How would you handle a dispute with a colleague or faculty member as a resident with our program?

"Over the years, I have found the involved parties can fix all conflicts with honest, open communication. When both parties can explain why they feel strongly about something and decide how to handle the situation maturely, it can be used as a learning opportunity. If I were to have a dispute with another fellow resident while in training, I would approach the situation with an open mind and talk it out as professionals. I'm a humble person and am always willing to learn from others and admit my mistakes. I'm also confident in my decision-making skills to help others."

Focus on giving a detailed explanation of how you handled a past disagreement with a colleague. You do not necessarily need to describe the reason for the dispute, just how you dealt with it positively and respectfully. If you can, try to highlight that disputes in the patient care setting are often about the best possible care for a patient and can often be resolved with open minds and a focus on doing what is best in the given situation.