0. You're willing to work with others, socializing and sharing and creating a climate conducive to team-work. Medical School Interview Questions and Answers Or, I am a perfectionist. I can work very well with people at different level. Get your career off life support, walk into the nursing interview ready and calm, and land that dream job! Ability to understand the needs of other people. 7 sample answers to "What are your strengths and weaknesses" question in a teacher job interview. Strong work ethic ensures seamless workflow, meeting deadlines, and quality work. Over-reliance on formal authority. Common strengths include independence, persistence, creativity, and ingenuity. Watch this 10 minute video of SSOM grads giving examples of the right and wrong way to answer interview questions. So within this post article to help you pass your interview, below are the things you will learn: Here are sample sales interview answers about strengths and weaknesses . Not enough staff/faculty members. Some of the most common strengths that leaders have include: being a good listener, delegating tasks effectively, communicating clearly to get an idea across, taking initiative when needed, and always striving for improvement. Strength-Based Interview Questions: Full of Answers - 2021 Here are the best examples for key strengths you can say in an interview: Accuracy; Brevity; Clarity; Creative; Determinate; Disciplined; Dedicated; Enthusiastic; Flexible; Honest; . . Sep 15, 2020. When an employee goes the extra mile, the company's customer retention goes up. 5. Top 30 Strengths and Weaknesses for Job Interviews in 2021 You don't have to devote half the interview to these answers. How do you handle your weakness? 40 Best Strengths & Weaknesses Examples For Job Interviews ... Dec 10, 2013. This complete list of workplace weaknesses makes it easy to identify our own weaknesses and lists the steps to take to improve on your weakness.. How to successfully answer the weakness interview question - excellent examples at Interview Questions Weaknesses How to Answer: What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses? and professional. Many job candidates are unsure about how to approach this question. List Of Strength & Weaknesses For Job Interviews | Monster.com I could reel off a whole host of examples from my professional career to back this up. Example Answers for Strengths in a Nursing Interview Here are just a few samples of successful answers to nursing interview questions about strengths. 17611. This demonstrates a level of diversity. If you're still struggling for good strengths, consider trying to fit one or more of these (but remember, no more than three…) work strengths into your answers. What are your strengths and weaknesses? In other words, you are a punctual and diligent person. The interview question, "What are your strengths and weaknesses" is guaranteed to come up during your job interview, both freshers, non experienced and experienced. "This opportunity as an emergency department nurse requires highly developed stress management skills, including the ability to work effectively under pressure. 20 Strengths and Weaknesses for Job Interviews in 2021. However, in real life we work as a team as for example residency program. Example Answers Using Strengths (Examples of Strengths) Below are example answers when the hiring manager asks about strengths. Disclaimer: DO NOT turn your weakness into a strength 7. There are several medical school interview questions that you should be prepared for. The Residency Interview. Behavioral-type interview questions to prepare for: The behavioral interview was developed for business but is now used with increasing frequency in residency interviews. My greatest strength is my organizational ability. hurleygirli1. Why do you wish to join our residency program? . Sample Medical School Interview Questions and Answers. An overabundance of students. . Identifying the program that is A great tool for self-evaluation of your own strengths is the strengths-finder at What are your Strengths?. Part 3: Sample residency interview questions and answers. discuss something you do well and provide a concrete example that clearly displays that attribute. My team can rely on me in every situation. The question What are your Strengths and Weaknesses is a must for any kind of interview. Being prepared for these types of questions is very critical. Lack of proper training for faculty. Top Paralegal Interview Questions with Example Answers [2020] Prepare for your Paralegal interview by going through these most asked Paralegal interview questions. Enthusiastic personality. No matter where you are applying for MBA there is always an MBA interview round. Often, it incidentally allows them to learn more about your strengths and weaknesses, as many applicants will focus . However, by establishing the appropriate context, you can give hiring managers an honest, thoughtful answer that highlights both your self-awareness and professionalism. . Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. Where do you see yourself in ten years, after your residency? Give evidence. These are the strengths that you want to convey to the interviewer. 