CASPer Personal Questions Example #1

Describe a time when you worked as part of a highly diverse team.

One of my first jobs during my undergraduate was as a server at a very

upscale banquet hall. It was there that I learned that diversity does not
necessarily lead to better outcomes and performance, but it’s the
demands of the job at hand that lends itself more to creating a cohesive
and productive work environment. My co-workers were from Northern
Ireland, Ecuador, South Africa, China, South Korea, and more. They
were all very generous and helpful to me, as the new person, but they
remained distant and a little guarded. It was only when we had to host
high-profile events with a lot of VIPs that I got to know them, through
their actions. I saw everyone giving their all during those events and it
motivated me to work harder as well. It was during those events that I
realized that no matter where people come from, they will all come
together to achieve a mutual goal. When everyone is focused on the
same outcome, especially in a healthcare setting that is ultimately how
we show our care and responsibility to each other.

CASPer Personal Questions Example #2

Why is lifelong learning important for a professional in your field?

Lifelong learning is an essential aspect of my professional journey as a

physician assistant for many reasons. The first, and most important
reason is that I want to give all my patients the best possible care
available. A physician’s assistant is often the only healthcare provider in
many underserved communities, far away from the large teaching and
research hospitals where medical breakthroughs are often made.
However, keeping up-to-date on important advances in medical science
is also important to me to satisfy my unending scientific curiosity. While I
want to provide all my patients with the most effective and up-to-date
treatments, I also recognize that I can take the initiative to make
important advances in medical science or treatment models, especially
in settings where access to cutting-edge research is limited. When I
worked as an outreach coordinator for an urgent care clinic, I mediated
with other urgent care clinics and spoke to other PAs, nurses, and
doctors to see if we could coordinate our care and provide individuals
with mental health disorders and addictions within vulnerable
populations access to primary care services as well. Through this
program, we directed our resources to wherever and whenever the
needs were greatest, and we rotated around so we could provide the
same level of care to individuals in various locations. The program is still
running now and, while I recognize the need for lifelong learning, I also
see the importance of applying that knowledge to important research, or
other, non-medical ways, which also benefit the community at large.

CASPer Personal Questions Example #3

When you become a professional in your chosen field, would you
ever refer a colleague to a disciplinary hearing if you were sure
they were acting unethically?

Fortunately, I have never encountered a situation where I was faced with

deciding whether to report the unethical behavior of any colleagues, and,
to be honest, I don’t feel like I know how to act exactly. My feelings
would be clouded if it was someone, I was close to. But I think that
would be my first step; talking to them directly and finding out what was
behind their decision. Making a mistake is very different from breaching
ethics. The latter is a conscious choice a person makes knowing that
what they are doing is wrong, but why or what motivated my colleague to
do such a thing would be how I would go about addressing the problem.
However, if these ethical violations were to continue, then it would be
clear to me that this is part of a larger pattern of behavior that needs to
be called out. I would confront my colleague again and tell them that I
am considering reporting them if they do not stop their unethical
behavior. With that “red line” set, if they were to cross it again, then I
would report them, without hesitation. It wouldn’t be a knee-jerk reaction
to something, but a measured response to someone who is not taking
their role as a healthcare provider seriously and is an affront to the
profession, our colleagues, and our patients.

CASPer Personal Questions Example #4

Tell me about a time you overcame a challenge.

One of the greatest obstacles I’ve overcome was moving here to

the United States when I was 30, without speaking the language
fluently. I had to make new friends, learn the language, learn the
culture, and adjust to a completely different way of life. One thing
that made me successful was my natural curiosity and interest in
learning. I’ve always been a good student, someone who reads and
studies a lot, and someone who enjoys picking up new knowledge
in general. I’ve taken that approach to learning new skills on the
job, too, which I think has helped me get ahead in my personal and
professional life and overcome obstacles and disadvantages.
Quitting smoking was one of the most challenging endeavors I faced,
especially after nearly ten years of addiction. I made numerous attempts
to quit, but often found myself relapsing and making excuses to continue
smoking. It was a frustrating cycle that seemed impossible to break.

