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Family Physician Mock Interview

Question 6 of 30 for our Family Physician Mock Interview

Family Physician was updated by on August 31st, 2021. Learn more here.

Question 6 of 30

Have you ever had a disagreement with a peer or co-worker, and if so, how was it handled?

Any time you work with someone else, there is a chance of having a disagreement about something at one time or another. The interviewer knows this. It's human nature for people to have their own opinions. What is important to the interviewer in this question is whether or not you are willing to compromise and work through difficult situations with your co-workers. Being unwilling to compromise or find alternative solutions to a dispute can affect everyone on the team, even if it is indirectly. Sharing a personal experience is OK, but do not embellish it to 'be the hero.'

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How to Answer: Have you ever had a disagreement with a peer or co-worker, and if so, how was it handled?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Family Physician job interview.

  • 6. Have you ever had a disagreement with a peer or co-worker, and if so, how was it handled?

      How to Answer

      Any time you work with someone else, there is a chance of having a disagreement about something at one time or another. The interviewer knows this. It's human nature for people to have their own opinions. What is important to the interviewer in this question is whether or not you are willing to compromise and work through difficult situations with your co-workers. Being unwilling to compromise or find alternative solutions to a dispute can affect everyone on the team, even if it is indirectly. Sharing a personal experience is OK, but do not embellish it to 'be the hero.'

      Written by Darby Faubion on August 31st, 2021

      Entry Level

      "I am a pretty easy-going person and do my best to avoid conflict. Like anyone else, I am sure there have been times that a co-worker and I have had a difference of opinion, but there has never been an instance that the disagreement was something that would have interfered with my work."

      Written by Darby Faubion on August 31st, 2021

      Answer Example

      "I believe if we think about it, each of us could remember at least one disagreement with a friend or co-worker. Although I consider myself to be pretty easy-going, I am also very passionate about my patients and the care that they receive. I have been aware of disagreements between other co-workers, but really like to think of myself as more of a peacekeeper. I feel like professional people should be able to discuss things logically and come to an agreement that is satisfactory for everyone involved."

      Written by Darby Faubion on August 31st, 2021

      Experienced

      "I think the most common disagreement between myself and others has involved our personal feelings about how healthcare should be carried out. However, I have learned, as have most of the people that I have worked with, that while our opinions are important, plans of care are designated by strict guidelines and with the input of everyone on the care team as well as the patient. Learning to respect those guidelines and patient wishes usually resolves issues that arise."

      Written by Darby Faubion on August 31st, 2021

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "If I have a conflict with one of my coworkers first try calmly finding out exactly what his concern is. If it is a scientific conflict, I try to show my reference and ask him what is his reference, and try to stick to the newest or more evidence-based one and if it is about a behavioral condition, I will try to solve the issue together until we reach to the common ground."

      Jaymie's Feedback

      This is a good start! If you have a specific example to share, incorporate that. If not, you can certainly use your response to speak to how you would handle the situation in the workplace. Consider also including your problem-solving, interpersonal, and communication skills in your response as well.