How to Answer: Tell us about a time you had a conflict with a family member of a patient during your residency training. How was it resolved in a healthy manner?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a PICU Fellowship job interview.
19. Tell us about a time you had a conflict with a family member of a patient during your residency training. How was it resolved in a healthy manner?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Pediatricians need to be able to handle the stressed and angry family members of patients respectfully and healthily. Your interviewers need to know that you can handle family member conflicts with ease in the PICU setting, and your answer to this question will indicate how well you handle conflict.
Written by Ryan Brunner on May 10th, 2022
How to Answer
Briefly describe a simple scenario, focusing on your response to the challenge rather than the details of the conflict. Emphasize your communication skills. Describe what you learned from the situation that will help you in the critical care setting.
Written by Ryan Brunner on May 10th, 2022
Answer Example
"During my outpatient clinic rotation in residency training, I encountered a parent who was adamantly against vaccinating their two-month-old for the standard series of vaccinations. I cautiously educated the parent on the benefits of vaccination, but she became very frustrated and rude. I agreed that it was her choice and continued my exam with the infant. In the end, I thanked her for listening and let them know that I was looking forward to seeing them again at the one-year wellness appointment."
Written by Ryan Brunner on May 10th, 2022