Excel in 38 Family Medicine Residency interview questions covering patient care, continuity, and your clinical philosophy.
Question 2 of 38
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Audra Kresinske is an educator with over 7 years experience teaching English and employment readiness skills.
Your interviewing team will be interested in the overall dedication to patient care that each potential resident has. This is a question about dedication and putting the patient first.

Audra Kresinske is an educator with over 7 years experience teaching English and employment readiness skills.
"There are two ways to handle this. First, I could tell the new team that the labs need to be addressed and get their assurance that they'll follow up. Alternatively, I could do it myself. The only way I can be sure it gets done is by doing it myself, even if it means staying beyond my shift. Since my team ordered the test, it is my responsibility. I would also tell my peer that I expect the same level of dedication from both of us and that our team is only as good as its weakest link."

Ryan Brunner has over ten years of experience recruiting, interviewing, and hiring candidates in the healthcare, public service, and private manufacturing/distribution industries.
Another team will likely be taking over at the end of the shift, but if the lab results are not dealt with right away, a lot can happen in the meantime. Let the interviewer know that you believe that any test ordered obligates the one ordering it to act upon it as soon as it is ready. You may also mention how you would handle your peer who did not wait.
"Patient safety should always come first. I would personally try to contact the lab to get the results of the patient's blood work. If the result was still not available, I would sign out the information to the overnight resident. I would emphasize that this is something important to follow up on."

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Anonymous Answer
If it can make the difference then it is worth calling the lab. It is ok if I stay 5 or 10 minutes on the phone after my shift.

Chad's Feedback
Great answer! The interviewer will appreciate your dedication and a strong sense of duty. Next, describe any action you would take to address your partner's lack of ethical responsibility.
Anonymous Answer
I will take care of it myself. I don't mind staying extra time for the patient's best interest.
Marcie's Feedback
To further build out your response, can you talk more about why it's so important to you to take care of the patient? Also, how will you handle the fact that your peer disregarded the patient's well-being? Will you talk to them about it or let a supervisor know? Emphasize to the interviewer how much the patient's well-being matters to you. Good job!
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Written by Ryan Brunner
38 Questions & Answers • Family Medicine Residency

By Ryan

By Ryan