospital setting presents unique challenges. One potential issue could be balancing the immediate needs of patient care with the longer-term goals of research. This might require careful coordination and communication to ensure that neither aspect is compromised.

Another challenge could be obtaining informed consent from patients for participation in studies, especially in cases where they are critically ill or distressed. It’s crucial to approach this ethically and sensitively.

Lastly, data privacy regulations can pose a hurdle. Ensuring full compliance while gathering necessary information requires meticulous attention to detail and robust systems.”

19. Have you ever faced a failure in your research? If so, how did you overcome it and what lessons did you learn?

Research, by nature, is about finding answers, and sometimes, the path to those answers is filled with unexpected detours and roadblocks. The team at Brigham and Women’s Hospital values resilience and adaptability, traits that are essential to any successful researcher. They ask this question to gauge your problem-solving skills, your ability to bounce back from failures, and how you proceed to turn those failures into progress. They want to ensure that you can not only handle the challenges of research but also learn and grow from them, contributing to the hospital’s mission of advancing medical knowledge.

Example: “Yes, I have encountered failure in my research. While working on a project to identify novel biomarkers for early detection of cancer, our initial hypothesis didn’t yield the expected results.

Rather than viewing it as a setback, I saw it as an opportunity to reassess our approach. We revisited our data, refined our methodology and adjusted our hypothesis. This iterative process eventually led us to discover a promising set of biomarkers.

The experience taught me that failure is often a stepping stone towards success in scientific research. It emphasized the importance of flexibility, resilience, and persistence in overcoming challenges.”

20. Discuss a project where you led a team of researchers. What was the outcome?

Diving into the heart of scientific discovery often involves teamwork. In a place as prestigious as Brigham and Women’s Hospital, collaboration is key. The query about leading a team of researchers serves to unearth your ability to manage, inspire, and drive a team towards achieving a common goal. It’s a chance to demonstrate your leadership skills, collaborative spirit, and ability to navigate complex situations. More importantly, it’s a way to show your capacity to contribute to the hospital’s commitment to groundbreaking research.

Example: “I led a multidisciplinary team of researchers on a project investigating novel therapeutic targets for Alzheimer’s disease. This involved coordinating efforts across bioinformatics, molecular biology, and clinical testing.

The outcome was successful; we identified two potential protein targets that showed promise in early-stage lab tests. Our findings were published in a peer-reviewed journal, contributing to the wider scientific discourse around Alzheimer’s treatment strategies. This experience has honed my leadership skills and enhanced my ability to drive collaborative research efforts towards meaningful outcomes.”

21. How does your research align with the current healthcare trends and advancements?

Understanding how your research aligns with current healthcare trends is vital to the overall impact and success of your work. Brigham and Women’s Hospital, being a leading research institution, seeks individuals whose work can contribute to the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. This question helps the interviewers assess your ability to connect your research to real-world applications and gauge its potential impact on improving patient care. It also gives them insight into how you stay updated with the latest advancements in your field.

Example: “My research focuses on the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare, specifically in predictive analytics for patient care. This aligns with current trends as AI is increasingly being used to predict disease patterns and help physicians make more informed decisions.

Additionally, my work also explores telemedicine’s potential, a rapidly growing field due to the pandemic. I am investigating how remote consultations can be made more effective through advanced technologies.

In essence, my research aims to leverage technology to improve patient outcomes, which resonates with the ongoing digital transformation in healthcare.”

22. How would you handle a situation where your research findings contradicted established medical practices or beliefs?

The heart of scientific research lies in challenging established norms and discovering new insights. For a research fellow, particularly in a medical setting such as Brigham and Women’s Hospital, encountering findings that contradict existing practices is not just a possibility, but a probability. This question allows hiring managers to gauge your ability to navigate the complexities of presenting controversial or unexpected findings. It’s about understanding whether you have the integrity to stand by your research, the diplomacy to present it effectively, and the willingness to work collaboratively to potentially reshape established medical practices.

Example: “In such a situation, I would first ensure that my research findings are accurate and reproducible. Then, I would communicate these findings in an open and respectful manner to the relevant medical community.

It’s essential to present evidence-based data, not personal opinions. The goal is to stimulate further inquiry and discussion rather than challenge established practices directly.

If there’s resistance, it’s important to remain patient and persistent. Medical advancements often require paradigm shifts which take time.”

23. What strategies do you use to ensure the accuracy and reliability of your data?

Research is the cornerstone of medical advancement. Brigham and Women’s Hospital, being a leader in medical research, requires its fellows to produce accurate, reliable, and replicable results. This question probes your understanding of scientific rigor and your commitment to ensuring your data are solid, trustworthy, and can stand up to peer review. It’s all about maintaining the integrity of scientific investigation.

Example: “To ensure data accuracy and reliability, I employ several strategies.

I start with a well-designed data collection process that minimizes bias and error. This includes clear instructions for data collectors and standardization of the process.

Data is then cleaned to identify and correct any errors or inconsistencies. Regular audits are conducted to check for inaccuracies.

For analysis, I use robust statistical methods and cross-validate findings using different datasets where possible.

Finally, transparency in reporting methodology allows others to replicate the study, further ensuring reliability.”

24. Can you elaborate on how patient privacy is maintained during your research process?

The essence of this question is to assess your understanding and commitment to upholding ethical standards in research, especially those related to patient privacy and confidentiality. In a setting such as a research fellow role, where you might deal with sensitive patient data, understanding how to maintain patient privacy is critical. This is not unique to Brigham and Women’s Hospital, but is a universal standard in the medical and research field. The hospital wants to ensure that you can handle sensitive information appropriately and in compliance with relevant regulations.

Example: “In our research process, patient privacy is paramount. We follow strict protocols in line with HIPAA and other relevant regulations. All personal identifiers are removed from the data before analysis to ensure anonymity. Access to data is limited to authorized personnel only.

Moreover, we use secure systems for data storage and transmission. Regular audits are conducted to prevent unauthorized access or breaches. Consent is always obtained prior to using any patient information. Our team is trained regularly on privacy policies to uphold these standards.”

25. If selected, what are the first steps you would take in initiating a new research project at our hospital?

The essence behind this question lies in your ability to plan, organize, and execute a research project successfully. It’s about your understanding of the research process, your ability to work independently, and your ability to bring value to Brigham and Women’s Hospital. The interviewer wants to see that you’re proactive, have the necessary skills to lead a project, and can adapt to their specific environment.

Example: “Upon selection, my initial steps would involve a comprehensive review of existing literature and data to understand the current state of knowledge in the area. This will help identify gaps where our research can contribute.

Next, I’d engage with key stakeholders including clinicians, patients, and other researchers for their insights. Their perspectives are invaluable in shaping meaningful, impactful research questions.

Formulating a clear research question is crucial. It guides the design of the study, methods used, and forms the basis for data analysis.

Once we have a well-defined question, I’ll develop a detailed project plan outlining timelines, resources required, and potential challenges.

Throughout this process, ensuring ethical considerations are met and securing necessary approvals will be paramount. These early steps lay the foundation for a successful research project.”

ASCO Connection

The professional networking site for asco's worldwide oncology community, search form, fellowship 101: insights for a successful fellowship interview–volume 3.

Guest Commentary

Volume 3: Insights for a Successful Fellowship Interview

Believe it or not, people are still able leave a good first impression in a virtual format.

Tips for a Great Interview

Be mindful of the time difference and have a calendar that includes a list of your interviews throughout the day. Use this list to review your agenda so that you know what your interview day will look like.
Try to learn about the program and your interviewers. Do your research.
Ask for time off from your program to be able to do the interview and respect the time of the interviewers and the program. Most of the interviewers are squeezing time out of their busy schedules to be able to meet with applicants to help recruit fellows for the program.
Have a good night sleep to prepare mentally for the interview.
Review your resume. Expect to be asked about some details mentioned in your resume—this varies based on the interviewer’s interests. It could be as simple as asking about a hobby that you mentioned that grabbed the attention of the interviewer. Having knowledge on your scholarly activities and research topics is important as it could also be brought up during the interview. Therefore, it is crucial to revise your Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) resume multiple times. Don’t fall into the mistake of regurgitating things from your resume. This will not add to your interview and will make the conversation less interesting as you move forward.
Try to avoid joining an interview late.
Connect from a location that won’t produce distractions, or cause you to have a weak internet signal, as you need to maintain focus during the time of the interview.
Have a backup plan and be prepared. Unexpected things can happen, so be prepared for any kind of scenario. Make sure to have a standby device running on a different network; for example, you can use a cellular network if you are unable to use Wi-Fi. Also, check that your secondary device is fully charged and working so that it’s available to use in case your device stops working, or the internet is disconnected. If you are using a laptop, it is very important that it is plugged into a power source so that you don't run out of battery in the middle of an interview as some interviews will be lengthy and last several hours. The backup device could be a phone, and it is very critical to have the application you are using for the interview installed on the device—with an email account open either on a browser, or installed on the device just in case. If you want to find the link to log in again this will likely be provided from the program in advance.
Be proactive. Preemptively answer emails, be flexible, and be available a couple of hours prior to the interview in case the program wants your interview to start earlier.
Focus on your meeting. Use earbuds to avoid sound echo or issues with the voice.
Dress professionally. This will give you the inner sense of formality during the virtual interview and will help you get in the right headspace.
Find a quiet spot with good lighting that makes you feel comfortable and focused during the interview.
Always plan some questions in advance to ask during the interview.
Finally, your professionalism is very important. Don't be surprised if an interviewer has read one of your prior publications or a post that you have written. Be prepared to respond to any questions that they have about your previous work, whether it is included in your application or not.
Keep 100% interest throughout the interview, interact with others, and stay engaged in all conversations during the interview day.

Disclaimer:

Commonly asked questions in academic interviews

Be prepared to answer the sort of questions in this list (which will be tailored to your research area) in addition to general interview questions. It is a good idea to prepare and even rehearse your answers. If you are confident in answering all of these you will be well-prepared.

About your research General research questions About you and your capabilities About your ability to gain funding About your proposed research About your role as supervisor/teacher About your ‘fit’ with the department

About your research

What is innovative about your research ?
How is your work distinct from your supervisor’s/principal investigator’s? How intellectually independent are you?
What influences have you been exposed to? Do you think you have enough breadth of experience?
Who has influenced you the most?
What has been your role so far in developing research ideas and carrying them forward?
What do you think are your most significant research accomplishments?
What do you consider to be your best paper/work and why? What did it change about the way people approach the field?
What are your most important publications?
What has been the impact of your research?
What papers do you have coming through in the next year?
If we gave you the position what might go wrong? How will you manage the risks

General research questions

What do you see yourself doing in ten years' time? What are your professional goals in the next five, and ten years?
How will this job help you achieve your long term career plans?
What would you do on the first day of the job?
What are the big issues in your research area?
Who are the key researchers in your area? How does your work compare with theirs?
Who are your main competitors? What are they doing? How will you compete with them?
Why would someone come to work for you and not for your competitors?
How does your work align with contemporary trends or funding priorities?
How would you bridge the gap from your research to research users?
The university is keen to serve the wider community and economy. Does your planned research have any potential in these areas?
How do you feel about translating your research into innovation or spin-outs? Can you give an example of when you have been enterprising?
Describe in layman’s terms why your research project is interesting in two minutes.

About you and your capabilities

How have you managed your research project?
How do you balance your time? If several challenges came up at the same time (grant deadline, pastoral care for a student, teaching commitments) how would you prioritise?
If you were starting your project again today, what would you do differently?
Describe a research problem you have faced. What did you learn?
What has been the most productive period in your research career and why?
Why do you think you are ready for this position?
If you get this position how will you run your research project?
Why do you think you are the right person for this position?

About your ability to gain funding

What experience do you have of attracting funding?
Previously, you have only brought in small amounts of funding: how can you convince us you will be able to bring in larger amounts?
Where will you apply for grants? If your funding applications are unsuccessful, what alternatives do you have in mind? (looking for knowledge of the funding infrastructure)
How would you convince a funding body that they should fund your research rather than one of the other hundreds of proposals they receive?
Who are you currently funded by, and why do you think they were interested in funding your project?

About your proposed research

What will be your major focus as an independent researcher?
In one sentence, what is the most important question you want to address?
How does the work you propose follow on from what you are already doing?
What will you focus on and what gives you a competitive edge in this area?
What is the overall importance of this project? How do you see this work impacting the field?
What will you do if your hypothesis is proved wrong? Can you see any of your research proposal failing?
Why is the technique you have chosen more likely to succeed than other approaches?
Have you already done anything to test the feasibility of your project?
If you could only do one aspect of this project, which one do you think is key?
If we gave you unlimited resources, what would you do with them?
If we gave you X amount of money, what would you do with it?
What resources will you need?
How would you deal with the more limited resources or facilities compared to what you anticipate for the project?
How do you plan to manage this project on a day-to-day level?

