How to Answer: Serious infections often end up being treated in the ICU. Would you have any hesitation toward an ICU hospitalist assuming control of your case?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Infectious Disease Physician job interview.
2. Serious infections often end up being treated in the ICU. Would you have any hesitation toward an ICU hospitalist assuming control of your case?
How to Answer
This is a question over both permission and responsibility, and it impacts the hospital or group, you, and the patient. Most arrangements are stipulated in the hospital's or group's by-laws, but seldom is there really an ugly turf battle, due to the severity of this life-and-death situation. They just want to hear that common sense shall prevail over inappropriate tenaciousness.
Written by Ryan Brown on February 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"I am obligated to do what is best for my patient. While both the hospitalist and I can manage the case together, still, one of us must have final authority. This can even be a mixed authority, and all this or any other arrangement just needs is a meeting of the minds--our agreement to pursue what is best for the patient. If ugliness is unavoidable, then the Chief-of-Staff must intervene and if necessary, invite an appropriate consultant as a second opinion."
Written by Ryan Brown on February 27th, 2021