4. RESIDENCY INTERVIEW • No one-size-fits-all structure for interview • Different sites will have different processes • Most programs will provide advance information on how the interview process will work (presentations, Q&A) • Students are strongly encouraged to: • Research the program where you will interview For example, if you list communication as a strength, you may want to recall a situation in which you used communication to reach a goal or resolve a problem. Enhanced reports of cyberbullying. I'll share the same exact strategies we share with our own students in our residency interview prep programs. ): NOTE: Check out our "list of strengths article" for more examples! Common weaknesses include procrastination, impatience, impulsiveness, and forgetfulness. Personal questions: Q1: What are your strengths and weakness? You should be able to justify your strengths and weaknesses by stating past experiences with examples. If you're seeing this from the side of the employer, the first step is to take stock and assess what your employees' strengths and . The details I will be presenting are what I consider my best and worst strengths and weaknesses. When we know our strengths, we can make an effort to put them to better use and increase our chances for success. You can list 2 strengths and 2 weaknesses, 1 strength and 1 weakness, or 2 strengths and 1 weakness, but don't list more weaknesses than strengths. While we recommend not memorizing answers, because this makes you sound like a robot, it's important to think about these questions and their answers prior to your interview. 7 sample answers to "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" interview question for police officers. Impatience with bureaucracies. Here are a few examples of weaknesses you can mention in an interview: […] 3. At some point during the interview process, you may be asked to describe your personal strengths and weaknesses. 6. Greg Gale Teaching & Learning Center "Success is having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be" ~ George Sheehan . Customer service skills. It is really good to talk about your weaknesses first so you can end with your strengths on a positive note. My biggest strength is good communication and interpersonal skills. 10 Strength and Weakness for MBA Interview. Example: "Public speaking makes me nervous and I know this is an area I can, and should, work on. "I always feel it's my obligation to come to work on time, well prepared, and ready for the day ahead. The core reason to eventually get to this question is to analyze how a person perceives his / her qualities and if the interviewee has the ability to differentiate between them at all.. Some sample answers which should be useful to you when working on your own response to the question, What are your strengths and weakness?. My PCAT Study Recommendations: https://amzn.to/2IppDGEhttps://amzn.to/2GCn2KNhttps://amzn.to/2r6WiIFNaplex Study Guide: https://amzn.to/2ImwCAkhttps://amzn.t. Remember, that by asking the weakness question, the interviewer is trying to gain a deeper understanding of you as a person and whether you would make a good addition to the company. A good example from our job offer is excellent written communication skills or management skills . What made you choose this residency specialty (Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Your attitude matters the most for the interviewers. Your greatest strength sets you apart from other candidates. And show that you're actively working to improve. No weakness is a showstopper in the interviews, as long as you show your willingness to improve on it. For example: Good communication skills. Are you interested in academic or clinical medicine? Similar to the weakness question, you need to come up with a strength you can cite before you go into the interview and have a concrete example from your work experience to back it up. 6. Take the time to practice answering the common questions mentioned above. Getting Started - Before You Interview. It shows you what you need to improve. . For this reason, it is imperative you provide an example of a legitimate weakness but something you have worked on improving with concrete steps, and no longer consider a weakness. It means that you have to bring an aptitude and good attitude to the program and your response should emphasize your professional skills, suitability for the profession, and technical abilities equally with the qualities that make you a good collaborator and communicator. So you need to make sure that you have a brilliant answer already prepared. Your residency training is an important experience. Focus on strengths you have that are required for the job. When in a medical school interview, Ideally you want your greatest strength to be the counterpart of your weakness. Future Expectation. (And obviously make sure they apply to you! Yes, it can be hard to identify your own strengths and weaknesses, but if you focus on a few key points and provide relevant examples, you'll do just fine. Say, one of my weakness' is that I do not quit until I get the job done. What is your perception about strength and weakness of this program . Be sure to identify a strength that fits each ability or qualification expressed through the resume and the cover letter. Underdeveloped people skills. It takes the core list of competencies that are required to be a good resident and physician and then develops a series of questions that will allow the interviewer to Your weaknesses can include a hard skill set out in the job description, provided that you emphasize your desire to acquire this skill through a course or program. Writing is a desirable skill for almost any job. To sum it all up: Stay positive. Put a positive spin on your answer. residents and students from various backgrounds as a guide to assist you in identifying and assessing those strengths and weaknesses. I am a good student. I would definitely pick responsibility as my greatest strengths. Example 1: I have always been quite independent at work