About your role as supervisor/ teacher

Describe your teaching experience. How do you feel about teaching? What is your teaching philosophy?
Do you have any experience in curriculum development?
Have you supervised doctoral candidates, and how did you find this experience? How did you manage them?
What advice would you give to a new researcher about supervising undergraduate or masters students?
How would you go about interviewing a prospective postgraduate researcher?
How would you induce a new doctoral candidate into their research project?
How would you go about motivating a researcher who is going through a low point?
How would you deal with a weak researcher?
How would you deal with any conflict/disagreement within the research group? Do you have an example of when you have had to deal with a disagreement?
Do you anticipate building a research group? How many people would you like for it to be optimal?

About your ‘fit’ with the department

Why do you want to come here?
What will you bring to the institution?
We are keen to develop collaborations between departments. What opportunities for multi-disciplinary work does your research offer?
How would you fit with the existing activities in the department? Who do would you expect to collaborate with in the institution? Why do you want to collaborate with them?
What committee work have you done and what challenges has it presented?
In what ways, other than research and teaching could you contribute to this department?

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Applying for academic...

Applying for academic clinical fellowship posts

Related content
Peer review
Roxanne Keynejad , academic foundation year 2
1 St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
roxanne.keynejad{at}gmail.com

Roxanne Keynejad outlines the process for applying for an academic clinical fellowship, discusses the advantages and disadvantages of these positions, and offers some words of advice from a successful applicant

Academic clinical fellowships (ACFs) enable trainees to obtain formal exposure to research during clinical training and are valuable for those considering higher research degrees. Competition for posts is fierce, so be organised, focused, and well prepared. There are other paths available into academic practice, but as long as you have realistic expectations and good reasons for pursuing clinical academic training, it is worth applying for an ACF.

The National Institute for Health Research integrated academic training pathway creates opportunities for trainees to combine research with clinical training, often incorporating a PhD training fellowship (see figure). ⇓ Around 250 ACFs are available in England each year. They are specialty training posts offered from core training year 1 (CT1) up to specialty training year 4 (ST4). They divide training into 75% clinical work and 25% research, often split into two blocks of academic work over the ACF, which lasts up to three years (or four years for general practice trainees). ACFs offer time to gain experience and prepare applications for training fellowships from bodies that fund PhD research, such as the National Institute for Health Research, the Medical Research Council, or the Wellcome Trust. Trainees are not required to pursue this route, however, and 38% of 2013 leavers return to full time clinical training. 1

The integrated academic training pathway

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ACFs offer a number of advantages to trainees wishing to pursue research. They afford protected time to explore research interests and to undertake projects through which pilot data can be collected for use in a future PhD. In addition, trainees doing ACFs are given a national training number, allowing them to pursue run-through training in uncoupled specialties.

The disadvantages of doing an ACF include losing up to nine months from core training, reducing exposure to subspecialties and clinical experience during which all competencies must be acquired and examinations passed. Academic posts may also be unbanded, with an associated reduction in income. In addition, although competition ratios are not published by Health Education England, 2 there is a great deal of competition for ACF posts. The application process is demanding and you should start preparing as early as possible, including undertaking activities showing commitment to academia, such as taster weeks, teaching, completed audit cycles, quality improvement projects, presentations, and publications. Although competition for posts can be fierce, shortlisting takes candidates’ career stages into account (box 1).

Applications open in mid-October and close four weeks later. Interviews take place from November to January, with offers issued in mid-January. So you must also apply to standard training in December to maximise your chances of obtaining a training post. General practice ACFs are applied for alongside standard general practice through an additional form and extend training from three years to four. Candidates must meet selection criteria for the clinical specialty and ACF to be eligible. Round 2 recruitment for unfilled or newly created ACFs opens in February. Applications are made directly through local education training boards, apart from general practice (which is made through the National GP Recruitment Office) and cardiothoracic surgery (which is made through Health Education Wessex). Offers are coordinated through the UK offers system.

The number of ACFs offered in each specialty varies according to hosting centres’ expertise and National Institute for Health Research priorities (dementia was a priority in 2014, for instance). ACFs in some specialties may be offered in round 2 but not round 1. The basic specification is identical, irrespective of specialty, and available from the National Institute for Health Research, 3 supplemented by more detailed clinical and academic person specifications provided by local education training boards once posts are advertised.

After requesting information about identity, qualifications, and employment, ACF applications incorporate “white space” questions with 100-250 word limits. In 2013, these encompassed: experience and commitment (three questions); teaching and audit (two questions); management; leadership; team working and communication (one question); academic achievements (eight questions); and personal skills (four questions).

Generic shortlisting criteria 3 assess essential criteria (clinical experience, academic experience, commitment to a clinical academic career, language skills, and reasoned/analytical approach) and these criteria are marked out of a maximum of 14. Desirable criteria (higher degrees, prizes, honours/distinctions, teaching experience, extracurricular activities, scientific publications, scientific presentations at national/international level, key academic achievements) are assessed out of a maximum of 22. You should assess your CV against these criteria well before applying and take steps to improve weak areas.

Proactively seeking out information to assist your application is often helpful. You can contact the department hosting the ACF as the department may welcome visitors or assistance with data collection, analysis, or teaching. You may gain insights into attributes they value, and current ACFs may offer advice.

Interviews vary, but all assess both clinical and academic commitment and aptitude. You may have separate clinical and academic panel interviews, one asking standard specialty recruitment questions and the other focusing on teaching, research, reasons for wanting the post, and long term plans. The preparation necessary for the interview is similar to that for any professional interview, and it should be treated as seriously as an examination. Practise interview skills as much as possible to ensure you are prepared but do not come across as over-rehearsed. Interview books may help you to reflect on experiences when asked, “Tell me about a time when you . . . ” (box 2). Candidates concerned about interview performance can undertake interview courses. These can be expensive, however, and since many candidates obtain posts without such courses, they may be most useful in reducing anxiety and obtaining frank feedback on performance.

You will require a comprehensive portfolio—a folder of evidence of achievements stated in your CV and application form. 4 Its preparation generally takes longer than anticipated and is therefore best done at least one month before the interview. Then you can free up the days before your interview for practice, including on talking interviewers through your portfolio and highlighting features showing your suitability for the post.

Offers are made in mid-January. The process is competitive, so you may be made an offer if the first placed candidate declines the post. If you are unsuccessful, consider reapplying in round 2; new posts are often created by February. If no posts interest you, consider reapplying in November to start at CT2, CT3, or ST4, after gaining experience enhancing your application and interview performance. You will be informed of your interview score and maximum score, with your interview rank, after recruitment has concluded. For a nominal fee, you are entitled to request shortlist and interview score sheets, and these may help you to evaluate your performance. Other options exist (box 3), and formal academic posts are not a prerequisite for trainees to pursue research.

Box 1: Experience of ACF applications—Cían Hughes, academic foundation year 2, St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust, London

Why did you apply for acfs.

I enjoyed my academic foundation job, was keen to further my research skills, am interested in PhD study, and ultimately want to become a senior lecturer or professor.

For which ACFs did you apply?

Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) at University College London. I liked the department and its research projects.

What advice would you give a candidate?

Research the position carefully and have an idea of what sort of research you might be interested in before applying, even if you change your mind afterwards.

What were the interviewers looking for?

A well rounded individual with clinical, research, and management/leadership skills. I feel I demonstrated my abilities in these areas while showing commitment to specialty.

What is different about ENT?

Like other surgical specialties, ENT is uncoupled for non-academic trainees and highly competitive at ST3, especially in London. Since the ACF includes a national training number, you are competing against less academically inclined, but nonetheless impressive, trainees looking for a secure training number.

What do you wish you had known before applying?

I wish I had spoken to more ENT trainees, both academic and non-academic; I could have been better prepared for the clinical interview. Being an ACF can often feel disorganised, since you don’t fall into the standard training pathway—it’s easy to be forgotten by the local education training board.

Box 2: Resources

Picard O. Medical interviews: a comprehensive guide to CT, ST & registrar interview skills . 2nd ed. Wood D, Yuen S, eds. London: ISC Medical, 2013

Ramachandran M. Secrets of success: getting into specialty training. 1st ed. Ramachandran M, Smith PJ, Gladman MA, eds. London: CRC Press, 2009

BMA Careers E-Learning modules via BMJ Learning, including “Maximise your portfolio,” “Make a successful application for specialty training (ST1),” and “Adding value to your CV”

BMJ Careers for articles about specific specialties, including academic surgery, 5 academic general practice, 6 and academic forensic psychiatry, 7 ACF experiences, 8 and alternative research options 9

Box 3: Other options

The Welsh Clinical Academic Track provides run-through training from CT1/ST1, incorporating a salary funded three year full time PhD in academic medicine or dentistry. 10 The MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics clinical academic mentorship scheme is one programme supporting trainees applying for the Welsh Clinical Academic Track. 11

Edinburgh Clinical Academic Training offers a range of routes into research, including three Scottish PhD portfolio schemes, focused on translational medicine and therapeutics, clinical pharmacology and pathology, and psychiatry. 12

You can also pursue self directed PhD studies, advertised salaried PhD posts, or independent research outside the PhD framework alongside your clinical activities. 9

Competing interests: I have read and understood BMJ policy on declaration of interests and have no relevant interests to declare.

↵ National Institute for Health Research. NIHR ACF progression data—January 2013. 2013. www.nihrtcc.nhs.uk/intetacatrain/NIHR%20ACF%20Progression%20Data%20January%202013.jpg .
↵ Health Education England. 2013—CT1/ST1 competition ratios. 2013. http://specialtytraining.hee.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/475/2013/03/Specialty-Training-2013.pdf .
↵ National Institute for Health Research. Applying for an NIHR academic clinical fellowship. 2014. www.nihrtcc.nhs.uk/intetacatrain/2014%20Applicants .
↵ Williamson A. Building a portfolio. BMJ Careers 2011 ; 19 : d4942 . http://careers.bmj.com/careers/advice/view-article.html?id=20004622 . OpenUrl
↵ Mukherjee R. Careers in academic surgery. BMJ Careers 2009 ; http://careers.bmj.com/careers/advice/view-article.html?id=20000004 .
↵ Aquino P. Academic general practice. BMJ Careers 2005 ; http://careers.bmj.com/careers/advice/view-article.html?id=1336 .
↵ Gibbon S, Duggan C, Langley M, Khalifa N. Careers in academic forensic psychiatry. BMJ Careers 2008; http://careers.bmj.com/careers/advice/view-article.html?id=2741 .
↵ Griffin K. The way I see it: ACF or CT1? BMJ Careers 2010 ; http://careers.bmj.com/careers/advice/view-article.html?id=20001322 .
↵ Chadwick S, Madura T, Enoch S. Research options for doctors in training. BMJ Careers 2010 ; http://careers.bmj.com/careers/advice/view-article.html?id=20009402 .
↵ Wales Deanery. WCAT. 2014 www.walesdeanery.org/index.php/wcat.html .
↵ Cardiff University. MRC centre clinical academic mentorship scheme. 2014. http://medicine.cardiff.ac.uk/cngg/research-opportunities/mentorship-scheme/ .
↵ Edinburgh Clinical Academic Training. Scottish PhD portfolio schemes. 2014. http://www.ecat.ed.ac.uk/ecat-programmes/scottish-phd-portfolio-schemes/ .

Interviewing for External Fellowships

General Advice for External Interviews

What is the purpose of a fellowship interview? What’s your goal? The purpose in preparing for the interview is to help you feel less nervous, so that you can breathe and think and be yourself. Beware of preparing or practicing too much, however—it is possible to overdo it. You don't want to psych yourself out or sound "canned."

Think throughout the process about the points you might like to make, and watch for openings to make them. Remember that

these points should not be scripted (or at least must not sound scripted); and that

you must listen carefully to the questions you are asked and answer those questions

The most important thing you can do is to engage the people with whom you’re speaking and get them to like you:

Make eye contact.
Give a firm handshake.
Don’t play with props like your hair, a pen, or anything else.
Stay focused.
Breathe. Slow down.

Show you’re interested in what the other person has to say! Mirroring the other person can help; if they smile, smile back.

Panel Interviews

A panel is harder to mirror than a single interviewer, but you can take your cue from the overall tone set by a group. If the overall tone of the group is formal, be formal; if it’s more relaxed, try to relax a bit.

Remember when you're interviewing with two or more people to look around periodically and make eye contact with everyone.

Take account of circumstances, don’t go in with a prepared act or script—see what the tone of the interview is like, and listen to what you are asked. Don’t answer the question you wish you’d been asked or the question you think you heard.

