Answering the Residency Interview Question: \"Tell Me About a Mistake You Made in Patient Care\"

Residency interviews often include challenging questions designed to assess your ability to reflect on past experiences and grow from them.

One such question is: “Tell me about a mistake you made in patient care and how you rectified it.”

While this question may feel uncomfortable, it’s actually a chance to demonstrate self-awareness, accountability, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Below, we explore how to approach this question effectively, along with a detailed sample answer.

Why This Question is Important

Interviewers use this question to gauge your ability to handle errors, learn from them, and take responsibility. It’s not about the mistake itself but about how you responded to it. A thoughtful, honest response shows maturity and professionalism.

Sample Answer: Owning and Learning from a Mistake

“Thank you for this question. I recall a specific case during my internal medicine rotation when I was responsible for admitting a 72-year-old male patient presenting with pneumonia. He had a complex medical history, including cirrhosis, and was on multiple medications, including spironolactone.

While reviewing his lab results, I noticed his potassium level was slightly elevated at 5.5. I acknowledged the finding but assumed it would normalize with treatment and didn’t take immediate action to stop the spironolactone. The next morning, his potassium had risen to 5.8.

Upon noticing this, I immediately stopped the spironolactone and initiated treatment for hyperkalemia. I informed my senior resident and attending physician about the oversight and the corrective measures I had taken. Fortunately, the patient experienced no adverse effects, and there were no concerning EKG changes.

This experience taught me a valuable lesson about the importance of paying attention to even seemingly minor lab abnormalities. It reinforced the need to critically evaluate each lab result and medication, regardless of how small the deviation might seem. Since then, I’ve adopted a more meticulous approach, ensuring I thoroughly investigate any abnormalities and communicate concerns promptly. This mindset shift has significantly improved my ability to manage complex cases effectively.”

Key Takeaways for Answering This Question

• Be Honest but Professional: Acknowledge a real mistake, but focus on how you handled it and what you learned.
• Emphasize Accountability: Highlight the steps you took to correct the mistake and communicate with your team.
• Show Growth: Conclude by explaining how the experience has shaped your approach to patient care moving forward.

Mistakes are inevitable in medicine, but how you respond to them defines your character and professionalism. By framing your response thoughtfully, you can turn this challenging question into a powerful demonstration of your commitment to growth and patient safety.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for questions like this will help you feel more confident and composed during your residency interview. Reflect on your experiences, and be ready to share how those moments have shaped your journey in medicine. Good luck!

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