You are playing catch with a friend in your yard and a ball goes over the fence and breaks a cherished lawn ornament of your neighbors. Knock on their door and explain to them what happened.

The MMI process can often be difficult to predict. While you can expect to face some role-playing scenarios, off-the-wall questions like this that have nothing to do with medicine could throw you for a loop if you aren't prepared. But you can use an empathetic and honest approach, just as you would if delivering bad news to a patient or colleague as a physician assistant.

The best approach for a role-playing scenario like this is to take a direct and honest approach; admit your mistake directly and offer to help with any solutions. If your interviewer is playing the role of the neighbor, make sure you take the time to listen to them and help in any way you can.

"Hi Nancy, I came over right away to let you know that an errant baseball broke your birdbath in your backyard. It looks like the ball at the top was shattered. Can we go out back and take a look at it right now? (allow response) Yes, I know you loved that birdbath, and I can't tell you how sorry I am for what happened. (out in the backyard now) Oh, Nancy, I can't believe this happened. How can we help make this right? I would love to replace this for you. Can you let me know where you got the birdbath? (allow time to respond) If you want to look on your own, I'd be more than happy to reimburse you. (allow time to respond) Yes, that will work for me. Again, I can't apologize enough for the ball over your fence, and I assure you it won't happen again. You can call me or stop over when you buy the new birdbath, and I'd be happy to help set it up for you."