Interview Questions Flashcards
Tell me about yourself ○ Prepare a ~2 minute long summary
I’m Alice, a final-year PharmD student at The Ohio State University, where I’ve been since undergrad. My time as an inpatient intern at Mount Carmel Grove City and my current rotation in the TICU at Grant Medical Center have solidified my interest in emergency medicine and my goal to pursue a residency, where I can continue to grow as a clinician and contribute meaningfully to the field.
I’ve been actively involved in research and have a minor in preclinical and clinical research, including helping the residents with data collection for their research project and conducting clinical research projects and MUE of my own as well.
I also have a passion for helping the underserved community and contributing to community outreach events. Outside of pharmacy, I love the art, I love to draw and play the piano. Overall, I’m eager to bring my energy, dedication, and passion for patient-centered care to the next stage of my career.
What is your biggest strength?
Adaptability: One of my greatest strengths is adaptability. Whether it’s adjusting quickly to a change in patient status or navigating new responsibilities at work during rotations, I thrive on being flexible and finding effective solutions to challenges as they arise
Empathy and Communication: I connect effectively with patients and colleagues, building trust through clear communication and understanding their perspectives.
Work Ethic: I am highly driven, consistently taking on extra responsibilities like research and leadership roles to enhance my skills and contribute to my team.
What is your greatest weakness?
I’ve noticed that I sometimes get nervous when presenting in front of large groups, especially in formal settings. To improve, I’ve pushed myself to lead journal clubs, case presentations, and topic discussions, which have helped me grow more confident over time. I also rehearse extensively and seek feedback to ensure I’m prepared and composed.
One of my weaknesses is that I sometimes lack confidence when approaching new or unfamiliar situations. While I’m capable and prepared, I can second-guess myself, especially early on in rotations or projects. To work on this, I’ve focused on building my skills, seeking feedback from mentors, and reminding myself of past successes to reinforce my confidence.
If you had not chosen the pharmacy profession, what career would you pursue? Why?
If I had not chosen the pharmacy profession, I would have pursued a career as a medical doctor (MD). My interest in healthcare has always been strong, and the opportunity to directly impact patients’ health and well-being has been a major driving factor in my career decisions
How do you handle time-management during a hectic time?
During hectic times, I rely on prioritization, organization, and adaptability to stay on track. I focus on identifying the most urgent tasks, breaking them into manageable steps, and using tools like to-do lists and calendars to ensure deadlines are met. Staying organized helps me maintain clarity, even in high-pressure situations. By prioritizing critical tasks, delegating when appropriate, and setting realistic goals, I was able to meet deadlines without compromising quality. I also regularly reflected and adjusted my plans to remain flexible and handle changing priorities effectively.
What have you done to improve yourself this past year?
Over the past year, I’ve made it a priority to improve my time management and organization skills, especially given the demands of rotations and research. Balancing these responsibilities has required me to adopt more effective strategies, which has helped me stay on top of both clinical responsibilities and research commitments.
In addition, I’ve worked on setting clear boundaries to ensure I maintain a healthy work-life balance, while still meeting all my obligations.
What do you like to do in your free time?
During my free time, I like to paint and play the piano
(1. Beethoven 2. Mozart 3. Chopin 4. Back)
Have you read something that has changed your life? How has it changed your life?
What else do you think that I should know about you?
One thing I’d like to share is my passion for outreach and helping underserved populations, which has been a core part of my journey in pharmacy. I started off at the Helping Hands Chair, where I helped serve the uninsured and underinsured. I believe that providing care to underserved populations requires not only clinical expertise but also a commitment to understanding and overcoming systemic barriers.
THen as the Patient Care Vice President, I had the privilege of leading initiatives aimed at improving access to care for underserved communities by organizing free blood glucose and blood pressure events, and coordinating medication safety education events. These experiences allowed me to connect directly with patients, address healthcare disparities, and make a meaningful impact on public health.
Why do you think that you deserve the position?
Tell me why I should choose you over your peers for this residency
I believe I deserve this position because of my strong work ethic, diverse experiences, and dedication to patient-centered care. My inpatient rotations, journal club leadership, and research contributions have prepared me to excel in a residency, while my empathy and collaborative approach have helped me build meaningful connections with patients and colleagues.
What sets me apart is my resilience, commitment to growth, and passion for helping others. I am confident these qualities make me a strong fit for your program and will enable me to contribute positively to your team and patient care.
\What do you do to “keep up with the literature?
First, I subscribe to email alerts from key journals like American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy and follow professional organizations like APHA and ASHP, which provide resources, webinars, and updates on emerging topics.
