At times, you may work with difficult and uncooperative colleagues and team members. How would you handle an uncooperative colleague in an important situation?

"I realize that a busy anesthesia practice can be stressful. I've worked in similar situations during my time in residency. If I were working with a nurse or physician colleague who was uncooperative, I would have a one on one conversation with them to reset expectations. If patient care were involved in the lack of cooperation, I would kindly explain why cooperation was important in the situation. If there was resistance, and the colleague still wouldn't cooperate, I would ask them to step away from the situation, and I would seek other help if needed."

Explain that your goal is to provide excellent patient care and that this must take precedence over bad days and bad moods. The interviewer will be looking to hire an Anesthesiologist who can weather the storm, hold their own, and get the job done without adding stress or chaos to the situation. Talk about your ability to be professional and respectful while talking with the uncooperative colleague, and, if possible, don't hesitate to talk about a time you successfully handled a situation with an uncooperative colleague.