Psychiatrists are very busy people, yet patients can often need care at a moment's notice. Do you feel you can assure your patients you’ll always be available to them as a psychiatry resident?

"Just living to work is not much of a life and not being committed to the care of patients is just not acceptable from any physician. I realize coming into psychiatry residency training that there is a fine line to balance between these here. My work is a crucial part of my life, among other things like family, recreation, or outside interests. I have to be honest with my patients if I go on a vacation or take time off. In these situations, I will have someone in my place who is just as knowledgeable and dedicated. In modern healthcare, I know that online resources are readily available to patients, and I know your online system is great because I checked it out before interviews. The 'Ask a Nurse' line and messaging through an online patient account triage patients to the correct person."

You might think that you should tell your interviewers that you'll do everything you can to always be there for your patients, but this is unrealistic. Your interviewers want to know that you can do what's best for both you and your patient. Openly discuss how you will assure patients that you will be there when needed with any questions that they may have, and talk about how you will rely on your care team and automation from any online patient care portal as well.