Listen . If, after you’ve listened carefully, you’re not sure about a question, ask.

What to do if you don’t know the answer? Be honest. If you don’t know the answer and aren’t likely to come up with something, just briefly say that you don't know. On the other hand, if you think you know something related to what they're trying to get at, you might try that; for example, if they ask if you've read a particular book and you haven't, but you have read another similar book, say so. One real possibility is that there isn’t a right answer and that they’re just trying to see how you think on your feet. Take a breath to think before you speak, and give it a go.

Essential Questions

Essentially, there are only eight questions in the world, but there are countless ways to ask them...

1. Tell me about yourself…

There are three areas you may wish to approach:

Academic : what’s your major? Why did you choose it? Why didn’t you pick ________ instead? What do you like about the subject?
Extracurricular: what you’ve done, relevant to the topic at hand. Give them something interesting, let it illustrate why you’re a good candidate for this particular fellowship.
Personal: what should they know about you? How do other people describe you? Again: what might make you a good fit for this fellowship?

2. Strengths

These kinds of questions are getting at: what are you good at? what can you bring to this fellowship? There are two basic kinds of strengths:

Skills: pick your three most relevant skills; and
Characteristics : rather than hard skills—e.g. work ethic, integrity, capacity to lead: again, pick three things which will make the interviewer feel good about you and choosing you for this fellowship.

Tip: Don’t say “As it says in my résumé…”—this can be read as an insult: either “You obviously didn’t read my résumé, or you’d know the answer to this,” or “You may have read my ré sumé but didn’t understand it/remember it.”

3. Weaknesses

Don’t say you don't have any—everyone has weaknesses, and you don’t want to sound arrogant or unaware. On the other hand, neither do you want to open up a conversation you don’t want to have.

Say something honest, authentic, credible, but which won’t sink your application. (Avoid “I’m a perfectionist” or “I push myself too hard”.)
Then be sure to say what you are doing/would do to overcome this weakness.

4. Why do you want this kind of thing?

Why do you want a fellowship/post-graduate degree/etc., how will it fit into your longer-term plans and goals, why is it a good idea?

5. Why do you want this particular thing?

For example, why the Marshall, why the UK, why the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, why a Master's in Public Health? Be specific in your answers.

6. Do you have any questions for us?

Don’t say “no”—it’s a missed opportunity and may make a bad impression. Don’t ask a question if you don’t care about the answer. Don’t ask a question that shows you haven’t done your homework. Try to get them to talk about everyone’s favorite subjects—themselves, their interests, their experiences.

Questions which arise from something already said: remember that you start to set a context with the very first answer you give. Give them openings for things you’d like to pursue further, and avoid introducing topics which would lead to conversations you do not want to have.

8. Cases/Hypotheticals/Behaviorals

For example, "How would you deal with the following situation…?”, “What would you do if….?”

You cannot generally prepare much if at all for these. What to do?

Take a moment—don’t speak before you’ve thought. Breathe, and think while you’re doing it.
There is almost certainly no one right answer, and there may not be any right or wrong answer at all. They want to see how you think, so, talk them through the thought process. Let them see how you tackle a question, how you break it down, the kinds of things you might do to solve the problem set before you.
Try to engage your audience, draw them into your reasoning, if only with rhetorical questions. You might note that there are three relevant points that you can see immediately, list them briefly, and ask which one they'd like you to elaborate.

Remember, you’re aiming to engage people, to make this a conversation. Try to enjoy this chance to have an interesting conversation about things you care about with people you might not ever have met otherwise. Remember, too, that you've nothing to lose: if the worst that can happen is that you get some practice interviewing, so that the next interview you do for a fellowship, a job, or graduate school is easier, then that's not so bad, is it?

--based on advice from Phil Jones, former Director of Undergraduate Career Services & Assistant Dean of Yale College, November 2007 -notes by Kate Dailinger, with permission

Interviewing Resources

Office of Career Strategy Interview Preparation resources

Prepare and Apply

Writing a Fellowship Proposal
Creating a Budget
Crafting a Résumé
Interview Tips
Requesting Letters
Writing for External Fellowships
Previous winners
Recorded Presentations & Workshops
Planning Toolkits
Institutional Review Board (IRB)
Pre-Departure Resources

Preparing for Fellowships Interviews

Finalists for prestigious fellowships face a panel of experts from a variety of fields. Interviewers may ask questions related to your field of study, pose dilemmas that invite philosophical speculation or reflective thinking, or ask about current events. Interview panels ask challenging questions that impel you to think "on your feet." If you are lucky enough to become a finalist, you should prepare for a broad-ranging interview, and expect to be asked questions to which you do not know the answers.

Interviews often begin with a "softball" question that arises from your personal statement. Such an approach enables you to talk about an area that you know well and become comfortable. This doesn't come naturally to everyone, however. Sometimes even a vague question -- "Tell us about yourself." -- might throw an otherwise prepared candidate off-balance.

The interviewers soon ratchet up the level of difficulty and may include off-the-wall or random lines of questioning. The point is less to get at your knowledge than to see how you think. Some candidates are surprised that the interview is more like an oral exam than a genteel conversation, or that selection committee members might play good cop/bad cop routines.

Some comments based on Rhodes and Marshall interviews:

There will be several interviewers on the committee (5-7 or more for the Rhodes and Marshall), but for others there will only be two or three.
Be yourself. This advice seems like a cliché, but it is true. The interview is formal, but remember to keep a sense of humor. Channel your nervous energy into enthusiasm.
Most interviews are formal; you should dress accordingly. For men, it is standard to wear a jacket or suit and a tie, though they need not be too formal. For women, a dress, suit, or nice skirt and blouse is best.
Body language is important. Maintain a firm posture and make eye contact.
Preparation is essential. Think about what you will say in advance to standard, open-ended questions that interviewers typically ask, such as: What is your most significant achievement? What has shaped you? What is the most controversial thing that you have ever done? What was your worst failure and what did you learn from it? What will you do next year if you don't get the fellowship? What do you like about Swarthmore? What do you do for fun? What do you like about your major?
Before you go into the interview, re-read your application. Be prepared to talk about anything you say in the application, because all of it, especially the personal statement, is fair game. You will be questioned about your proposed course of study, graduate school choices, and research plans, so make sure you know what you want to do and where you want to do it.
Know something about what is going on in the U.S. or the rest of the world. Part of the interview will deal with current events. Read newspapers that report on international news as well as national news. This is especially important for those people seeking fellowships in a foreign country. Know the current events of your desired destination. The New York Times and The Economist are often suggested as good sources. Also find out what is going on in your home state through local newspapers there. Have an opinion. You should be prepared to answer questions dealing with what you feel is the biggest problem in the U.S. (or world) today and how you would overcome that problem.
Have in mind a book that is important to you and someone who has influenced you a lot. These are standard questions in the interviews.
Don't be afraid to say, "I don't know" in reply to some questions. Some interviewers may push a particular line of questioning intending to find the point when you have to say, "I don't know."
Give short answers to the questions. Interviews usually last between 20-30 minutes, so time your responses accordingly. You don't want to spend too much time on any one question. If they want to hear more, the committee will ask for more.

Although most interviews follow these conventions in format, they are unpredictable because each panel of interviewers will pursue very different lines of inquiry.

Swarthmore's nominees for prestigious fellowships will be given experience in these interviews on campus as part of the selection process or as preparation for the formal interviews in the national competitions.

Some related resources:

Advice about Rhodes Interviews , Yale.
Rhodes and Marshall Interview Preparation , Reed.

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MockQuestions

Fellowship Mock Interview

To help you prepare for your Fellowship interview, here are 40 interview questions and answer examples.

Fellowship was written by Ryan Brunner on March 30th, 2022. Learn more here.

Question 1 of 40

Which statement sounds more like you: 'I hate to lose' or 'I love to win'? Give an example of a time you proved this.

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

How to answer, answer example.

Community Answers

Your interview team wants to know more about your love of winning and the impact loss has on you. During fellowship training, there's a good chance you will experience the highest of the highs and the lowest of the lows, and they want to ensure that you can handle both with ease.

Choose which of the two statements sound most like you, and be prepared to give the interviewer an explanation. For instance, if you hate to lose, express to the interviewer that the pain of losing has a more significant impact on you than the love of winning. You could follow up your response by talking about when you failed at something and describing how it felt, your actions to recover from the loss, and what you learned from the situation. The goal of your response is to express the fact that you have a healthy competitive side and to show the interviewer that you have the drive to win.

"I would say that I love to win. During my residency training, we experienced wins when we saved a patient or helped to bring a great outcome, and these wins were always celebrated by a large team. I love when we can all celebrate a win together, and I look forward to leading wins like these in your fellowship program. With that said, I also hate to lose. Whenever I feel like I underperform, I use it as a lesson. My biggest wins have come in teams when I was playing sports in high school and college. A true team effort makes me very happy to be a part of the team."

Anonymous Answer

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40 Fellowship Interview Questions & Answers

Below is a list of our Fellowship interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 15 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.

Table of Contents

1. Accomplishment Questions
2. Adaptability Questions
3. Behavioral Questions
4. Career Goals Questions
5. Common Questions
6. Communication Questions
7. Competency Questions
8. Creative Thinking Questions
9. Diligence Questions
10. Discovery Questions
11. Education Questions
12. Leadership Questions
13. Problem Solving Questions
14. Stress Questions
15. Teamwork Questions
16. Tough Questions
17. Trust Questions

Accomplishment

1. Which statement sounds more like you: 'I hate to lose' or 'I love to win'? Give an example of a time you proved this.

Written by Ryan Brunner on March 30th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Adaptability

2. Talk about a time you had to adapt to major change. How did you cope, and why do you think being adaptable to change is important in fellowship training?

Healthcare is experiencing more rapid changes today than it has over the past 100 years, and your ability to handle and adapt to change with ease will be vital in your fellowship. You've gotten used to a routine and a patient base in your years of residency training, and that is about to all be shaken up in a new fellowship program. In asking this question, your interviewers want to know that you can embrace change and see it as an opportunity for overall improvement.

Pick an example of a time you faced a change, either in your schooling or during residency training, and you responded constructively. Explain how the change directly impacted you and how you maintained a positive approach during the transition. No matter what example you use in your answer, be sure that you reiterate that you fully understand that your future success as a physician will rely on your ability to change with the times and provide the best care possible to your patients.

"With technology constantly improving and changes to healthcare regulations always shifting, I know that I will always have to be open and willing to adapt my work as a physician. During my time as a medical scribe, I learned firsthand that adapting to change was essential in this field. I worked for a large system that implemented a change in EMR. Some consulting staff members were hesitant and resistant to change, and others saw the new changes as wonderful new opportunities. I realized all of the benefits an upgraded system had. Through this experience, I learned that a positive attitude towards change is essential in making change a success, and this is an attitude that I carried with me into residency training and will continue to bring with me as a new fellow in your program."

3. Tell us about a time you wish you had handled a situation differently during your time as a resident.

You will be consistently learning, growing, and adapting throughout your career in medicine. From time to time, small mistakes will happen, and your interviewers need to know that you are willing and ready to learn and grow from your mistakes.

Most people cannot handle every difficult situation with the utmost grace at all times. There is undoubtedly a situation you handled during residency training that makes you cringe a bit when you look back. Answer this question by giving a story-based example of a time you reacted to a scenario in a way that you typically try to avoid. Outline the situation and explain why you reacted the way you did. Focus on the actions you took to repair the situation. Include details about the lesson you learned.

"During my first year of residency training, I had an angry patient who threw me off guard during a simple in-patient visit for a routine exam. I defended myself and called the patient rude for their harsh words. Knowing that what I said was inexcusable, I immediately apologized to the patient. She reluctantly accepted and apologized as well for being out of line with me. After reflecting on this with my attending physician and chief resident, I learned that having thick skin and not taking things personally was vital for successful interactions with patients. This is a mindset that I still carry with me to this day."

Career Goals

4. What drove you to apply for our fellowship program?

The choices and variety of programs in your field are almost endless. In asking this question, your interviewers want to hear you give your best pitch on the benefits you see in training with their program and why it is ultimately best for your future practice goals.

Research the curriculum, the faculty, and where past fellows have gone before your interview. Pick out the features and benefits of the program you are interviewing with that appeal the most to you. Rather than talking about a simple convenience like location or familiarity, give your answer some substance to show you are truly interested in joining this fellowship program.

"In all honesty, your program is the complete package. You have a world-class faculty that I'd be honored to train under for the next three years. The other aspect of your program I found appealing is the focus on helping your fellows develop their unique paths in research. I love that some of your past fellows have gone on to become distinguished and well-funded researchers, something that I aspire to be during my career."

