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?

"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!"