QUESTION 14 OF 23

A young woman comes to you for advice on an unwanted pregnancy. What do you tell her?

This is a question that seeks to know how you might address a problem that is controversial and whether or not you see yourself as being in a position of authority"”which you are not when it comes to controversial problems. Such problems are bigger than you, and the interviewer will want to know that you appreciate that. Your pro-life/pro-choice stance, for example, should not be a part of your solution for this patient, and the system is replete with self-help agencies for this. You would want to know, though, the institution's position.

"This is a personal decision on the part of the patient. Because it is very complex and risks being affected by one's personal beliefs, I would simply tell this patient that there are many resources for exploring her options and offer to give her a list of them or the agency within the institution that addresses this problem."

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 first start by trying to better understand how she feels and what she truly desires. As a physician I am in a position to educate and help patients; not judge them or make decisions for them. If it is clear to me that she desires to end the pregnancy, I would send her in the direction of places where those services are safely performed. If she is still quite unsure I would discuss other options with her.

Marcie's Feedback

Good! Your sentence about educating and not judging is excellent and bound to impress the interviewer. Perhaps go into further detail about what some of the patient's other options might be. Otherwise, great answer!

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OBGYN Residency Mock Interview

A young woman comes to you for advice on an unwanted pregnancy. What do you tell her?

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23 OBGYN Residency Interview Questions & Answers