Practice 25 Geriatric Physician interview questions covering clinical judgment, polypharmacy, and patient-centered care.
Question 4 of 25
How to Answer
Example Answer
Community Answers

Audra Kresinske is an educator with over 7 years experience teaching English and employment readiness skills.
This is a straightforward question. No one wants someone certain to lose them money or jeopardize their reputation. However, it is a truism that all physicians are at risk for malpractice suits, whether these actually come to pass or not. The interviewer will not dismiss you for lawsuits--he or she just doesn't want someone who is sued so frequently, as to suggest there's a problem. That being said, not all suits come to pass, and a lawsuit filed is not a deal breaker; many are just filed against you for the purpose of initiating and accomplishing discovery to see if there really is merit to a case. If there aren't really any substantial missteps on your part, these go away or prescribe, and your interviewer will know this. A settlement, on the other hand, can be just as bad as a lawsuit you lose, because most settlements are made to mitigate the damage of a likely unfavorable outcome.
If there are suits, losses, or settlements, be truthful, but half of the truth is your side of the story, so make sure you give it. Do not blame your previous institution or group--that just looks bad for you. Take ownership, but if you can explain why a lawsuit occurred due to a complication and not overt malpractice, this is something any hospital administrator will understand.

Audra Kresinske is an educator with over 7 years experience teaching English and employment readiness skills.
"I have three lawsuits, each one of them is due to a complication--one an allergic reaction to a dressing, another due to side effect of a medication, and another for the need for a transfusion in a patient with anemia. After discovery, I expect all three to prescribe without incident or settlement."

Interview Coach
Jaymie
A real coach, not AI. I read every answer myself and write back with personalized feedback.
Typically responds within 24 hours.
0 - Character Count
Master sensitive interview scenarios unique to geriatric medicine and complex patient care.
Get StartedJump to Question

Written by Audra Kresinske
25 Questions & Answers • Geriatric Physician

By Audra

By Audra