However, I had a significant realization during my journey. I understood

that I needed to genuinely “want” to quit smoking, not just feel pressured
to do so. Instead of constantly trying and failing, I decided to wait for that
moment of true commitment. I encountered an additional obstacle as I
am allergic to common quit smoking medications like Chantix. This
forced me to explore alternative methods. I relied on a combination of
nicotine replacement products such as patches and gums, as well as
sheer willpower, to maintain my resolve. Over time, I developed healthy
coping mechanisms, such as exercise and deep breathing, to manage
stress and anxiety. With determination and support from loved ones, I
gradually broke free from the grip of cigarettes. Quitting smoking taught
me the power of perseverance and the importance of truly desiring
change. It was a difficult journey, but one that has strengthened my
resilience and self-discipline.

CASPer Personal Questions Example #5

Tell me about a time you made a mistake.

One of the most valuable lessons I learned was from a mistake I made
during a research project in my undergraduate studies. I was responsible
for conducting data analysis, and due to a misinterpretation of the
instructions, I ended up using the wrong statistical method. As a result,
the findings I presented were inaccurate and misleading. Realizing my
error was a humbling experience. I immediately took responsibility for my
mistake and informed my professor and team members about the issue.
I acknowledged the impact it could have on our project and the
importance of rectifying the situation. To resolve the mistake, I consulted
with my professor and sought guidance on the correct statistical
approach. We re-analyzed the data and obtained accurate results. I then
presented the revised findings to the team, along with a sincere apology
for the initial error. This mistake taught me several important lessons.
First, it highlighted the significance of careful attention to detail and a
thorough understanding of project requirements. It also emphasized the
importance of effective communication and seeking assistance when
faced with challenges. Furthermore, I learned the value of accountability
and transparency in addressing and resolving mistakes.
CASPer Personal Questions Example #6
Why do you want to be a doctor?

I am passionate about science and discovery, much like artists and

musicians are passionate about their art forms. Throughout my life, I
have admired the creativity and depth of knowledge possessed by artists
and other creatives. While I may have felt intimidated and a little envious
of their expertise, I recognized that my true calling lay in the field of
medicine. Medicine, to me, represents the perfect fusion of art and
science. It satisfies my innate desire to create and explore but with the
profound purpose of improving the health and well-being of patients. It
requires a delicate balance of analytical thinking and intuition, as well as
the ability to navigate the intricate complexities of the human condition.
As a physician, I see myself as a lifelong learner and discoverer. Just as
artists continually refine their skills and musicians expand their
repertoire, I am committed to staying at the forefront of medical
knowledge. The dynamic nature of medicine ensures that there is always
more to explore, discover, and innovate, which is why I want to be a
doctor.

CASPer Personal Questions Example #7

Tell me about yourself.

I am a refugee from the Second Iraq War, and the experiences I went
through have shaped my perspective on life and my aspirations for the
future. In particular, I draw inspiration from my uncle, who was a
physician in Iraq. As the family legend goes, my uncle took bribes and
kickbacks from pharmaceutical companies to earn the money to help us
relocate to Canada. It is a complicated story, but it has inspired me to
advocate for ethical healthcare practices and fight for the well-being of
vulnerable populations, as no one should have to compromise
themselves morally to support their family. In that respect, I have been a
volunteer with the Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community
Services in Toronto since the beginning of my undergraduate studies.
Through my work at Access, I have been able to meet people from all
parts of the globe and encounter children who, like myself long ago, are
navigating a new world and are more than a little scared. I do my best to
introduce them to Toronto, by taking them out to see the sights, along
with their parents, but, fortunately, children adapt easily and it has been
a joy to watch them flourish in their new homes.
CASPer Personal Questions Example #8
What is your greatest weakness?

One of my greatest weaknesses is my tendency to be overly self-critical

and fear failure. I worked in the office of a furniture-making factory during
one summer and I was so crowded with self-doubt that I constantly
asked my supervisor what to do and how to do it, unable to make a
decision on my own or handle a problem. As a result, I fell behind on
deadlines and, unfortunately, lost my job. This experience was a wake-
up call for me. I realized that while seeking help and guidance is
important, I also needed to develop my problem-solving skills and trust in
my abilities. To overcome this weakness, I pursued mental health
counseling to understand my fear of failure. Through therapy, I learned
to challenge my limiting beliefs and cultivate a more compassionate and
supportive inner dialogue. I developed mindfulness techniques and self-
care practices that helped me navigate stressful situations and maintain
a healthier mindset. Engaging in mental health counseling was a
transformative experience for me. I now approach challenges with more
resilience, self-compassion, and a willingness to learn from setbacks.