How will you express your opinions on controversial topics such as abortion, euthanasia, physician assisted suicide, and cloning as a medical student?

"When it comes to controversial topics such as these, I will give my opinions more freely in a social setting with friends versus in the workplace or around patients. In a professional patient care setting, I would try to keep my personal opinion to myself and be diplomatic by expressing how each side has the right to an opinion. Depending on certain legalities, the patient always has the power to choose in the end. As long as I'm not recommending physical, mental, or emotional harm, I'll know that I did the right thing for them."

Discuss how you remain tactful when controversial topics arise. Be sure to consider the patient's thoughts and health while you explain the pros and cons of each side of the coin on a controversial topic.