Physicians are very busy people. Do you feel you can assure your patients you'll always be available to them as a Family Medicine Resident?
In family practice, you get to enjoy the benefits of continuous care of patients and, even as a Family Medicine Resident, you will provide care for common patients for three years. Your interviewers ask this question to make sure you understand the importance of this responsibility and that you'll work diligently to be available for your entire patient panel.
"Just living to work is not much of a life. Neither is just working to live because that is living one paycheck at a time, so to speak. My work is a crucial part of my life, among other things like family, recreation, or outside interests. I have to be honest with my patients if I go on a vacation or take time off. In these situations, I will have someone in my place who is just as knowledgeable and dedicated. In modern healthcare, I know that online resources are readily available to patients, and I know your online system is great because I checked it out before interviews. The 'Ask a Nurse' line and messaging through online patient accounts triage patients to the correct person."
You might think that you should tell your interviewers that you'll do everything you can to always be there for your patients, but this is unrealistic. Your interviewers want to know that you can do what's best for both you and your patient. Openly discuss how you will assure patients that you will be there when needed with any questions that they may have, and talk about how you will rely on your nursing team and automation from any online patient care portal as well.
"I can assure my patients that while I am working I will always give them my full effort and attention. When I am not working or on call there will always be another team member available if they should have questions or concerns."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I will try my best to be there for my patient. In case of my absence for different reasons, I will make sure somebody from the staff will cover my shift and will take care of my patients.
Chad's Feedback
Excellent! It is unrealistic to be available to your patients all of the time, and you have done well to indicate you will ensure there is coverage in place for any time off.
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