I also use clinical tools such as UpToDate to stay updated on evidence-based guidelines.
Attending journal clubs and participating the topic discussions has been an integral part of my routine, and that allows me to share and listen to relevant literature and clinical pearls.
Tell me about a recent paper you’ve read or a presentation you have attended
What would your coworkers say about you?
hardworking, dedicated, positive energy
My coworkers would describe me as hardworking, dedicated. I frequently come in after my scheduled rotations and pick up extra shifts, often going beyond what’s expected. I’m known for taking the initiative to participate fully in the intern program, including shadowing, taking on additional projects.
My coworkers would say that I bring a positive energy to the workplace, creating an uplifting and supportive environment. They often describe me as approachable, enthusiastic, and someone who motivates others while maintaining a strong commitment to teamwork and patient care.
Who among all your teachers and mentors has had the most influence on you and why?
The mentor who has had the most influence on me is Emily, the intern coordinator at Mount Carmel when I first started. Emily played a pivotal role in improving the intern program and emphasized to me the importance of collaboration, critical thinking, and ongoing continuous learning. Beyond the clinical side, Emily has remained a constant source of guidance and support, and I know I can always count on her for advice, whether it’s pharmacy-related or more personal. Her mentorship has been invaluable in shaping my path in pharmacy.
What are you most proud of? What are you most proud of that is not on your CV?
I am most proud of my communication skills with patients that I’ve worked hard to develop throughout pharmacy school, especially since I don’t have many opportunities to interact with patients directly as an inpatient pharmacy intern. During my rotation at an independent pharmacy, I had a patient ask me to administer their vaccine next year because they appreciated how much they enjoyed our interaction. This feedback was incredibly rewarding and reinforced the importance of building strong, compassionate relationships with patients.
What made you interested in this program?
Why have you selected this institution?
I was drawn to this program because of its strong emphasis on acute care and critical care rotations, which align perfectly with my goal of becoming an emergency medicine pharmacist. The program’s commitment to hands-on learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and opportunities for involvement in research and quality improvement. Additionally, I value the mentorship provided by preceptors who are leaders in their fields, as well as the institution’s commitment to advancing pharmacy practice.
What do you think you will bring to our program?
I will bring a strong work ethic, a genuine passion for patient care, and a collaborative mindset to your program. My experience in diverse clinical settings has taught me how to adapt quickly, think critically, and work effectively in high-pressure situations. Beyond my technical skills, I’m dedicated to fostering a supportive environment where learning and growth thrive. I
What made you want to do a residency
I am pursuing a residency because I am eager to continue learning and growing as a clinical pharmacist. I value feedback as a way to refine my skills and gain insight into my strengths and areas for improvement. Residency will challenge me to expand my clinical knowledge, enhance my critical thinking, and develop as a well-rounded, confident pharmacist. Ultimately, I want to contribute meaningfully to a healthcare team and provide the best care for patients, and I believe a residency is the ideal path to achieve these goals.
What drove you to the profession of pharmacy?
What initially drove me to the profession of pharmacy was my experience at Ohio State University’s summer camp, Pills, Potions, and Poisons. Attending this camp in high school opened my eyes to how medication in the body, and their potential to profoundly impact people’s lives. Since then, I’ve continued to be a TA for the camp for the last 3 years to help students learn and engage, building on that initial spark of curiosity and passion that the camp ignited in me.
How will this program prepare you for your career goals?
This program will prepare me for my career goal of becoming an emergency medicine pharmacist by offering the clinical experiences and mentorship essential for excelling in high-stakes, fast-paced environments. The program’s strong focus on acute care and critical care rotations will give me the opportunity to manage complex cases, honing my ability to make evidence-based decisions under pressure.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
In 5 years, I see myself as a clinical pharmacist working in a high-acuity hospital setting, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to provide exceptional patient care. I hope to take on a preceptor role, mentoring pharmacy students and residents, and contributing to clinical research to improve emergency care practices.
In 10 years, I envision myself in more of a leadership role in the field of emergency medicine pharmacy, potentially serving as a clinical coordinator or program director for a residency program. I aim to continue advancing pharmacy practice through teaching, research, and advocacy, while maintaining a strong focus on patient-centered care in the emergency department.
You are required to take specific rotations as a part of this residency. How will these help you in your pharmacy career?
The required rotations in this residency are essential for building a strong foundation as a pharmacist, providing clinical expertise to manage complex cases and refining my ability to assess patient needs. These experiences will also enhance my communication and teamwork skills through collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, preparing me to excel in my career.