5. What are your career plans and goals after completing our fellowship training program?

Your interviewers ideally want to match candidates into their fellowship program who will be highly motivated to learn, master, and prosper in their field. While it is not a prerequisite for this program, your interview panel wants to hear that you have well-defined career goals that this fellowship program will help you reach.

Be sure to put some thought into how you explain your future career goals as a physician. Outline how the fellowship program you are interviewing with will help you prepare for those goals. It is also okay to say that you are still considering your options as long as you highlight a few goals. Remember that you do not want to shut the door on any potential opportunities.

"I entered medical school intending to pursue a career as a cardiologist, and the last three years in an amazing Internal Medicine residency program confirmed that this is the right path for me. Post fellowship training, I want to practice in an academic setting where I can treat patients, educate medical students, and pursue research in clinical trials."

6. What do you wish to gain through training in our fellowship program?

The interviewers would like to better understand your expectations of their fellowship program. When your overall expectations are understood, your interviewers will have a better sense of your understanding of their program and how well you will fit in.

Research the fellowship program and the institution itself before the interview. Some online research will give you insight into the mission and values of the organization, the curriculum of the program, and where past fellows have found practices after their training. Take accountability for your growth and experiences.

"I feel confident that my orthopedic residency program trained me well to be a well-rounded clinical surgeon. Because it exposed me to so many aspects of treating orthopedic injuries and performing procedures on any type of injury, I feel like I would be successful in any practice setting. With that said, my passion has always been to have a practice focused on sports medicine. With your fellowship program, I would hope to learn from some of the top sports medicine orthopedists in the world."

7. Why are you choosing to pursue fellowship training in this particular subspecialty?

While you have focused on a specific area of medicine in your residency training, there are still more options to pursue in your fellowship training. In asking this question, your team of interviewers simply wants to know that you have some direction and clarity for your path in the medical field.

Talk about your reason for choosing to pursue training in your subspecialty. Feel free to add a personal touch to your answer. This will help the interviewers relate to you as an individual and make for a memorable conversation down the road as the interviewers decide which applicants to match into their fellowship program.

"The end-of-life experience for terminally ill patients and their families is something that hits home for me. I am pursuing additional training in hospice and palliative medicine because I had such a great experience with some close family members, and my skills lend well to palliative care."

8. What do you think is one weakness that you have upon entering fellowship training?

Your interviewers know that every candidate comes with weaknesses and flaws. They want to know that you are cognizant of your weaknesses and that you have a plan in place to overcome those weaknesses.

Put some thought into your weaknesses and come to your interview prepared to discuss what you feel your top weakness is. If it is a clinical weakness, discuss why you feel it is a weakness and explain how you will improve in this area. If your weakness is a soft skill, elaborate on the steps you have taken and will continue to take to get better in this area.

"I would say that my weakness is working hands-on with a few of the procedures that I know I have to learn and master as a future pulmonologist. While I did get experience during medical school and residency training in bronchoscopies and tracheostomies, I'm looking forward to more hands-on training in performing lung biopsies, foreign body removals, and pleurodesis."

9. All of our fellows must pass a criminal record check and education verification. Is there any reason why you would not be comfortable with this?

In any healthcare-related setting, successfully passing a criminal background check is a necessity. Your interviewers ask this question to ensure that you would be able to pass any state or federal background checks required by their institution.

If you can successfully pass a criminal record check or education verification, explain that you have a clean record. If you have any blemishes on your records and are not able to pass a criminal record check or education verification, be upfront about that in the interview process. The fellowship program will be more forgiving if you are honest about any marks on your background check.

"I am ready to fully comply with any background and verification checks that are required to join your program as a new fellow. I have clean criminal and driving records."

Communication

10. As a fellow in our program, how would you change your communication style if a patient's family had trouble understanding what you were trying to tell them?

Patient care staff instruct patients on difficult concepts and challenging instructions. Your interviewers pose this question to hear that you value and prioritize patient education and that you have the communication skills necessary to educate patients.

First, your interviewers want to hear that you would be cognizant of your audience when discussing critical medical information with patients and their family members. Talk about how you would ensure that your audience fully understands what you are telling them and how you would adjust the conversation based on the audience.

"If a patient and their family didn't understand me, I would explain things in a much simpler manner and ask questions of them so I could effectively gauge their understanding. We are fortunate as medical professionals to understand and grasp the complexities of medical issues, but a majority of the general population simply does not. My goal as a fellow would be to ensure that my patients understand their care plan and are ready to move forward with it after being sent home."

11. How would you describe your communication skills?

Patient-centered communication is vital for the fellows of any program, and your interviewers want to know that you would join their program as a great communicator. They will be looking to hear you explain your strengths in communicating, both written and verbal, in asking this question.

Before your interview, think about your strengths when it comes to communicating. Come to your fellowship interviews prepared to talk about what makes you great at communicating with patients, colleagues, and support staff. More importantly, reiterate why solid communication skills are vital for any physician.

"My communication skills focus on education and compassion. I treat every conversation with the utmost respect, no matter the nature of the communication. During my time as a resident, my colleagues and patients expected me to communicate information compassionately and thoughtfully. I feel like I've grown so much in my communication over the last three years, and I would come to your fellowship as a great communicator."

12. What relevant skills did you develop during your residency training that you feel will benefit you as a new fellow with our program?

A focused fellowship requires you to hone and master new skills while improving some of the skills you developed as a resident. Your interviewers will want to hear you discuss all of the clinical skills you developed during your residency training that will help you succeed in their fellowship.

Before your fellowship interviews, thoroughly research all of the clinical aspects of the program you are interviewing with. By doing this, you will be able to discuss the fine details of the clinical skills you mastered during your residency training. As you answer, talk openly and honestly about the procedures, tests, and exams you learned during your residency training.

"During my general surgery training, I was fortunate enough to train in a program that directly exposed me to plastic and reconstructive surgery. During my time working closely with our world-class plastic surgeon, I got to work hands-on with cases involving maxillofacial surgery, breast reconstruction, ear pinning, nasal surgery, vein removal, and scar revision. I received high remarks on my skills with this surgeon, and he was my inspiration in pursuing training in this arena."

13. Talk about a time you successfully educated someone on a complex topic during residency. How did you ensure the information was understood?

Patient education was an essential skill you had to master during your time in residency training. If asked this question during your fellowship interview process, your interviewing team will expect to hear that you have a knack for educating others.

Think about a time you provided education to someone on a hard-to-grasp topic, and walk your interviewers through your teaching process. Keep in mind that fellows must utilize available technology in providing education. Customizing your approach to the person's learning style is vitally important. Ensure that your interviewers walk away from your time together knowing that you value and emphasize patient education.

"A few months ago, I worked with a patient who had been diagnosed with HIV and refused to take their antiretroviral medication. Knowing that the consequences of not taking the ART medication could be fatal, I talked with that patient about the potential consequences of their noncompliance. My approach was caring and respectful, but I didn't hesitate to talk about the fatal consequences. During the conversation, I learned that the patient was fearful of some of the potential side effects. I told the patient that modern ARTs have been proven to not have the side effects they were worried about."

14. As a new trainee in our fellowship program, would you be able to handle patient care with little supervision?

During your time in residency training, you were trusted to work one on one with patients as the key decision-maker for the first time. Your interviewing team asks this question to ensure that you have the ability and skills to work independently.

In your answer to this question, you need to prove your ability to work confidently with little supervision while not being overconfident. As a fellow, your work with patients will be scrutinized and used as a learning opportunity. Assure your interviewers that you are aware of that fact. Speak with modest confidence about your ability to work with patients with little to no supervision.

"I feel confident in my ability to work with any patient without someone watching over my shoulder, and over the last two years of my residency training, I've been trusted to do this. With that said, I also want every interaction with a patient to be a learning opportunity, and I know your faculty has an excellent reputation for providing those opportunities."

15. What EMR programs did you get experience working in during medical school and during your residency training?

Technology in the medical field has been evolving and will continue to evolve year after year. You will need to be prepared to work under one common EMR at the institution you join. Your interviewers simply want to hear about the experience you gained in your previous training.

Briefly discuss the programs you used as a rotating medical student and resident and your role in the systems. Describe your ability to learn and master their program from the start. Don't hesitate to ask questions about the program that this institution uses.

"I understand that today's physicians need to embrace technology to provide the best patient care possible. During medical school, I was fortunate to work within EPIC, Cerner, Nextech, and a couple of customized systems. During my residency training, I worked solely in EPIC. In EPIC, I was responsible for patient charting, ordering prescriptions, managing the inbox to our unit, and assisting patients with the frontline patient portal. I was able to quickly learn any program I was introduced to. I've heard that you use Cerner system-wide; is that correct?"

16. What strengths would you bring to our program as a fellow?

Every year, your interviewers consider a large pool of great applicants for their fellowship program. This question gives you the opportunity to give your best sales pitch, so take advantage of it.

Your strengths should allow you to understand the needs of your patient and work effectively as part of a large care team. Skills that help you overcome difficult situations or accomplish challenging tasks are also great. Before your interview, pick your top two or three strengths to discuss during your interview. If you are looking for ideas, some great strengths to talk about are communication skills, collaboration skills, loyalty, flexibility, determination, and eagerness to learn. You can also discuss any clinical skills you gained during your residency training.

"My greatest strengths include my attention to detail and ability to focus. I am observant and a natural listener. This allows me to slow down enough to listen to my patients and colleagues. I pick up on small details and devote my attention to what I am doing in the present. During my residency training, I worked closely with our interventional radiology team, and they truly inspired me to take this next step for fellowship training. I also have hands-on experience with stents and angioplasties."

17. With limited slots each year, competition for our fellowship program is intense. What makes you a stand-out fellow for our program?

The interviewers are looking for unique qualities and statements that make you stand out from the crowd. They want to hear what makes you the most unique and stand-out candidate.

There are many things you could mention in your answer to stand out from the crowd. This can include your passion for volunteer work, a connection to a member of their faculty or staff, a story of personal struggle and triumph, a unique skill set, or a unique degree, diploma, or certification. No matter how you answer, speak passionately about what makes you the best candidate for this fellowship program.

"I believe I am the strongest candidate for your fellowship program because I am incredibly dedicated to my professional and personal development. I made a commitment during medical school to take a personal development workshop twice per year. The topics have included communication, interpersonal skills, multi-tasking, organization, and even persuasive writing. I plan to take these skills and apply them to this fellowship program and my career as a physician. Is there any reason you would not choose me?"

Creative Thinking

18. What do you believe is the greatest challenge our specialty will face in the next few years?

Your interviewers want to know that you have done your homework on the subspecialty practice that you are considering training in and have the wherewithal to forecast the challenges that the field faces. They also want to see that you understand that being a Physician will come with great challenges, both now and in the future.

Before your fellowship interviews, study as much as possible about the challenges your field will face. Discuss the challenges you foresee and speak about how you plan to succeed despite these challenges.

"In sleep medicine, I think there are a few issues facing the field in the future. I would have to say that the greatest challenge will be the continued onslaught of various home medical equipment created for helping with sleep apnea. As more products become available for the general public, more people may feel empowered to self-diagnose and simply purchase a CPAP machine without any formal diagnosis. I fear that untreated symptoms and lack of proper exams and monitoring will lead to many people not getting properly diagnosed and treated."

19. As a fellow with our program, how would you express your opinions on controversial topics such as abortion, euthanasia, and cloning?

Questions like this can be tricky, but it's important to realize that your interviewers want to hear how you would navigate these topics with a patient. They are not looking for your personal opinion on these controversial medical topics. Explain how you would remain tactful when controversial topics arise during your fellowship training.

A straightforward answer should include how you would discuss the pros and cons of a controversial topic with a patient. You need to be clear that you would never broach any of these subjects with a patient but rather only respond when asked.

"When it comes to controversial topics such as abortion, euthanasia, and cloning, I will keep my personal opinion to myself, or at the very least, remain diplomatic by expressing how each side has a right to an opinion. If prodded by a patient, I would discuss the medical pros and cons of each side of the controversial topic and let the patient form their own opinion."

20. When you suffer a setback, how does it emotionally affect you and your work?

Everyone handles the stress and disappointment of setbacks differently. When you enter a fast-paced fellowship program, these setbacks can be amplified, and your interviewers want to know you can handle stressful situations.

Describe how you coped with setbacks during your time in residency training. As you answer, focus on your ability to learn from your mistakes and stay calm, cool, and collected in the face of any situation you would be handling as their next fellow.

"Experiencing a setback is always disappointing and can be disheartening, especially when it involves a patient. I understand that setbacks happen often in fellowship. I'm not ashamed of any of the mental setbacks I had during residency training because they helped me grow as a physician. If I experience a major setback while on your team, I will take a few moments to internally debrief, get some fresh air if possible, or discuss what I could have done differently with an attending physician. Then, I move on. I need to recover quickly so I can concentrate on the next case."

