A patient of one of your peers wants to switch to you because she felt he was 'creepy.' What do you tell her and how would you manage the switch with your associate?
This is a question that identifies whether you can see bigger problems disguised as little ones. Someone being seen by a patient as "creepy" could mean anything from having amblyopia to making inappropriate sexual overtures. There is (and should be) a zero-tolerance in programs for inappropriate behavior, sexual or otherwise, and if there is a chance of it occurring, the zero-tolerance policy mandates taking it seriously. This means assuring such patients that you will take seriously any reports of inappropriateness she may give you.
"I would have to know what 'creepy' meant. If it's because she thinks he's gay, or if it's a racist attitude, I would tell the patient that although she is free to see anyone she chooses, that that is a wrong reason to do so. If it's because she interpreted his behavior as inappropriate, I would suggest she see the Patient's Advocate of the institution so that proper due process can be done for her protection as well as for the protection of your peer, if her accusation were to be groundless. That being said, any suspicion of inappropriate behavior is to be taken seriously and the patient believed till proven otherwise through such due process."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I would welcome her to my care if that is her choice, and then encourage her to help me understand the circumstances of her request to switch. Was my colleague inappropriate? Did something happen during a visit? Or was it something as innocent as my colleague just being socially awkward? I would not want to make any assumptions before hearing my new patient's explanation. In this situation, I believe it would be very important to ask open-ended questions and listen carefully. People switch physicians all the time because of various reasons. However, physicians are capable of inappropriate behavior too.
Marcie's Feedback
Perfect! Your answer is a strong one because it's clear that you won't jump to conclusions. By asking open-ended questions and listening, you can determine what's going on and how to proceed. You come across as balanced and fair - not assuming the patient is right or wrong and not assuming your colleague is right or wrong but observing and gathering information to make an evidence-backed assessment. Excellent!
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