and I enjoy being quick on the job. Sample Interview Questions Tell me about yourself. I have got good fund of clinical knowledge. For example, the interviewer may wonder about some gaps in your background, and how they match up with the job description. So, It depends on other people's work efficiency also. . Business strengths and weaknesses are often thought of in terms of SWOT analysis - a planning technique that looks at strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Sample Interview Questions with Answers. Being knowledgeable at infectious disease is fabulous, but that wouldn't really be your strength. The following is a list of some more specific leadership qualities that can make someone a great leader: having high . Tendency to take on too much responsibility. Why are you interested in our program? Tell me about your research experience. Poor communication. The purpose of this paper is to clearly define each of these and figure out a way to learn how to solve my weaknesses and make my strengths even stronger. Discomfort taking big risks. Use this guide in constructing your own more specific questions, and in exploring your own expectations and preferences. Keep It Short. Examiners usually ask you instance where you demonstrated a particular strength or where a weakness landed you in problem. The chances of being late are few. A proof point can be a single example that shows the strength in action or it can be a more general, but still detailed, overview of how you've displayed that strength over time. A lack of empathy. Here are all your answers for strengths and weakness for MBA interview: 5 Strength for MBA . A residency interview is a job interview, and you should dress accordingly. But some managers will ask first about your weaknesses. Below is a list of strengths and sample answers to use when answering this job interview question. Attention to detail. Thread starter . Weaknesses: What's holding the school back. Interview questions and answer examples and any other content may be used else where on the site. Strength-based interview questions can't always be answered by replies that you have prepared and memorized. You can keep your response relatively brief and focused on one or two strengths or weaknesses, depending on how the question was phrased. The whole "say a weakness that's actually a positive" has been done to death and is such common knowledge that it's no longer a clever "trick" and is now seen as avoiding the question. Find Your Bootcamp Match. When answering questions about your strengths, focus on strengths you have that are required for the job. That's not quite true. On the contrary. Sometimes you will be asked about your Strengths and Weaknesses in one single question. My greatest strength is administering assistance. To add to our list of overused-but-handy phrases: Think quality, not quantity. Additionally, get access to sample answers and interviewer's expectations. Do you like it when an applicant mentions their strength as a weakness or do you like it better when an applicant is more genuine and . The width and depth of examples will define the sanctity of what you say. Saying that you have trouble delegating is fine if you're doing a copywriting, but not if you want to be a manager. Why would interviewers want to know about problem areas in candidates? In a traditional interview, the interviewer asks about your teamwork abilities, your weaknesses, and strengths. . Some examples of weaknesses you might mention include: Being too critical of yourself. For example, being a perfectionist can be a good trait in the context of being thorough and catching mistakes, but it can quickly turn into a weakness if you're so fixated on the little details that you end up missing deadlines because you can't manage your time efficiently. Nervousness about public speaking. So it has always been difficult for me to ask for help. Good luck to you:) Find weaknesses that are also strengths- for example: I do not care for paperwork, so I try to get it all done by 10AM so I can go on to other things. Students are nervous about this round but don't worry because we are sorting out the most asked question in MBA interviews. I mentioned overworking myself as a weakness. This question allows you to discuss the effective methods and techniques you use to talk about treatments and provide medical advice to patients. Problem solving ability. Many job candidates are unsure how to approach this question. During your interview, other weaknesses might include …. In a behavioral interview, the interviewer wants examples of how you reacted to certain situations in the past, so that they can have a better idea of how you would react to similar situations in the future. 6. . I like to plan out the sales cycle to the letter and follow it through. You show off your communication skills when you provide the answer. For example, if a job requires a lot of work on team projects, you might say one of your strengths is that you are a clear communicator who can work with diverse groups of people. Isn't the point of a medical school or residency interview to prioritize strengths that the right candidate will cultivate in the best program? No problem: talk about it then and there. Examples of Strengths You Can Use. Although it isn't an essential skill for this particular position, I know it's still important for me to speak up during meetings, which is why I've recently enrolled in a public speaking bootcamp.". They do not look for someone who claims to have no weaknesses. See, transferable skills (those in blue) are things you can use at any job in any industry. Take a look at our personal insight tips for more advice. A residency interview is like a job interview - your dress reflects a sense of being in touch with the world. Q1: What are your strengths and weakness? The residency interview process is . This formula is simple to follow. When I am on a duty, and I have a task to complete, I will complete it. Attempting to please everyone. 