21. Talk to us about a time you failed. How did you get back up again with a positive attitude?

In the complex world of medicine and patient care, every physician fails at one time or another. Your interviewing team knows that fellows in their program will see their fair share of failures. They want to know that you can learn from mistakes and move forward with a lesson learned and a positive attitude.

We all fail from time to time, and there is no need to be ashamed of defeat. The magic is in the lessons we learn from these situations. Give an example from your residency where an outcome was not what you wanted it to be, but you were able to recover. Perhaps you were better off in the end or learned a valuable lesson. Outline the roadblock and share how you approached the situation to ensure a good recovery. At the end of your response, discuss your level of dedication, even in the face of failure, and how you will make an impact on this program.

"During my second year of residency training, I misdiagnosed a bone fracture and initially consulted the patient on corrective surgery. Following my consultation, I reviewed the patient notes, symptoms, and imaging results with my attending, and she determined that I indeed had misdiagnosed the fracture as needing to be surgically repaired. I took the time to learn what I should have done differently and then personally called the patient to discuss new options for treatment. The patient was very happy to hear that surgery would not be necessary and thanked me for following up right away. I considered this moment a huge failure because it was in direct communication with a patient, but looking back, it caused me to be much more thorough in my work."

22. Do you have experience working long hours during residency training? How would you motivate yourself during long stretches of shifts and call time that will be required during fellowship training?

Your interviewers want to know that you can handle the long, grinding hours that will be a part of your training with their program. They want to know that you will still get the job done and provide the best care possible, even when it's hard to stay motivated after grueling hours of long shifts and call time. The goal of your response is to show that you are a reliable person who delivers high-quality work, regardless of how motivated you feel at the moment. By the end of your reply, the interviewer should feel confident that you are a self-motivated individual who takes accountability for your work.

Tell the interviewers about a specific situation during your residency training in which you completed something you didn't feel motivated to do. Outline the situation, describe your responsibility, and explain why it was difficult to stay motivated. Be sure to tell the interviewers that even though you were not enthusiastic about the task, you did it promptly and with care, knowing that it would benefit everyone involved. Give as much detail as you can about the actions you took to reach the finish line. If your hard work made a measurable impact, be sure to offer details about this accomplishment.

"I know that the next year is going to require hard work and dedication, and I can't tell you how excited I am for this process to start. I'm confident that the long clinical hours of my residency program have prepared me to succeed in your fellowship program. I feel fortunate to have rotated in some great Hospital Medicine and Critical Care settings that have prepared me for long hours on the job. I love the fast-paced world of medicine, and being motivated after even 11 hours on shift still comes easy to me."

23. If being a Physician were not a career option, what career path would you have chosen?

Your interviewers want to get to know each candidate better personally during their interviews. This hypothetical question will give the interviewers some insight into other topics that interest you outside of the medical field and let them get a glimpse of your personality.

There is no right or wrong answer to this question, but be sure to think about questions like this before your fellowship program interviews. Talk openly and honestly with your interviewers about where your career path would have ideally taken you if becoming a physician wasn't an option.

"I do not regret the direction I have taken my career, and I'm looking forward to additional fellowship training. If I were forced to start over in a new direction, I would likely pursue a career in social services. I am passionate about helping the underserved in the medical field, and I'm sure I would carve out a niche working with either the homeless or developmentally disabled populations."

24. What are two to three words that best describe your personality?

Your interviewers pose this question for two reasons. First, they want some insight into your personality to get a feel for how you will fit in with the staff, faculty, and peers. They also want to hear how you view yourself. Notice they do not ask how others would describe you but how YOU would describe yourself.

Since you only have three words, make sure that the words you use will make a lasting impact on your interviewers. Some possible words to use include adaptable, brave, compassionate, respectful, helpful, positive, thoughtful, or versatile. Be creative and try to avoid giving the same answer other candidates give. Explain your reasons for choosing these words to describe yourself.

"If I could describe my personality to you in three words, I would say that I am thoughtful, intelligent, and friendly. My personality is well-suited for a fast-paced hospital environment because my patients will always find me approachable and trustworthy."

25. What would you say ultimately drives your passion for a career in medicine?

The interview panel would like to understand what drives your pursuit of a career in medicine. Your core passion will keep you going on the toughest of days of your fellowship training, and for the panel to understand how to motivate you, they need to know what drives you.

It is okay to share a personal story when answering this question. Perhaps you can discuss what initiated your interest in attending medical school or what drove you to pursue fellowship training in this area. Make sure the interviewers can feel your passion as you answer this question.

"There are several factors that drive my passion for a career in medicine. Since I am a caregiver by nature, my patients drive me every moment of every day. Growing up, I watched my mother battle a serious illness, and the physicians improved her quality of life for many years. They not only had a great impact on my mother but also on my entire family. Ultimately, I want to pass the same level of care and comfort on to the patients and families that I treat."

26. Who in your life has been the biggest mentor or inspiration to you?

Your interviewers want to gain some insight into the personalities and personal motivations of each candidate they consider for their fellowship program. This question allows your interviewers to see what has influenced you to become a life-changing physician down the road.

Your life's inspiration can be a book, a mentor, a family member, or a celebrity. Talk to the interviewers about who has inspired your life and why. If possible, explain how this mentor or influence has inspired your choice to pursue a career as a physician.

"I find inspiration in a variety of people and things. The person who has most greatly inspired me is my grandmother. She always had a smile on her face no matter how hard she worked, and she loved everyone. She was well respected and always gave more than she received. As I pursue residency training with your esteemed program, I will treat my patients with the same sense of respect and care as her as much as I can."

27. Are you applying to any other fellowship programs?

Competition can be stiff for the limited number of fellowship positions available each year. It puts a little bit of fire under the interviewers if they are aware that you are actively pursuing many opportunities, especially if you are a top candidate of theirs.

Talk openly about the applications you submitted, but emphasize your interest in this particular fellowship program. Give specific reasons you want to complete your fellowship training with this program, and explain how that will benefit you in your pursuit of becoming a practicing physician in this specialty.

"I am keeping an eye out and applying to several reputable endocrinology fellowship programs. No matter the number of interviews I complete, I hold your program in the highest regard because of the academic and research success that your past trainees are now having in practice."

28. Outside of medicine, what are the personal interests and hobbies that keep you busy?

Having hobbies and interests outside of your medical training is an important part of maintaining a healthy work/life balance. Your interviewers want to get to know you better. They also want to know that you will maintain a healthy balance during your time with them.

Talk openly and honestly to the interviewers about the activities that interest you outside of the medical field. As you answer, talk about how these activities will be important in your life as a fellow in their program to keep you happy, healthy, and refreshed during your training. Keep in mind that this question will also allow some insight into who you are as a person and how you will mesh with the faculty and other trainees in this fellowship program.

"I have a variety of hobbies that kept me busy outside of school hours during medical school and residency training. I currently volunteer at the local children's hospital. I also play in indoor and outdoor volleyball leagues and like to read fiction. During fellowship training, staying active outside of training would be a priority for me to stay healthy in both body and mind."

29. What would you say is the most important lesson you learned during your residency training that will help you be a successful and accomplished fellow?

Over the last three to five years, you have learned and grown more towards your future medical practice than you ever have in your life while training in your residency program. Your interviewers want to hear you talk about the most important lesson you learned during your time in residency and why this lesson is so important to your future success as a fellow.

Before your fellowship interview process, sit down and think about the important lessons you learned during your residency training that you will carry with you for the rest of your career. Giving an unconventional example of something you learned outside of clinical competency will make you stand out from other candidates.

"The most important lesson I learned was to not let my work become routine. By the time I got to my PGY-2, there were conditions that presented daily, and I could have easily written up assessments on these patients before I even saw them. One of my attending physicians warned me against being too routine with patients because the little things that could be missed could be potentially devastating for a patient. He taught me that no symptom should go uninvestigated, and I've worked every day to be thorough in my work. As a new fellow now focusing my career in this subspecialty, I know that not being routine will be extremely important."

30. What do you consider to be your greatest academic accomplishment to date?

Your team of interviewers wants to ensure that their future fellows are motivated and driven to succeed. In asking this question, your interviewers want to know what kind of successes you value in your academic journey towards becoming a practicing physician.

Before your interview, research the mission, vision, and values of the institution. Reviewing these should give you a good sense of the type of organization they are and what they look for in the candidates they accept. Think about a stand-out accomplishment you believe will resonate with your team of interviewers. Choose an achievement related to the successes you hope to see as a fellow in their program. Explain why the accomplishment means so much to you, both personally and professionally. Assure the interviewers that you will continue this pattern of achievement as a fellow with their program.

"I would honestly say that my greatest accomplishment in my life so far was being accepted into medical school. I am a first-generation college student and had an uphill battle my entire educational journey. My parents instilled a hardworking and genuine, caring nature in me from a young age, and these values have driven me from my high school diploma to my white coat ceremony in med school and now to finishing training in a great residency program."

31. Tell us about the most interesting case you were exposed to while attending medical school.

Your interviewers are looking for candidates who have a passion for the specialty they want to pursue. This conversational-based question is intended to get to know you a little bit better and the types of cases that you find most interesting.

Before your fellowship interview, think of the most intriguing and thought-provoking case you worked on in medical school. The cases that are most interesting to you should pertain to the specialty you want to pursue. Describe the case, name a couple of points that intrigued you, and explain why. If you know the outcome of the case, discuss that briefly as well.

"The most intriguing case I was exposed to during medical school was a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder in an elderly victim of a brutal crime following the loss of her spouse. Over time, the patient was moved to an assisted living facility and continued to develop severe psychotic symptoms and paranoia. The patient suffered from hallucinations and was moved to a psychiatric unit for further observation. A neuroleptic drug was finally prescribed and began to improve the patient's mental well-being."

32. Tell us about a time you showed initiative and took the lead with your care team during your residency training.

Your interviewers want to see that you are confident enough to take the initiative to lead. Most medical training programs don't provide formal leadership training, so your interviewers want to know if you are a natural leader. You may also be expected to lead teams of residents, and your interviewers will want to hear that you can lead others with success.

Before your fellowship interviews, think about a couple of situations in which you demonstrated leadership abilities. Talk about how your leadership led to success and your biggest takeaway from the experience. Make it clear that you possess key leadership skills, like solid communication, decisiveness, and problem-solving.

"Growing up and into my college years, I was a natural leader to my peers. This is evident in my years as a captain of my sports teams. Before my final year of residency started, I was elected as our chief resident. Our program director highlighted my ability to lead with dignity, responsibility, and respect. When I started as our chief a few months ago, I immediately took the set the call schedule for the year and coordinated the lecture schedule for our residents for the remainder of the year. I'm confident that my time serving as chief will benefit my communication and leadership skills as a new fellow with your program."

Problem Solving

33. How do you react under unexpected pressure when split-second decisions need to be made?

Your experience as a resident has exposed you to pressure-packed situations. The pressure-packed clinical situations will continue into your fellowship program, and your interviewing team needs to know that you are confident and comfortable in your ability to work under pressure.

Tell the interviewers about a specific time you had to make a split-second decision and made the right choice, despite being under unexpected pressure. Outline the situation, describe the last-minute decision you were required to make, and explain how you came to your final decision. Give as much detail as you can regarding how you weighed the pros and cons of the decision. If your final decision made a measurable impact, be sure to discuss the results you generated.

"In the second year of my IM residency training, I was on a busy hospital rotation. In 15 minutes on a night shift, we had two patients go into code blue status. While the first cardiac arrest was fairly standard for our busy unit, the second patient put us into scramble mode. I relied on my training to stay calm and think straight. I guided the second code blue team through administering CPR and getting the crash cart at the bedside. I operated the defibrillator while a respiratory assistant ventilated the patient. Thankfully, we revived the patient. Looking back, this situation taught me how to handle a chaotic situation when a life is on the line, and I know that my ability to stay focused helped that night."

34. Have you put any thought into how will you manage the high amounts of stress that are a part of a fellowship program?

Physicians are known to have high amounts of stress and burnout due to the nature of the work. Your residency training hopefully exposed you to the time demands and pressure situations that can lead to fatigue and little sleep. Your interviewers want to hear about your plan to handle the stress that comes with fellowship training.

Explain to your interviewers that you have the tools to keep your mind, body, and spirit in the best shape possible to learn and grow every day during fellowship training. Some great things to talk about are your ability to maintain perspective, use your downtime to recharge, and come to each shift prepared for the challenges that you'll face.

