OBGYN Residency Mock Interview
Prepare for 23 OBGYN Residency interview questions covering surgical skills, patient care philosophy, and program fit.
Question 3 of 23
Another resident confides in you about a substance abuse problem. How should you address this, if at all?
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Example Answer
Community Answers
Ryan Brown created and launched MockQuestions in 2008.
This is a question that challenges your ability to identify problems with your peers, especially as they might impact the program, because if a resident has a serious personal problem, the program has a serious problem, too. At the grass roots level, programs depend on their students and residents for vigilance in identifying anything that is dangerous to their peer(s) and, by extrapolation, to the program itself.
Ryan Brown created and launched MockQuestions in 2008.
"The fact that a peer confided in me means that it is a request for help. Substance abuse is fraught with excuses and inaction. Since he/she confided in me, he/she has to accept that I now have a responsibility to see it through to resolution. I would suggest he get the help needed TODAY, and then make an appointment to discuss what is happening and what is being done for it with the department Chairman. I would also assure him that I will be following up closely on this, as his confidence in me requires."
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Anonymous Answer
I would assume that since they are coming to me to confide in me then they are also willing to accept any help they need. I would first thank the resident for trusting me enough to come to me with this secret. I would then suggest that he/she get the help that they need immediately. It is our job that makes sure that all of our patients are safe and being treated in a safe environment which cannot happen if a physician is impaired. I would then ask if I could help the resident make any arrangements in getting help. I would also suggest that the resident confide in our program director and would even offer to go with them for moral support. Then I would periodically check in with this resident and make sure that they are doing okay and provide emotional support and encouragement.
Amanda's Feedback
Your answer is very thorough and empathetic while also illustrating that you understand how damaging to the resident and patients such an issue can be. I also like the sense of urgency I can see in your response. Because issues of substance abuse and addiction often drive the individual to make excuses or delay, you can strengthen your response by relating how you'd share with your peer that you'll be following up to ensure the appropriate actions are taken in order to support him or her and protect patients from potential harm as your oath requires.
Anonymous Answer
It was courageous of them to come to me, this is not an easy thing to do. I would first give them my full attention and hear them out. I would then communicate to them that, as we both know, it is my ethical obligation to tell the medical director of the hospital or local system about their problem. This will start the chain of events for them to get help, which overall is something they want, or they wouldn't have come to me in the first place. I think it's one of those awkward but potentially very powerful situations as long as integrity is kept at the forefront of the mind and any temptation to dwell on unhelpful social stigma is dismissed.
Marcie's Feedback
It's great that you'd start by really listening to them since they've chosen to come to you. Getting them started on a process of recovery is equally important, which you mention as well, and reaching out to someone in charge is a great way to do that. You might also mention that you'd keep track of what happens since ensuring the safety and well-being of any patients your colleague comes into contact with is a high priority to you. Good answer!
Anonymous Answer
I would encourage that resident to seek help for the betterment of his/her health and patient safety. As a physician, you are responsible for lives on a daily basis. If the resident refused to seek help and address the substance abuse problem, I would be forced to come forth with the information instead. As a physician, if I did not report the substance abuse problem to the program director and a medical error resulted, it would be my fault because I knew and I did nothing. I would keep the substance abuse problem between the program director and myself out of respect for my fellow resident. It would be inappropriate to spread such information among other parties that would not benefit in resolving the situation.
Marcie's Feedback
Great! You appear very level-headed and fair. The interviewer will be pleased that you would feel obligated to speak up because you believe it's your ethical duty to protect the patients. It's also good that you would keep this a private matter. Excellent!
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