How to Answer: Have you ever had a patient be combative toward you? If so, how did you handle the situation?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Medical Assistant job interview.
7. Have you ever had a patient be combative toward you? If so, how did you handle the situation?
How to Answer
Unfortunately, there are times when a patient may be more difficult to care for than others. The interviewer wants to know that, when faced with this type of situation, you will be able to maintain your composure and handle the incident professionally.
Written by Ryan Brown on May 5th, 2021
Entry Level
"I have not had a patient become combative toward me yet. I would like to think that, if/when I am faced with a situation like that, I will remain calm and try to get to the source of the aggression. Many times people act out in fear and if I can be patient enough to find out what is really going on, perhaps I can help my patient overcome that fear and be more at ease, not only with me, but with all of the care team."
Written by Darby Faubion on January 22nd, 2019
Answer Example
"I think any healthcare provider who has worked very long in this profession will tell you that, at one time or another, he/she has had a patient who was not very cooperative. I had a patient throw his food tray at me once. While I was not happy about having oatmeal all over my outfit, I took a minute and talked to the patient to find out what was really going on. I found out that the patient had reported an allergy to oatmeal and had asked the nurse the day before to make sure that dietary knew of the allergy. When he received his breakfast tray, he became upset and threw it at the first person he saw. I cleaned the mess, ordered him a new tray, and noted his chart of the allergy. He was later apologetic."
Written by Ryan Brown on May 5th, 2021