Multiple Mini Interview Questions
Practice 30 Multiple Mini Interview questions covering ethical scenarios, time management, and communication under pressure.
Question 9 of 30
Talk about physician-assisted death. When is this an appropriate solution?
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Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
The controversy surrounding physician-assisted death is not a new topic. Depending on your region, and the laws surrounding physician-assisted death, your answer will vary. Bring to light not only your professional thoughts around the issue but also touch on the primary points discussed in the medical community. Be sure to present a balanced response that holds empathy for those desiring a physician-assisted passing.
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"The ethics surrounding the legalization of physician-assisted death continues to be a controversial topic within the medical community in my region. Many people are concerned about the way they will die, wishing to escape a sufferable death from chronic illness and disease. This desire to die on one's terms is entirely understandable, and often justifiable. On the one hand, many in the medical community believe that by offering physician-assisted death, we dramatically alter the role of a physician within society. Many believe that the healthcare industry's focus should remain on delivering better access to hospice and palliative care for those requiring end of life care. Alternately, many healthcare professionals believe that the way we die is just as important as the way we live. Many healthcare providers believe that people should have the right to choose when their suffering ends. Patients facing instances such as incurable disease or a terminal illness with a prognosis of death in 6 months or less should be allowed to die with dignity and on their terms. I am an advocate for patient-centered care, which I believe includes end-of-life wishes, so long as the physician's clinical judgment is sound and the patient is of sound mind to make the decision surrounding their passing."
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Anonymous Answer
Death is certainly a tough topic to discuss, especially when discussing someone else's life. The topic of physician-assisted death is certainly not a new topic within the medical community. There are advocates of physician-assisted death and those that oppose it. On the advocate side, patients with an incurable disease or suffering from a painful disease may look to the physician as a means that would provide comfort or ease to their lifestyle. Patients certainly have a right to autonomy, and if they are determined to be in a sane state of decision-making by health professionals, then they have a right to exercise their autonomy and chose how they would like to pass or live. We must respect a patient's dignity and right of choice, even if that means providing a safe and viable method of death. In the opposing position, many in the medical field would see physician-assisted death as going against an oath to serve the best health of patients. By doing so we alter the responsibilities and moral obligations of the physician. It also goes against ethical behavior. In my professional opinion, I believe we as a physician should respect the patients' autonomy, and provide any means of comfort to their care, even the promise of comfort and safety with death.
Stephanie's Feedback
This is an extremely challenging topic, and you do a good job of balancing different perspectives and sharing your own professional opinion about the importance of ethical behavior. This answer captures a great deal of thoughtfulness from you!
Anonymous Answer
Physician-assisted death is a controversial topic. The goal of healthcare is to fight against disease and death as much as possible, but it is also to help the patient have the best quality of life. If a patient is no longer able to have a good quality of life and is in a situation where their health is not able to improve at all, shouldn't they be able to end their lives on their own terms and prevent any further suffering associated with a natural death? I think that if the proper regulations were in place, the patient is well educated on the process and in the right state of mind to be able to make such a decision, then I would advocate for the patient's right to chose their time of death.
Marcie's Feedback
Your response is straightforward and well-informed; however, you might want to include some of the arguments from the other side as well - perhaps just acknowledge them - so the interviewer sees your response as balanced. It's fine that you've included your opinion on the topic and supported it with valid reasoning. Just recognize that you never know what the interviewer's stance might be; sometimes it's safest to stay neutral if possible and simply state the various sides of the argument. Good job!
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