"When I am under pressure, I focus on the task at hand and make sure to not get distracted. Keeping to a deadline is helpful, and I will delegate when necessary to alleviate some stress. I know that an additional year of fellowship training will add a whole new level of stress and pressure, and I am more than ready to take on that challenge. I plan to utilize my free time wisely by doing what is necessary to recharge my mind and rest my body. Some ways I like to do this are playing golf, hiking with my dog, and reading."

35. How will you work effectively and collaboratively as part of a larger care team as a fellow with our program?

You need to be prepared to step in and be a team player with faculty, fellowship colleagues, and all members of the larger care team. The interviewers want to know that you are a team player, regardless of personality or work style differences. They'll also want to hear that you are a natural leader.

The goal of your response is to describe your approach to collaborating with others while highlighting how your collaboration style will be a good match for the fellowship program you are interviewing with. Highlight your leadership skills, communication skills, listening skills, and the respect you show for others in a working environment. If you have examples of times you've proven to be a team player, don't hesitate to share them.

"During medical school, I learned how important teamwork is in a clinic or hospital setting. These skills were only strengthened during my residency training. I intend to bring my top-notch communication skills to your fellowship program. I maintain open lines of communication with my colleagues and support staff. In a busy unit, there can be a hundred things happening at once, and the only way for the team to keep abreast of everything is through communication. I'm also excited to take charge of a care team. You'll quickly find that people typically work well with my leadership style. I listen to ideas from everyone, show respect for everyone I work with, and don't hesitate to grab the bull by the horns when needed."

36. Tell me about a time you worked with a person who did things very differently than you. How did you collaborate effectively?

Since everyone's work style is unique in a medical practice, it can be challenging to collaborate with everyone 100% of the time. The interviewers want assurance that you would join their fellowship program as a team player, regardless of personality or work style differences that you would face.

The goal of your response is to describe your approach to collaborating with others while highlighting how your collaboration style will be a good match for the fellowship program you are interviewing with. Answer this question by telling the interviewers about a specific time you worked with someone who approached their tasks or communication style differently than you. Outline the situation and describe why it was a challenge to collaborate with this person. Describe the specific actions you took to ensure a successful collaboration and the results. The example you talk about should come from your time in residency training.

"During my residency training, I was fortunate enough to work closely with an attending Pediatrician who is considered one of the best Pediatric Oncologists in the world. He was very demanding, and this took some residents aback. While that is not my style of collaboration, knowing that his demands were for my benefit made me keep an open mind. One day, I was called out for an abdominal exam I performed on a patient who complained of pain. I explained why I chose the route that I did. The physician gave his thoughts on how to improve that for next time, and I kept an open mind to his advice."

37. Tell us about a time you had to work with someone who was difficult to get along with. What did you learn from the situation?

The interviewer wants to know how well you get along with others despite personality or work style differences. Show the interviewer that you can encounter individuals during fellowship training who may seem challenging without confrontation. Show that you can work effectively with the personality or work style differences you encounter.

Focus on a time your work style was different from another person's, but you still had to work together closely. Discuss, in a positive tone, how you made the situation work. Emphasize your ability to be a team player and build a connection with others, even if their personality or approach to work is different from yours. At the end of your response, explain how your communication abilities and level of professionalism will benefit you as a fellow with this institution.

"In my residency class, I had a colleague who could be overbearing and overpowering. It was difficult to work with them because this personality is the complete opposite of my personality. It didn't take me long to realize that staying calm with them and not taking things they said personally helped my mindset and my ability to work effectively with them. As we built a rapport over time, my next step was to set healthy boundaries with them and even call them out when I felt they were taking over a situation when they shouldn't. To this day, we continue to have a great working relationship."

38. As a fellow with our program, how would you handle a member of the patient-care team who clearly wasn't pulling their weight?

In your fellowship, you will work with a diverse team of individuals as part of a larger care team, just as you did as a resident. This could include faculty physicians, fellowship colleagues, medical students, nursing staff, scheduling staff, administrators, therapists, and social workers. As the physician responsible for the overall care of the patient, your interviewers will expect you to be willing and ready to take charge and be responsible for the patient care work of all staff who come in contact with your patients.

Be direct in your approach and consider what is best for the patient. If the team member's lack of care on the job puts a patient at risk, it is best to have an immediate conversation with the employee and bring it to the attention of their leader. If the person was having an off day, talk about how your ability to build a good rapport with your entire care team would enable you to have a professional, caring, and frank conversation with any member of your care team in this situation.

"I pride myself on my ability to build respect and trust with all staff. This includes the administrative leaders, RNs, and patient care techs that I would work beside every day. In my fellowship, this trust and respect would enable me to have a clear and respectful conversation with any staff member I thought wasn't pulling their weight. I would end the conversation on a positive note by telling them that I believe in them. If the situation would put the health of a patient at risk, I wouldn't hesitate to escalate it to the direct supervisor of the employee immediately."

39. What animal would you say you most relate to?

How well a candidate fits with the culture, values, and team at this institution may place them higher on the interviewers' list. Your interviewers want to get to know you, your values, and your motivations, and they'll use many different questions to do this. These oddball questions make you think on your feet and allow them to gain some insight into your personality.

While there is no right or wrong answer to this question, your interviewers will expect you to discuss why you chose the animal you did. Ideally, the animal you discuss should highlight important aspects of your personality, your work style, and your motivation.

"This is such a great question! Off the top of my head, I would have to say that I would relate most to the whale family. Whales are known to be devoted and cooperative while working together for a common goal. Whales are also conscientious of their surroundings at all times and can make important survival decisions during their migratory season. I firmly believe that I bring all of these values to my colleagues and my patients and would love to bring them to your next class of fellows."

40. What would you do if you witnessed another fellow or colleague acting unethically?

Depending on the type of fellowship training you want to pursue, you may be working with a completely new patient base and team of colleagues. With this huge change comes immense responsibility. Your interviewers want to know that, if faced with an ethical dilemma, you will do the right thing.

If you were trained in medical school or your residency training on taking a specific course of action when dealing with ethical dilemmas, now is the time to mention that. If not, you should create your own standard for ethics issues. Ask the interview panel if they have a system for reporting ethics issues at their institution. This will show that you have an interest in joining their program.

"If I see another fellow or colleague act unethically, I will refer to how I was trained to report ethical issues. First, I would ensure that I could identify the breach of ethics and determine the severity of the nature of the breach. If I witnessed a serious breach, I would identify the proper supervisor or faculty member who should be made aware of the breach and bring it to them as soon as possible. I have a clear set of moral values and will not turn a blind eye to any breach of ethics in the clinic or hospital from any staff member."

Research Fellows Program at Microsoft Research India

Region: Asia-Pacific

Research Fellows Program

2020 Microsoft India Research Fellows group photo

The RF applications and nominations deadline for Fall 2024 is extended to 16th February 2024. Note: Filling the above mentioned Microsoft Form is mandatory for all applicants for consideration.

The Research Fellows (RF) Program at Microsoft Research India (MSRI) exposes bright, young minds in India to world-class research and the state-of-the-art technology. The program prepares students for careers in research, engineering, as well as entrepreneurship. MSR India has some of the best researchers pushing the frontiers of computer science and technology. Research Fellows have contributed to all aspects of the research lifecycle, spanning ideation, implementation, evaluation, and deployment.

People at Microsoft Research India: Link

MSR Research Fellows Alumni:

Joined top PhD programs at universities such as MIT, Stanford, UC Berkeley, CMU, IISc, etc.
Started companies such as Everwell, Capillary, and Ola!
Are working at Microsoft (India and US) in development positions.

Eligibility

Candidates should have completed BS/BE/BTech or MS/ME/MTech in Computer Science or related areas, graduating by summer 2024. We evaluate candidates based on a combination of factors including academic performance, raw smarts, development skills, and proven ability or aptitude for research and software development. Microsoft offers an inclusive work environment, and we value diversity in our workforce.

Research Fellows Roles

Selected candidates spend 1 to 2 years at MSR India. Different roles require a different combination of skills. Current and past RFs have worked on: solving deep theoretical problems, pushing the boundaries of AI, designing new programming languages, field work in rural India, prototyping communication and sensing hardware, optimizing database queries, and building software systems. Regardless, they all consistently aim to create academic, industry and societal impact. Be sure to tell us what excites you most!

Hear from Shruti Rijhwani , a graduate of MSR India’s Research Fellow program who is currently doing her PhD at the Carnegie Mellon University on this episode of the Microsoft Research India podcast.

For any queries, contact: [email protected] . Please ensure you have read the FAQs below before reaching out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the location? A. The Research Fellows will be working out of the Microsoft Research (Lavelle Road office) in Bangalore.

Q. I am a pre-final year student with all degree requirements complete already. Am I eligible to apply now? A. No, you must be graduated at the time of joining.

Q. I graduated several years ago. Am I eligible to apply? A. While this program is designed for people graduated within the past 3 years, anyone is eligible to apply.

Q. I am a PhD student/graduate. Am I eligible to apply? A. No, PhD students or graduates are not eligible.

Q. I am not from a Computer Science background. May I still apply? A. Yes! Research Fellows at Microsoft Research are from varying backgrounds, including and not limited to design, economics, electronics, linguistics, psychology, and social sciences!

Q. I am an international student. Am I eligible to apply? Am I eligible to be nominated? A. Yes, we accept international applications. No, you are not eligible to be nominated.

Q. What is the difference between a referral, a letter of recommendation, and a nomination? A. A referral is when you ask someone you know at the company you are applying to, for better visibility to the recruiter. For this particular role, we do not check referrals. A letter of recommendation is taken from someone who can strongly vouch for your work, for example the manager from your current company or a professor you have closely collaborated with. A nomination for this program is done only by the HOD of the Computer Science (CS) department where they think that you are one of best fits for this program from your university. Note: The HOD of CS need not necessarily know the candidate being nominated personally. Moreover, the HOD of CS is free to nominate people from other departments too.

Q. Will applying with a referral improve my chances? A. For this particular role – Research Fellows, we do not check any referrals.

Q. Does a nomination guarantee an interview call? A. Although a nomination will not guarantee an interview, nominated candidates will be given priority during the initial screening process.

Q. I got nominated by my institute. Do I still need to apply on the portal? A. Yes, you must go through the exact same process as everyone else.

Q. I got nominated by my institute. Do I still need to fill the Microsoft form? A. Yes, you must go through the exact same process as everyone else.

Q. I graduated recently. Am I eligible to get nominated? A. No, only current final year students are eligible to get nominated.

Q. I am a final year student but I did not get nominated by my university. Am I eligible to apply? A. Yes! We highly encourage everyone interested in the program to apply.

Q. I am from another department which is closely related to Computer Science. Can the head of my department nominate me? A. No, only the HOD of the Computer Science department can nominate people, but they are free to nominate people from any department.

Q. What if my institute does not have a Computer Science department? A. If your institute does not have a Computer Science (CS) department, then you can be nominated by the director of your institute. Please ensure that they include a statement in the PDF file attesting that your institute does not have a CS department.

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Many fellowship and research competitions include in-person interviews in the final stage. Interviews allow selection committees to learn more about your interests, abilities, and future plans . At this stage, all finalists are equally strong candidates. The interview is a way for the selection committee to choose the candidates who are the best match with the opportunity's goals .

How to prepare

The first step in preparing for interview questions is to re-read your application. You may be surprised to find how much you have changed since you started the application process. You should also refresh your knowledge of the fellowships' or research's philosophy by reviewing the any associated website . Interview panels are looking for candidates who best embody these values and goals. B e prepared to show your knowledge and understanding of those core values.

Many of the testimonials from past Columbia finalists can be useful to read. We may also be able to connect you with former fellowship finalists and recipients.

Once you invited to an interview, URF advisers will meet with you to discuss the format of that interview. We will also arrange mock interviews that simulate the setting of a rigorous interview . These panels of faculty members, deans, and staff include time for constructive feedback . Mock interviews are meant to help you test and improve your speaking skills and your ability to think on your feet.

What kind of questions will they ask?

Everything in your application is fair game for the interview. Panelists read your application closely and will pick out topics for debate and dialogue . Questions often focus on your discipline, your plans for study and research, and your long-term goals . Sometimes panelists will want to discuss abstract ideas, policy-oriented questions, or even hear your opinion on current events .

The goal in preparing for the interview is not to be able to answer all questions correctly . Instead, you want to get comfortable with being the center of attention and practice answering a range of questions with clarity and confidence .

Interviews turn out to be overwhelmingly positive experiences, both for you and for the panelists . Remember that the people who invited you are eager to hear what you have to say. Try to relax and be yourself!

