First OR interview - need advice

There is a lot of great advice in these message boards. I'm pretty sure it helped me land my OR fellowship, too! Patient advocacy is a key phrase and also being able to handle all kinds of less... savory personality. A little sense of humor and a touch of OCD doesn't hurt either.

There is a lot of great advice in these message boards. I'm pretty sure it helped me land my OR fellowship too! Patient advocacy is a key phrase and also being able to handle all kinds of less... savory personality. A little sense of humor and a touch of OCD doesn't hurt either.[/quote']

Personally, I wouldn't wish for a little OCD- take it from a mom who watches their child suffer greatly from it EVERY DAY... It always baffled me how this REAL disorder became a source of amusement for people who generally have ZERO idea what it means for the people suffering from it. You will certainly encounter these people during your career. Please realize it's offensive.

Stress how important team work is to you. On my first OR interview I told the managers how the thing that drew me to the OR the most was the opportunity it provided to work in a team. If one of your strengths is that you function better in a team than you do individually, share that when they ask you about your weaknesses. Mention being able to get along with all types of personalities, they are bound to ask you some questions about how you would handle a difficult surgeon, anesthesia, etc. Also attentiveness to detail and a knack for creative problem solving skills are good things to mention. Good luck!