A woman comes into the ER after a car accident. She needs a blood transfusion, but she states that her religion is against blood transfusions. How would you handle this situation?

The interviewer wants to know if you are ready to face tough decisions while maintaining the integrity and code of ethics expected of you as a physician. You may not be able to answer this question entirely accurately as there are many policies and legal requirements you may not have been trained on. During med school at Indiana University School of Medicine, you will be introduced to spiritual and religious beliefs in healthcare, patient rights, informed consent, patient advocacy, and advance directives. You will learn precisely how to handle situations like this as a physician.

In the meantime, answer to the best of your ability by displaying that you would make the soundest choice possible while maintaining the patient's integrity and following their religious beliefs. If the patient is of sound mind and you have made them aware of the consequences of refusing a blood transfusion, there is not much more you can do than offer medical support and compassion that does not go against their beliefs.