Additional Interview Resources from CCE

Section on interviewing in Design Your Next Steps : this can be a one-stop shop for an interviewing overview. There's a section in there on preparing for virtual and phone interviews, which can also be viewed as a standalone resource on the CCE website.
Big Interview : allows students to record themselves responding answering interview questions, self-assess, and even share videos with mentors for feedback; there are also lots of great resources in the system.

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Harvard Radcliffe Institute Announces 2024–2025 Fellows

A photo of the HRI flag in Radcliffe Yard.

Contact: Mac Daniel Associate Director of Communications Harvard Radcliffe Institute [email protected] 857-303-0205

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (May 10, 2024)—Harvard Radcliffe Institute today announced its historic 25th anniversary class of fellows, marking a quarter century of pathbreaking interdisciplinary study.

A yearlong Radcliffe fellowship provides recipients the rare opportunity to pursue ambitious projects in the unique environment of the Institute. Each fellowship class is drawn from some of the most thoughtful and exciting contemporary scholars in the humanities, sciences, social sciences, and arts—along with writers, journalists, playwrights, and other distinguished professionals. This year, Radcliffe accepted just 3.3 percent of applicants for the 2024–2025 fellowship class.

The work that the incoming fellows will undertake reflects our times:

Using AI to diagnose inefficiencies and biases in judicial systems
Preparing for an emergent epidemic in substance abuse disorders in women and girls
Using the James Webb Space Telescope to reveal cosmic history and predict the formation of dark matter
Drawing on over a decade of research on Martin Luther King Jr. to write a book that will shed new light on King’s political philosophy

“As a former fellow and dean of the Institute, I know firsthand the impact that a Radcliffe fellowship can have. In the current moment, I have never felt more certain that Radcliffe’s approach—its embrace of interdisciplinary research and discourse across difference—is crucial to generating transformative art, scholarship, and writing” said Tomiko Brown-Nagin , dean of the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, Daniel P.S. Paul Professor of Constitutional Law at Harvard Law School, and professor of history in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. “This talented class of fellows promises to do great things that will deeply impact how we live in today’s world.”

This year’s Radcliffe fellows will be part of a unique interdisciplinary and creative community that will step away from routines to tackle projects that they have long wished to move forward. Throughout the academic year, fellows convene regularly to share their work in progress with the community and public. With access to Harvard’s unparalleled resources, Radcliffe fellows develop new tools and methods, challenge artistic and scholarly conventions, and illuminate the past, present, and future. Alumni are quick to say it was the best year of their career.

The incoming 2024–2025 fellowship class includes the following fellows:

Theo Anthony , the Mildred Londa Weisman Fellow and a Radcliffe-Film Study Center fellow, plans to spend his year working on a feature-length documentary about water management in Chicago. The film navigates the tension between our current climate crisis and “the eternal truth” of a changing climate throughout Earth’s history, told through a detailed case study of Chicago’s Deep Tunnel Project. Anthony is a filmmaker from upstate New York whose work has won awards at the Sundance Film Festival. Anthony’s Rat Film premiered to critical acclaim at Festival del film Locarno and had a broadcast premiere on PBS’s Independent Lens in 2018. His follow-up, Subject to Review , produced for ESPN’s 30 for 30 series, played at the 2019 New York Film Festival and was broadcast nationally later that year.

Daniel L. Chen , the Evelyn Green Davis Fellow and a professor at the Institute of Advanced Study at the Toulouse School of Economics in France, will continue his research into using artificial intelligence to diagnose inefficiencies and biases in judicial systems. Using data from courts worldwide, Chen is working on a book that will provide a comprehensive analysis covering predictive analytics for identifying judicial bias, field experiments on enhanced court efficiency, and insights into human interactions with AI, all aimed at strengthening justice and the rule of law.

Shelly F. Greenfield , the Mary Beth and Chris Gordon Fellow, a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, the Kristine M. Trustey Endowed Chair of Psychiatry, and chief academic officer at McLean Hospital, will explore a narrowing gender gap in the prevalence of substance use disorders over the past three decades. These include alcohol, opioids, and cannabis, with rising rates in women and girls across race, ethnicity, and lifespan and resulting in serious substance-related health and social consequences, all exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Greenfield’s research will not only examine this trend but also explore the lack of gender-specific treatment for girls and women and seek policy solutions to overcome barriers to prevention and treatment.

Jodi Schneider , the Perrin Moorhead Grayson and Bruns Grayson Fellow, will examine how social media and hyperpolarized sources of news are contributing to a widespread distrust of science. The project will culminate in a series of articles showing how social media impacts fact formation, comparing partisan news systems that amplify versus self-correct and envisioning how to improve the resiliency of online networks in overcoming information disorder so we can all agree on facts. Schneider is an associate professor of information sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she directs the Information Quality Lab. She studies the science of science through the lens of arguments, evidence, and persuasion.

Tracy R. Slatyer , the Edward, Frances, and Shirley B. Daniels Fellow and a theoretical physicist who works on particle physics, cosmology, and astrophysics, will research the mysterious nature and interactions of dark matter by studying the possible signature of new physics in astrophysical and cosmological data. She was the co-discoverer of the giant structures known as “Fermi bubbles.” These gamma-ray structures emerge above and below the center of the Milky Way and span a total length of about 50,000 light-years.

Jonathan Sterne , the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation Fellow and James McGill Professor of Culture and Technology at McGill University, is concerned with the cultural dimensions of communication technologies. One of his major ongoing projects has involved developing the history and theory of sound in the modern west, which he will bring to his work at Radcliffe. He will undertake an integrative study of the cultural politics of machine-learning systems that process, analyze, or produce sound. His work brings sonic AI more fully into the conversation in critical AI studies and interdisciplinary media studies.

Brandon M. Terry , the Joy Foundation Fellow, John L. Loeb Associate Professor of the Social Sciences at Harvard University, and codirector of the Institute on Policing, Incarceration, and Public Safety at the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research, will work on a book about Martin Luther King Jr.’s political philosophy and ethics, based on over a decade of teaching and writing about King’s political thought.

The Radcliffe-Salata Climate Justice Fellows for 2024–2025 are the following:

Holly Buck , from the University at Buffalo, who will write an interview-based book examining how rural communities engage with technology-oriented visions of the future, central to confronting climate change.

Rachel Morello-Frosch , from the University of California, Berkeley, who will expand and develop new scientific projects, including environmental health and epidemiological studies, to explain the health and equity benefits of climate change policies (e.g., retirement of fossil fuel plants, reduction of oil and gas development, and nature-based solutions). Her work will be integrated with novel research translation strategies, including the development of online decision-making tools and journalistic storytelling for diverse audiences with the goal of reshaping regulatory decision-making and policy to better integrate and advance sustainability and environmental justice goals.

A full list of incoming 2024–2025 Radcliffe fellows can be found here .

About Harvard Radcliffe Institute

The Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University—also known as Harvard Radcliffe Institute—is one of the world’s leading centers for interdisciplinary exploration. We bring students, scholars, artists, and practitioners together to pursue curiosity-driven research, expand human understanding, and grapple with questions that demand insight from across disciplines. For more information, visit www.radcliffe.harvard.edu .

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SENS Research Foundation

SRF Post-Baccalaureate Fellowship Program

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Applications MUST be submitted through: https://www.sens.org/education-opportunities/2024-education-programs-application-form/

Applications submitted through Handshake will NOT be considered!

Available Locales:

-Bronx, NY – Albert Einstein Medical College (Jean Herbert’s lab)

-Novato, CA – Cyclarity Therapeutics

-San Diego, CA – Sanford Burnham Consortium (Evan Snyder’s lab)

More info at: https://www.sens.org/education-opportunities/postbacc-fellowship/

The SRF Post-Baccalaureate Fellowship Program, structured like an advanced internship, not only allows participants to work alongside our scientists with a degree of independence, but also promotes their personal academic and career aspirations. Fellows benefit from a gap year option with career-minded training that often bridges their undergraduate experience to a graduate experience of their choosing (Ph.D., M.D., M.S., or others) or positions within biotech. Like the SRF Summer Scholars Program, the goal of the Post-Baccalaureate Fellowship Program includes assignments and training that hones writing and presentation skills and creates opportunities for participants to strengthen their research and communication skills. These training exercises are completed within the framework of a research project that the Fellow will be tasked with completing under the guidance of a scientific mentor.

Fellowship Program Training Goals

SRF Education undergraduate programs primarily are designed to address two pressing needs in STEM education: the availability of novel, inquiry-based research opportunities and scientific communication skills. Whether a student plans to pursue postgraduate studies or apply for a research position at a pharmaceutical company, practical experience is key. However, research opportunities are limited at some colleges, and specific fields of research, such as tissue engineering, may be completely absent.

SRF Education sets itself apart from many other training programs with its focus on the development of scientific communication skills in addition to enhancing laboratory and critical thinking skills. Over the course of its educational programs, participants are guided through practical writing assignments that simulate documents scientists are often asked to produce, such as grant proposals. The communication training culminates in a formal presentation at a symposium where participants present the results of their work to their peers and mentors.

Program Learning Objectives Include:

Qualifications

Applicants should have some biologically-related prior research experience.
Although GPA will be considered, there are no formal GPA requirements
There are no specific major requirements. Students of any major may apply, provided they can demonstrate experience relevant to the project in question.
As noted in the eligibility requirements section, applicants who have earned their bachelor’s degree within the past 2 years are eligible to apply. This year, graduates from the classes of 2022, 2023, and 2024 are eligible to apply.
Only international students who can use optional practical training (OPT) work authorization can apply.

Important Dates

Applications are currently being accepted for admission into our 2024 – 2025 cohort. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and applicants should receive a final answer within 3 weeks of submitting their application.

Start Date and Duration

The fellowship will start in Fall 2024, but fellows must be available for HR paperwork shortly before the commencement date.
The fellowship will last 9 months and end in Spring 2025.

Compensation

A single stipend will be provided to cover room and board costs.
Stipend rates will be based upon levels used by government agencies, such as the NIH and NSF.
Fellows will be eligible for benefits after the first 3 months of employment.
Participants in the program will need to locate their own housing. Advice can be provided by SRF and the host lab. A stipend will be provided to cover room and board costs.

Eligibility

This program is designed for recent college graduates, who earned their bachelor’s degree within the past two years prior to the date they begin the program. For instance, the 2024 class of Postbaccalaureate Fellows will consist of graduates of the classes of 2022, 2023, or 2024.
Students currently enrolled in a master’s, doctoral, medical, or similar postgraduate degree granting program are ineligible to apply. Similarly, any applicant who has already earned a postgraduate degree is ineligible to apply.
Students who have been accepted to a postgraduate program but who are unable to take up the offer, or who have discontinued postgraduate studies, due to a change in their circumstances are eligible to apply, subject to the other eligibility criteria being met.
Participants in the program also must be able to legally work in the U.S. via citizenship, permanent residency, or optional practical training (OPT). NOTE: Only international students who can use OPT work authorization can apply. Similar programs that fulfill the work visa requirement will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
It is strongly recommended that students using OPT work authorization consult their on-campus advisors prior to application submission to ensure the OPT application is submitted in a timely fashion to avoid a delayed start to the program should an offer be made

If you have any questions regarding your eligibility for the program, you may contact SRF Director of Academic Affairs Dr. Lilli Fishman at [email protected].

IIT Guwahati Jobs 2024 - Apply for (Walk-In-Interview) Junior Research Fellow Post

Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati (IIT) has issued a new job notification for the 01 Junior Research Fellow Vacancy. Candidates who are qualified in B.E/ B.Tech in EEE, and Electrical Engineering are eligible to apply for the Post. Eligible Candidates can attend the IIT Guwahati Walk-In-Interview on 20th May 2024. More details like eligibility criteria such as educational qualification, age limit, pay scale, how to apply, selection process, and important dates are mentioned below.

If you are looking for more, Here we mentioned a list of Government Jobs for you to apply. Candidates can also apply for Jobs in Assam .

IIT Guwahati Vacancy Details & Eligibility Criteria:

The Candidate's age should be 18 to 45 years.

Selection Process:

Selection will be based on a Walk-In-Interview.
Selected candidates get consolidated remuneration of Rs.37,830/- per month.

How to Apply for the IIT Guwahati Recruitment for 2024

Visit the official website of IIT Guwahati.
Verify the notification details.
Download the application form.
Fill in the application form.
Eligible candidates may attend the walk-in interview with their application form and other relevant documents at the email id and venue stated below.

Email Id: [email protected]

Meeting Room, Department of EEE, IIT Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam

Important Dates:

Government Jobs

Engineering jobs, medical jobs, any degree jobs, nursing jobs, civil engineering jobs, 10th pass govt job, pharmacist vacancy, recent notifications.

