If you were Chief Resident, how would you resolve a dispute between two residents each of whom state they cannot take call on a certain day, yet one must be assigned. Both reasons are equally important. How would you handle this?
This is a question to see how you address conflict. It's not looking for a particular right answer; it's mainly to assess your diplomacy skills, which are needed for any resident to handle the little day-to-day crises that hamper an already very busy schedule. Your answer should not dwell on the crisis presented but on your graceful approach toward re-establishing harmony in the program. No one wants trouble or disruption, so establishing a policy of thoughtful approaches to harmony will be satisfying to the interviewer.
"For this particular problem, the sooner it is settled the better, because the day in question is going to come, no matter what. I would ask both of them to meet me in a private location or work room and simply tell them that someone is going to get his or her way and someone isn't"therefore, ask them to solve the problem creatively. Perhaps one resident can cover an extra day of call for getting his way, or some other exchange can be made. There are as many solutions as there is creativity, but the clear message is that they can't leave without settling it and you are happy to act as a 3rd party. Also, let them know if they can't agree on a solution, that you will settle it without favoritism"”or guilt!"