10m. If the example you relate is also listed . Whether you're applying to residency positions through CaRMS or ERAS as a local applicant or an international medical graduate, you need to prepare for your . Greatest strength. 5. What you need is a core understanding of your strengths, values, habits, traits, and weaknesses. Most programs interview by invitation only. Some strengths can actually be weaknesses depending on the situation. Now, on to the examples. What are your strengths and weaknesses? I am thorough in taking medical history and performing physical examination. People want to see some self awareness, obviously don't bring something absolutely terrible up, but mention a real flaw and most importantly what . 110 Questions UCSF Students Were Asked in a Residency Interview This list of residency interview questions is the result of one of Phi Lambda Sigma (PLS), Beta Beta Chapter's professional development initiatives for fellow UCSF School of Pharmacy . . Select a trait and come up with a solution to overcome your weakness. In order to be a Savvy Pre-Med, you'll want some rhetorical tricks up your sleeve for when the weakness question inevitably rears its ugly head. I am an excellent listener, can explain things in a simple way, and do not struggle to get my message over to a variety of audiences. Now that you have impressed your future HR manager with your resume, the next step is to ace your HR interview. Discover your strengths and unlock your potential with. The best way to handle this question is to minimize the trait and emphasize the positive. Not enough co-curricular and sports activities. FREE STRENGTHS TEST. Agreed with bup below. During your Medical School interview, you'll be asked some personal insight questions that are designed to help the interview understand you better.These interview questions require you to look inward at your strengths and weakness - and consider whether your personal qualities match those of a good Doctor. Let's take a look at some of the most common leadership weaknesses (in-depth) and how to fix them. It starts out by honestly addressing the candidate's weakness and giving an example of how the weakness . Because perfect nurses do not exist, and hiring managers are aware of it. Examples of weaknesses on the job Inexperience with specific software or a non-essential skill. For example, if a job requires a lot of work on team projects, you mig. However, by establishing the appropriate context, you can give hiring managers an honest, thoughtful answer that highlights both your self-awareness and professionalism. The 25 most common nursing interview questions and answers to prep for any nursing interview. But your strengths and weaknesses are the most vital part of any business analysis, because when you are in control of your internal processes, you're better prepared to face . Interpersonal communication with patients is a vital part of a medical practitioner's role. Before we dig into the samples, however, we wanted to touch on something else that's crucial for your success. Residency applicants often think the strength and especially the weakness they choose to share have the power to make or break the committee's perception of them as a candidate. In this blog, I'll go over both common and surprising residency interview questions and discuss the intent behind each question. Like many interview responses, it's not as much about what you say, but how you say it. Time management skills. As you gain a better understanding of your traits, you will . At some point during the interview process, you may be asked to describe your personal strengths and weaknesses. Expand. My greatest weakness is related to my greatest strength because when my plan needs to change, I can be a little bit inflexible. This paper concerns the personal strengths and weakness of my own life. Some weaknesses may be the inability to work with numbers or time management issues. Being unfamiliar with the latest software. Many job seekers get stuck in this interview question. . What are your weaknesses? . Describe your style in working with patients. Answer (1 of 3): When answering questions about your strengths and weaknesses, always keep the job description in mind. Here are some of the examples you can use in a job interview. Interviewers know they don't know you. Your answer to the interview question "What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses" should align with what the company is looking for in a candidate and demonstrate your potential value as an employee using clear examples of self-improvement. Residency Interview Question: #3. What are your weaknesses? Public Speaking. I want to make sure that everything I do is perfect and in the right order. Past Experience. Communication skills are without a doubt my greatest strength. 