Kurukshetra University Jobs 2024 - Apply for Research Assistant Post
Ammunition Factory Khadki Jobs 2024 - Apply for 02 (Walk-In-Interview) MBBS Doctor Posts
NICHDR Jobs 2024 Apply for 04 Scientist C, and Other Jobs
BEML Jobs 2024 Apply for 04 Staff Driver Jobs
CIBA Jobs 2024 - Apply for Young Professional Post
LBSH Jobs 2024 Apply for 05 Senior Resident Jobs
IISR Jobs 2024 Apply for Junior Research Fellow Jobs
SRHCH Jobs 2024 - Apply for 11 (Walk-In-Interview) Senior Resident Posts
ICSIL Jobs 2024 Apply for Receptionist Jobs

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FALAKNAMA KALIKA MATA TEMPLE INTERVIEW BOLLU PAVAN #buntyfellow #2023 #interview #trending

COMMENTS

40 Postdoc Interview Questions for Research Fellowships
2. What research methods are you most familiar with? As you respond to this question, use specific vocabulary to describe prominent research methods used in graduate studies. Choose a few methods to explain in more detail, including how you used these processes during your doctoral program.
Top 30 Fellowship Interview Questions And Answers in 2024
Top 30 Fellowship Interview Questions And Answers. Here are the top 30 Fellowship interview questions, along with a sample answer for each question. 1. Tell Us About Yourself. Sample Answer. I am a hardworking, creative, motivated medical graduate passionate about child healthcare.
How to succeed at research fellowship interviews
Research fellowships can be a gateway to fantastic opportunities. But interviews for these posts can be stressful and only a minority of applicants are successful: Medical Research Council data show that only 25% of applications for clinical research training fellowship posts were successful in 2015/16, along with 19% of clinician scientist fellowship posts.
Applying for Fellowship: What You Need to Know
Take part in research projects to enhance your application: ... Fellowship interviews are often a bit more involved than residency interviews. The number of faculty members and trainees is much smaller in the fellowship program, and some fellows may stay on faculty after their fellowship. Therefore, faculty will be considering you as a ...
Top 10 Postdoc Interview Questions
Here's an idea of the kinds of questions you can expect and how to prepare for them. 1. Tell us about yourself. This is a popular opener for just about any type of interview. It's meant to be an easy icebreaker, but that doesn't mean there isn't a wrong answer. Make sure that your response is relevant to the context of a postdoc interview.
5 Ways to Prepare for a Fellowship Interview
Here are 5 tips to get you started: 1. Do your homework. This might seem like common sense, but - read the fellowship website again. Read up on what former fellows are doing now, on the mission and vision of the organization, on the history of the program. Find out who the "notable" fellowship alumni are and what they are doing now.
PDF Standard Interview Questions for Postdoctoral Scholar Applicants
Following are suggested guidelines and questions to use when interviewing an applicant for a postdoctoral scholar position: Inquire about the applicant's experience with (if these are expectations associated with the postdoctoral position that is advertised): o Specific research methods
Fellowship Interview Tips
A short summary of your proposed plans. Many committees begin the interview by asking the applicant to summarize briefly what they are hoping to do with the support of a fellowship. Since time is short, keep this well under two minutes. You can (and should) get into more detail about your plans as the interview proceeds.
Top 25 Brigham and Women's Hospital Research Fellow Interview Questions
Common Brigham and Women's Hospital Research Fellow Interview Questions 1. Can you detail your experience with clinical research and how it applies to the role of a Research Fellow here? Unraveling the intricacies of your experiences with clinical research is pivotal to understanding how you'll navigate the role of a Research Fellow.
Fellowship 101: Insights for a Successful Fellowship Interview-Volume 3
Believe it or not, people are still able leave a good first impression in a virtual format. 3. Making the First Impression: This is a vital aspect in the process. An appropriate tone of voice and a smooth flow of conversation could improve communication and leave a good impression that positively reflects who you are.
Commonly asked questions in academic interviews
It is a good idea to prepare and even rehearse your answers. If you are confident in answering all of these you will be well-prepared. About your research. General research questions. About you and your capabilities. About your ability to gain funding. About your proposed research. About your role as supervisor/teacher.
PDF Tips for fellowship and grant interviews
proposal mostly before the interview stage (e.g., UKRI fellowships), therefore interviews will be more focused on other aspects such as assessing the potential of the applicant as PI, fellow, and /or leader, and the potential of your research proposal to be successful and make an impact. In this case, technical questions will be limited and
The research fellow interview
Firstly, visit the university or facility where research is carried out. Meet the research fellow and the immediate supervisor. It is always good to see the head of department, as he or she is commonly present at the interview. When visiting the immediate supervisor, appear knowledgeable and interested, especially when entering a laboratory.
Applying for academic clinical fellowship posts
Abstract. Roxanne Keynejad outlines the process for applying for an academic clinical fellowship, discusses the advantages and disadvantages of these positions, and offers some words of advice from a successful applicant. Academic clinical fellowships (ACFs) enable trainees to obtain formal exposure to research during clinical training and are ...
Interviewing for External Fellowships
Webinar Workshop: Interviewing for National Fellowships. Join advisers from the Offices of Career Strategy and Fellowships, along with recent fellowship winners, to hear more about preparing for the interview process! ... Yale and outside funding options can help support research, study abroad, public service, unpaid internships, and self ...
Preparing for Fellowships Interviews
Melissa Mandos, Fellowships and Prizes Advisor. Parrish Hall 115. Swarthmore College. 500 College Avenue. Swarthmore, PA 19081. Phone: 610-328-8363. send an email to mmandos1. Preparing for Fellowships Interviews. Finalists for prestigious fellowships face a panel of experts from a variety of fields.
40 Fellowship Interview Questions & Answers
Before your fellowship interviews, thoroughly research all of the clinical aspects of the program you are interviewing with. By doing this, you will be able to discuss the fine details of the clinical skills you mastered during your residency training. As you answer, talk openly and honestly about the procedures, tests, and exams you learned ...
Interviews
You should also refresh your knowledge of the fellowship's philosophy by reviewing the fellowship's website. Interview panels are looking for candidates who best embody the fellowships' values. ... Columbia University Undergraduate Research & Fellowships. 202 Hamilton Hall, MC 2811 1130 Amsterdam Ave New York, NY 10027. 212-853-2375 ugrad-urf ...
MRC Research Fellowship
Hear from experts at MRC as they give advice on what to expect from an interview for Clinical Research Training Fellowships, and how to prepare.The interview...
PDF Fellowship Interviews Experiences
MRC Clinician Scientist Fellowship Arrival/briefing: interview was at MRC, 13th Floor, 1 Kemble St. MRC staff friendly; 15 minutes before interview I was given a short briefing and shown: o Layout of interview room, names and seating plan of panel members o Which panel members would lead on my questions (1st and 2nd interviewers) and
MRC Research Fellowship
Watch as members of MRC conduct a mock interview to show the kind of experience and questions applicants for and MRC training fellowship can expect.MRC fello...
Research Fellows Program at Microsoft Research India
Hear from Shruti Rijhwani, a graduate of MSR India's Research Fellow program who is currently doing her PhD at the Carnegie Mellon University on this episode of the Microsoft Research India podcast. Helping young students build a career in research through the MSR India Research Fellow program. With Shruti Rijhwani and Dr. Vivek Seshadri. For ...
Interviews
Interviews. Many fellowship and research competitions include in-person interviews in the final stage. Interviews allow selection committees to learn more about your interests, abilities, and future plans. At this stage, all finalists are equally strong candidates. The interview is a way for the selection committee to choose the candidates who ...
Interview with Dr. Sarah Park
Interview with Dr. Sarah Park - Osher Center's First Naturopathic Research Fellow. Question: What is your research area of focus? Dr. Park: My research focuses on evaluating the role of nutrition and dietary supplements in the prevention of aging-related chronic diseases, including major risk factors such as hypertension. Currently, I am working on developing a community-based multilevel ...
Harvard Radcliffe Institute Announces 2024-2025 Fellows
Drawing on over a decade of research on Martin Luther King Jr. to write a book that will shed new light on King's political philosophy ... The Radcliffe-Salata Climate Justice Fellows for 2024-2025 are the following: Holly Buck, from the University at Buffalo, who will write an interview-based book examining how rural communities engage ...
SRF Post-Baccalaureate Fellowship Program
The fellowship will start in Fall 2024, but fellows must be available for HR paperwork shortly before the commencement date. The fellowship will last 9 months and end in Spring 2025. Compensation. A single stipend will be provided to cover room and board costs. Stipend rates will be based upon levels used by government agencies, such as the NIH ...
IIT Guwahati Jobs 2024
Junior Research Fellow. 01. B.E/ B.Tech in EEE, and Electrical Engineering. Age Limit: The Candidate's age should be 18 to 45 years. Selection Process: Selection will be based on a Walk-In-Interview. Pay Scale: Selected candidates get consolidated remuneration of Rs.37,830/- per month.

Top 30 Fellowship Interview Questions And Answers in 2024

8 Tips to Prepare for a Fellowship Interview

Fellowship Interview Preparation

Top 30 Fellowship Interview Questions And Answers

1. Tell Us About Yourself

2. Why Do You Want To Pursue A Fellowship In Your Field Of Study?

3. Do You Have Any Long-Term Career Goals? How Will This Fellowship Help You Achieve Them?

4. You Will Be Part Of A Community If You Are Awarded This Fellowship. How Do You Intend To Contribute To The Community?

5. Do You Have Any Specific Research Project You Plan To Work On During Your Fellowship?

6. Do You Have Any Experience In This Field Of Study?

7. Which Challenges Do You Anticipate During Your Fellowship Program?

8. You Have Done And Participated In A Number Of Research Projects Based On Your Resume. How Do You Normally Know Whether Your Research Is Successful Or Not?

9. What Do You Plan To Do After Completing Your Fellowship?

10. How Would You Go About Mentoring And Collaborating With Other Fellows?

11. Will You Involve Marginalized Groups In Your Research?

12. How Will You Fund Your Research After The Fellowship?

13. How Will You Share Your Findings With A Non-Academic Audience?

14. How Will You Ensure That This Fellowship Does Not Affect The Other Commitments You May Have?

15. How Will You Bring Other Researchers And Organizations On Board During Your Fellowship Program?

16. Are You Prepared To Relocate If The Need Arises?

17. Do You Plan To Involve Students And Trainees In Your Research?

18. How Will You Ensure That Your Research Meets The Required Ethical Standards During Your Fellowship?

19. Why Do You Believe That You Are Qualified For This Fellowship?

20. What Do You Expect To Achieve From This Fellowship?

21. How Will You Remedy Research Limitations And Gaps?

22. How Will This Fellowship Contribute To The Advancement Of Your Field Of Study Or Interest?

23. How Will You Make Your Research More Replicable And Generalizable?

24. How Will You Keep Other Stakeholders Involved In Your Fellowship?

25. What Will Be Your Next Course Of Action If You Don’t Get This Fellowship?

26. What Are Your Thoughts On The Future Of Your Field Of Study?

27. What Is Your Experience With Working In A Team?

28. What Is Your Approach To Handling Difficult Situations?

29. What Is Your Experience With Research And Data Analysis?

30. What Is Your Experience With Public Speaking?

Conclusion

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Top 25 Brigham and Women’s Hospital Research Fellow Interview Questions & Answers

Common Brigham and Women’s Hospital Research Fellow Interview Questions

2. How would you approach maintaining compliance with Brigham and Women’s Hospital policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements during your research?

3. In what ways have you demonstrated innovative thinking in your past research projects?

4. Describe a situation where you had to deal with an ethical dilemma during your research.

5. What strategies would you employ to secure funding for research at our hospital?

6. Could you explain how your previous research aligns with the mission and values of our organization?

7. How do you plan to contribute towards improving patient care through your research work?

8. Can you describe a time when you encountered difficulties in data collection or analysis? How did you resolve them?

9. With reference to your past experiences, how do you ensure that your research findings are communicated effectively to all stakeholders?

10. What measures would you take to foster interdisciplinary collaborations within the hospital?

11. How do you manage timelines on multiple research projects simultaneously?

12. In which areas of medical research do you believe Brigham and Women’s Hospital should invest more resources?

13. How familiar are you with drafting proposals for grant applications relevant to health research?

14. Explain a scenario where your research significantly impacted patient outcomes.

15. Which methodologies and technologies do you commonly use in your research process and why?

16. Given the diverse population served by our hospital, how would you ensure inclusivity in your research?

17. How do you stay updated about the latest advancements in your research field?

18. Can you discuss any specific challenges you foresee in conducting research in a hospital setting like ours?

19. Have you ever faced a failure in your research? If so, how did you overcome it and what lessons did you learn?

20. Discuss a project where you led a team of researchers. What was the outcome?

21. How does your research align with the current healthcare trends and advancements?