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Question 16 of 40
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Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
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.

Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
"From what I understand, if the patient is of sound mind and understands the risk they are taking by refusing a blood transfusion, I do not have the right to override her religious choice. Many factors could change this, such as an unconscious patient, someone with an altered mental status, or a significant language barrier. In these situations, I will fall back on what I will be trained on during medical school, refer to my facilities' leaders and ethics community, or consult with colleagues. This is a decision I would not feel comfortable making entirely on my own."

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Written by Krista Wenz
40 Questions & Answers • Indiana University School of Medicine

By Krista

By Krista