How to Answer: Have you ever worked in a situation where the policies and guidelines were not clear? How did you cope in that situation?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Anesthesiologist job interview.
3. Have you ever worked in a situation where the policies and guidelines were not clear? How did you cope in that situation?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
When it comes time to providing direct care to patients as a successful Anesthesiologist, the policies and procedures set out by an organization aren't one size fits all. In asking this question, your interviewer wants to hear that you can work effectively when things might be a bit gray for operating procedures on the job. They'll want to hear that you have a strong moral and ethical compass to rely on when faced with patient-care decisions.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 27th, 2022
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer about a specific situation you faced where you were unclear about the guidelines or rules. Outline the situation, describe your responsibility or goal, and explain how you chose to approach the situation. Be sure to tell the interviewer that even though you were not entirely clear about the guidelines or rules, you still took great care in your approach, leaning on your knowledge base. Give as much detail as you can regarding how you coped in the face of ambiguity. If your process generated positive results, be sure to provide those details.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"As an Anesthesiologist who holds to the AMA Principles of Medical Ethics, I know that I have an ethical responsibility to my patients, my colleagues, my employer, and myself. I also know that the area of care we provide often operates in the 'gray' where institutional policies are concerned. A few months ago, we had a patient who needed unanticipated pulmonary artery catheter monitoring, and waiting until the patient could give consent wasn't an option because it could have resulted in harm to the patient. Typically, informed consent is important and required, but when a patient is under anesthesia care, they can't consent. We ended up making a life-saving decision for that patient, and I slept well that night knowing that."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 27th, 2022