How to Answer: Tell me about a time when you disagreed with the lead physician. What was the problem, and how did you come to an agreement?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Podiatrist job interview.
5. Tell me about a time when you disagreed with the lead physician. What was the problem, and how did you come to an agreement?
How to Answer
This is more than just conflict resolution, but conflict resolution with a person superior to you. That adds additional drama as to whether you should champion your position which may cost favor with your superior. Life is short and you must choose your battles carefully, but the interviewer wants to hear that in disagreements which jeopardize patient care, you're willing to go down to the mat for that patient. Any of the sample answers can be modified with a specific anecdote you want to relate.
Written by D. Leo on May 9th, 2021
Entry Level
"Since this is a disagreement with a superior, I would assume he or she has authority over me. I would ask him or her what options, among more than one, were available and see if I could reconcile my position to one of those."
Written by D. Leo on May 9th, 2021
Answer Example
"If the disagreement were trivial, it is my place to obey my superior; if it were to have a major impact on the patient's health or safety, I would insist our disagreement go up the chain of command for a resolution in the patient's best interests."
Written by D. Leo on May 9th, 2021
Experienced Level
"If I am sure I'm right, I would ask him or her why I'm wrong. After all, I may be wrong. If his or her rationale doesn't justify the conclusion with which I disagree, I would ask for a third party to render another opinion."
Written by D. Leo on May 9th, 2021