Would you be willing to serve on a committee investigating an issue with one of your colleagues?
Internal affairs and investigation are just necessary. Things happen, and when patient care is affected or jeopardized, they must be explored and dispositions made so that they don't reoccur. Besides Joint Commission accreditation and insurance reimbursements, a public reputation is jeopardized by uncorrected omissions or errors in care. The interviewer wants to know if you'll have the courage to step up and do what is right.
"There is not an easy answer for this, only a difficult one: yes, I would have an obligation to do what's right when it comes to patient care and safety, even if that means being resented by a colleague. If it were a close personal friend being targeted by the investigation, I would ask to recuse myself, but I would be prepared for that not to be granted. The only thing I would want is to not be the only one making a judgement. Having more than one investigator, I feel, is necessary to take politics out of such an inquiry and give it additional objective credibility."
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Anonymous Answer
Well, this is a difficult question although I would avoid being on a committee if the issue is against one of my close friends because I don't want any factors to affect my judgment. But if it is required as a part of my duty and has something to do with patient safety I will definitely be ready to serve for the committee.
Amanda's Feedback
Patient care and safety are of utmost importance to healthcare providers. While it may be appropriate to recuse yourself if the person in question were a close friend, it's important to emphasize that you would do whatever was needed to ensure the provision of high-quality care and patient safety, even if it meant investigating a colleague. You can enhance this answer by talking about the skills you have that would make you a good fit for serving on such a committee such as a logical approach, critical thinking, analytical skill, sense of empathy, and high ethical standards.
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