How to Answer: \"Tell Me About a Time You Made a Mistake and How You Handled It\"

This is a critical residency interview question. Providing a strong response requires preparation, self-awareness, and the ability to highlight how you've grown from past experiences. Below, you'll find an example of a weak answer, followed by a stronger, well-structured response to help you refine your own approach.

Common Pitfalls: The Weak Answer

“I can’t think of a specific mistake right now, but I’m sure I’ve made some. I try to avoid mistakes, and when they happen, I just fix them and move on. I might have missed something on a chart during one of my rotations, but it wasn’t a big deal, and I corrected it quickly.”

Why This Answer Fails:

Lack of Specificity: Without an example, the response lacks impact and relatability.

Downplaying the Mistake: Minimizing its significance demonstrates a lack of self-awareness.

No Reflection or Growth: This response misses the opportunity to show learning and improvement.

In medicine, even small errors can have significant consequences.

It’s essential to demonstrate accountability, reflection, and a clear plan for prevention.

A Strong Response: The Prepared Answer

Example Answer:

"During my internal medicine sub-rotation, I managed a patient with uncontrolled diabetes admitted for a foot infection. I mistakenly ordered a higher dose of long-acting insulin based on an outdated medication reconciliation, not realizing the patient was on a lower dose. Fortunately, I caught the error before the insulin was administered and immediately informed my attending physician.

To address the situation, I took several steps. I ordered frequent point-of-care glucose checks, closely monitored the patient’s sugar levels myself, and ensured the nursing team was updated on the change. Although the patient’s glucose levels dropped slightly lower than expected, we quickly managed it by providing food and juice. The patient stabilized without further issues.

This experience taught me the critical importance of double-checking medication orders and ensuring that medication lists are up to date. Since then, I’ve implemented a habit of reviewing all medication lists thoroughly and verifying orders with the most recent documentation. This approach has helped me avoid similar errors and strengthened my commitment to patient safety."

Key Takeaways:

Be Specific: Clearly describe the mistake and the circumstances surrounding it.

Take Ownership: Acknowledge the error without shifting blame.

Demonstrate Action: Explain how you addressed the mistake and ensured patient safety.

Reflect and Learn: Highlight what you learned and how you applied that lesson to prevent future errors.

Why This Works

This answer showcases professionalism, accountability, and self-awareness. It also illustrates that the candidate is capable of growth and adaptable in handling challenging situations—qualities that residency programs highly value.

When crafting your response to this question, remember: mistakes happen to everyone. What matters most is how you respond, learn, and improve.

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