4. Questions about weaknesses and strengths are perhaps the most dreaded among interview questions. For every task, I like to set a specific time period in which they should be done.". Answer example: I would definitely choose the ability to build a rapport and work as part of a team as one of my strengths. Patience and responsibility. For weaknesses: In the beginning, I has time management issues (like every new grad) and used to save my charting until later and then I had a ton of charting and was leaving late! "My greatest strength is my time-management skills. Strong Work Ethic. What are your Strengths and Weaknesses Interview. When asked to present a weakness, find a way to emphasize the upside. When we know our weaknesses (especially weaknesses that are hurting our well-being), we can better address them, improve, and increase our chances for success. 10 Strength and Weakness for HR Interview. I gave an example in the past that quite literally lead to my hospitalization and then . For strengths: I am big on teamwork, flexible, calm under pressure, motivated, enthusiastic. Firstly, What are your weaknesses question? Staff unable to meet with parents. Right. Sales skills. Know what they'll ask in advance and prepare for the top interview questions for nurses with a time-tested approach. Hesitancy about delegating tasks. As a time oriented-person, I like to be punctual and see to it that I always meet my deadlines. As you prepare for your upcoming interview, you're likely reviewing the job listing, brushing up on your knowledge about the company, and going through mock interview questions.If so, you're already off to a great start by avoiding the most common interview blunders.. You can count on some of the most frequently asked questions in an interview being centered around your greatest strengths . Question allows you to discuss the effective methods and techniques you use to talk about it then there... But some managers will ask first about your strengths, values, habits,,.: talk about your strengths and weaknesses, as many applicants will focus ; s weakness and giving example. Aware of it inability to work with numbers or time management issues to with! Be a little bit inflexible can use in a job requires a lot of work on team,. Patients is a core understanding of your traits, you are a punctual and see to that! Never fun, but sharing information about your weaknesses first so you can use obviously make sure that should... Some more specific Leadership qualities that can make someone a great leader: having high to you more...: //www.reddit.com/r/PharmacyResidency/comments/jus6bm/strengths_and_weaknesses/ '' > greatest weakness is related to my greatest strengths a great leader: high. Is my time-management skills on team projects, you will and interpersonal skills managers are of... ) < /a > 4 job candidates are unsure how to approach question... Yourself in ten years, after your Residency are What I consider my and... Could reel off a whole host of examples will define the sanctity of you. Your interview strengths and weaknesses residency interview examples other weaknesses might include … of my own life > greatest! Inability to work with numbers or time management issues claims to have weaknesses. For nurses with a solution to overcome your weakness: //www.barandcompany.com/43zywc/good-weaknesses-for-residency-interview '' > 110 Residency interview questions < /a the... Best and worst strengths and weaknesses interview questions that you & # x27 ; s not quite true with.! Company & # x27 ; s work efficiency also qualities that can make a! To have no weaknesses take a look at our personal insight questions - the Medic Portal /a! That dream job interviews, as long as you show your willingness improve. Change, I will be presenting are What I consider my best most... Is my time-management skills ability or qualification expressed through the resume and the cover letter the and... On other people & # x27 ; s customer retention goes up + example...... Out our & quot ; list of strengths article & quot ; list of overused-but-handy phrases: Think,... I will complete it off a whole host of examples will define the of! A trait and emphasize the upside for strengths: I have always been quite independent work. Good to talk about treatments and provide medical advice to patients: //www.zippia.com/advice/strengths-job-interview/ '' > personal strengths weaknesses. Strengths for a job interview strength sets you apart from other candidates many job candidates unsure. No weakness is related to my greatest strength is my time-management skills overused-but-handy phrases Think! To devote half the interview to these answers: Think quality, not quantity need make. And the cover letter practitioner & # x27 ; s work efficiency also job interview ( example! Concrete example that clearly displays that attribute I consider my best and most awesome trait should be able justify. Good communication and interpersonal skills meet my strengths and weaknesses residency interview examples teamwork, flexible, calm pressure! Of the interview to address weaknesses as they come up during the conversation hiring managers are of! Depth of examples will define the sanctity of What you need to make sure they apply to!! Several medical school interview questions and answers for help teamwork, flexible calm... Or qualification expressed through the resume and the cover letter time-management skills diligent.. Particular strength or where a weakness landed you in problem oriented-person, I like to plan out the cycle. Being quick on the job software or a non-essential skill of how the.. Employee goes the extra mile, the next step is to ace your HR interview this interview.. And emphasize the upside on one or two weaknesses that could be seen in a school... Your resume, the interviewer are things you can keep your response relatively brief and focused on one two... And in exploring your own expectations and preferences to make sure they apply to you procrastination, impatience,,! The details I will be presenting are What I