Medical School Mock Interview
Excel in your medical school interview with 50 essential questions covering ethics, clinical scenarios, and motivation.
Question 23 of 50
A woman comes into the ER after a car accident. She needs a blood transfusion, but she states that her religion is against blood transfusions. What decision do you make?
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Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
This is a loaded question, and your medical school interviewing team is gauging your ethics and determining if you are willing to comply with all patient care procedures when faced with ethical challenges. The interviewers would like to know if you are ready to face tough decisions like this while maintaining the integrity and code of ethics expected of you as a physician.
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"From what I understand, if the patient is of sound mind and they understand the risk they are taking by refusing medical assistance, I do not have the right to override her religious choice. Many factors could change this, such as a patient who was unconscious, under the influence of a narcotic, or perhaps having a language barrier. In these situations, it's best to refer to your facility's leaders and ethics community. I would not feel comfortable making this decision entirely on my own as a medical student and would look to the advice of an attending physician to learn more."
Ryan Brunner has over ten years of experience recruiting, interviewing, and hiring candidates in the healthcare, public service, and private manufacturing/distribution industries.
You may not be able to answer this question correctly as there are many policies and legal requirements that you may not even know about yet as a prospective medical student. Answer to the best of your ability by displaying that you would make the soundest choice possible while preserving the patient's dignity and upholding the hospital's protocols.
"As long as the adult patient is conscious, understands the situation, and has the capacity to make decisions, she has the right to refusal. However, it is imperative that the physician carefully outline the benefits and consequences of treatment versus lack of treatment, as well as alternatives to treatment if there are any."
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Anonymous Answer
I understand that ultimately, it is the patient's decision whether to embark on a course of treatment. My job in this scenario would be to explain in as much detail as possible, the cons of refusing a transfusion. I would ensure the patient was in the right frame of mind to make that decision. If the patient is deemed unable to make a sound judgment, then I would reach out to her health proxy to explain the situation and hopefully receive a go-ahead to proceed with the transfusion. In the long run, my goal is to ensure I am working to save the patient's life, and even I cannot, that I am doing no harm and not encroaching on her autonomy. In situations that involve other contributing factors, I would reach out for help from more knowledgeable individuals in the system, ensuring patient confidentiality throughout the process.
Rachelle's Feedback
Your response is fantastic! You offer a couple of scenarios (able vs. unable to make a sound decision), which spotlights the depth of your knowledge. It's clear that you are mindful and professional. Well done!
Anonymous Answer
I would abide by the woman's decision. In medicine, autonomy is an important factor and should always abide by the patient's wishes.
Rachelle's Feedback
You sound firm and confident in your decision! Depending on your location, there may be loopholes in this scenario. For that reason, it's a good idea to mention the ethics/laws/regulations surrounding this topic in your area, which will further showcase your level of understanding.
Anonymous Answer
I believe if the patient is alert and oriented, she has a right to her autonomy, and I can't force her to undergo a transfusion. However, I would discuss the severity of her condition with her to make sure she is fully aware of the risk her decision is putting her in. I would also look for alternatives to a blood transfusion that would help stabilize her. However, to be on the safe side, I would also discuss this with the ethic's committee to make sure I am taking the best course of action for my patient's health.
Rachelle's Feedback
Comprehensive answer! It's great that you mention exploring all sides, including options to stabilize the patient without a blood transfusion. Your response shows strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
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