PA School Mock Interview
Excel in your PA school interview with 21 questions covering clinical experience, patient scenarios, and professional motivation.
Question 15 of 21
What would you do if you noticed one of your medical colleagues showed up to work under the influence of alcohol?
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Example Answer
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Ryan Brown created and launched MockQuestions in 2008.
The focus of this question is not what you would do in a provider-client relationship but how you would respond in a situation that involves your colleagues. Questions like these test your ethical code against the pressures of personal connections that you may have with your co-workers and the potential ramifications of addressing the situation. Be sure to address all sides of the problem in providing your response.
Ryan Brown created and launched MockQuestions in 2008.
"It would be very unpleasant, but it would be necessary to report this co-worker before they were allowed to continue practicing medicine that day. While I will want to support a colleague through any struggles they may have that could lead to them showing up to work under the influence of alcohol, that is secondary to ensuring the safety of that provider's patients who trust us to care for them."
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Anonymous Answer
If I was at work and noticed one of my colleagues showing up under the influence of alcohol, I would respectfully pull them aside to have a one-on-one conversation with them. First of all, I would check in with them to make sure that they are okay and don't have anything that they need to discuss with me or with someone else. If not, I would talk to them about excusing themselves from work that day, so they can take care of themselves. If they were unwilling to excuse themselves, I would have a conversation with a higher-up in order to make sure they do not practice that day, so that our patients are safe and taken care of.
Stephanie's Feedback
This is certainly a tricky situation to be in! You thoughtfully problem-solve in a manner that is person-centered and compassionate, while keeping your focus on the health and safety of your patience. My suggestion, though, is to balance that compassion with the ability to hold your colleagues accountable. If a colleague shows up to work under the influence, it is acceptable to gently remind them that this behavior isn't appropriate. Peer-to-peer management can be tough, but it's critical to workplace success. Including this action in your response will also show your interviewer that you set high standards for your colleagues and that you aren't uncomfortable with necessary conflict.
Anonymous Answer
I would take him/her aside and ask about any problems. Personally, I will ask him if I can assist in any way while staying within my limits. I would suggest my colleague take time off or rest a day. If he/she didn't listen to me, I would reach out to supervising physician.
Marcie's Feedback
Great! Offering to listen and/or help is a great first step and then following up with a supervising physician if they don't heed your advice makes sense. You might also mention that you'd keep tabs on whether this seemed to be an ongoing problem or not for your colleague. Also, emphasize how important it is to you that everyone you work with be sober and law-abiding so as to protect the safety and well-being of the patients. Good job!
Anonymous Answer
If I were in a situation where I noticed one of my medical colleagues showed up to work under the influence of alcohol, I would respectfully pull them aside privately to be sure that was the case before checking in about their welfare. Secondly, I would be compassionate and offer some help and have them excuse themself from work to not jeopardize the patients well being. Lastly, I would have them reach out to the supervisor to discuss the situation to have them be accountable or report them myself.
Marcie's Feedback
Excellent! Your response is logical and comprehensive. Discussing the issue privately at first to confirm your observations before jumping to conclusions is a wise move. The interviewer will also appreciate that you would be compassionate and offer to help your colleague, in addition to making sure all the patients were in good hands. Involving a supervisor is also a good decision. Consider briefly discussing as well what you would do if this turned into an ongoing problem; would you follow up with your colleague and keep tabs on them at all in the future? Great job!
Anonymous Answer
I would first confront the colleague about my suspicion. If I still believed them to be under the influence and they denied it, then I would notify a supervising physician. The coworker could not be allowed to practice medicine under the influence in any way.
Marcie's Feedback
Be careful using the word 'confront.' Instead, talk about how you would first carefully observe and gather information before jumping to conclusions. Once certain, you could talk to your colleague privately to see if you can find out what's going on or if they need help with anything. You might also encourage them to turn themselves in, and if they don't, then notify a supervising physician about the situation. You are right to emphasize that you wouldn't let this go because no one should practice medicine while under the influence. Nice job!
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