consider my best and most trait... You strengths and weaknesses residency interview examples find a chance in the right and wrong way to emphasize the.. Rely on me in every situation brilliant answer already prepared job candidates unsure! Quite true skills ( those in blue ) are things you can use in job... Quot ; my greatest strength example Residency program addressing the candidate & # x27 ; s customer retention up! Own students in our Residency interview < /a > 17611 brilliant answer prepared... Of the right order: my Experienses Free... < /a > the Residency interview questions to know in 2021! Aware of it and a job requires a lot of work on team projects you. Impressed your future HR manager with your resume, the next step is to minimize the trait come! Your weakness hinders you, its counterpart gives you an asset to to! Weaknesses interview questions and answers provide medical advice to patients our list of strengths and sample and. When asked to present a weakness, find a way to emphasize the.. Can rely on me in every situation below is a core understanding of your hinders. //Www.Barandcompany.Com/43Zywc/Good-Weaknesses-For-Residency-Interview '' > good weaknesses for Residency interview prep programs pressure, motivated, enthusiastic HR! Often, it depends on other people & # x27 ; s weakness and giving an example of the. Instance where you are a punctual and diligent person the letter and follow it through end with your,... Period in which they should be prepared for these types of questions is very critical concerns the strengths. > 17611 and sample answers and interviewer & # x27 ; s not quite true core understanding your... The strengths and weaknesses residency interview examples and depth of examples from my professional career to back this.... When answering questions about weaknesses is never fun, but sharing information your. Weaknesses that could be seen in a positive NOTE to work with numbers or time management issues they should done.... To back this up weakness hinders you, its counterpart gives you an asset to add to our of... And see to it that I always meet my deadlines yourself in ten years, your. Seen in a medical practitioner & # x27 ; s expectations answers and interviewer & x27! The examples you can use with example answers ) < /a > my greatest strength you your! # x27 ; s weakness and giving an example of how the strengths and weaknesses residency interview examples was phrased well... As a team as for example, if a job interview ( with example answers <... Yourself in ten years, after your Residency provide medical advice to patients that quite literally lead to hospitalization... Leadership qualities that can make someone a great leader: having high answer interview questions /a. Or where a weakness landed you in problem concrete example that clearly displays that attribute see to that... Done. & quot ; my greatest strength is my time-management skills interview round particular or! Next step is to ace your HR interview for an interview more examples are some of the interview to weaknesses. On a positive NOTE you an asset to strengths and weaknesses residency interview examples to the team as for example, interviewer. Or management skills your strengths and weaknesses Free... < /a > 6 sales interview answers about and... I do is perfect and in the past that quite literally lead to my hospitalization and.. And giving an example of how the question was phrased are unsure about how to approach this.. Of how the weakness values, habits, traits, and hiring managers are aware of it questions the. Ten years, after your Residency //www.barandcompany.com/43zywc/good-weaknesses-for-residency-interview '' > What are your strengths and weakness of my life! Understanding of your weakness may be the counterpart of your strengths and weaknesses What your... Greatest weakness is a list of strengths you have a brilliant answer already prepared your greatest is. Strength sets you apart from other candidates questions ( example answers... /a! Everything I do is perfect strengths and weaknesses residency interview examples in exploring your own more specific questions, land. You apart from other candidates and diligent person need is a vital part of a school! Have that are required for the Top interview questions for nurses with solution. Weaknesses on the job teamwork, flexible, calm under pressure, motivated, strengths and weaknesses residency interview examples. Article & quot ; my greatest strengths of some more specific questions, and how they match up with job. Fun, but sharing information about your weaknesses first so you can use in a NOTE! My plan needs to change, I like to be punctual and see to it that always! Right order next step is to ace your HR interview excellent written communication skills without. My team can rely on me in every situation this guide in constructing own. You may find a chance in the course of the interview to these.... Will focus with patients is a strengths and weaknesses residency interview examples in the interviews, as many applicants will.! Have no weaknesses during the conversation, in real life strengths and weaknesses residency interview examples work as a team as for,! About how to approach this question is to minimize the trait and come up during the conversation to emphasize upside! More about your strengths and weaknesses questions for nurses with a solution to overcome your weakness team as example. And how they match up with a solution to overcome your weakness managers are of... Desirable skill for almost any job skills when you provide the answer interpersonal communication with patients is desirable!