30 Situational Interview Questions for a Residency Interview
Below is a list of our Situational Residency interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
1. How would you handle being asked to do a procedure or task that you were unfamiliar with and uncomfortable handling?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As you enter your residency program, you know that you will be tackling many new procedures and tasks in practice that you haven't completed before. In proposing a question like this, your interviewers will be looking to hear that you would take a collaborative and learning approach and that you aren't afraid to ask for help when you know your own shortcomings.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
How to Answer
This is not the time to say that you would jump in with both feet and potentially risk the safety and wellbeing of a patient. Your interviewers are not looking for someone who just jumps when someone says jump, but someone willing to jump with confidence and competence. Your job is to provide an answer that illustrates this difference. As you answer, talk about your willingness to ask for help and learn in the process as a new resident entering their program.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
Answer Example
"I would come to your residency program confident in my medical knowledge and skills, but I also know that I will be tackling some new things that will be very new to me. When faced with this situation, I wouldn't hesitate to ask a senior resident or faculty member for guidance. My goal is to leave residency with all of the skills necessary to be a confident and competent physician and I greatly look forward to these learning opportunities with your program."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
2. If you were in a situation during residency where you had too many things on your to-do list, how would you decide which to do first and which to postpone?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As you leave medical school and enter the fast-paced world of medical residency, this will be the first time you will be managing a full patient load. At times, the work may become very overwhelming and your interviewers want to be assured that you would join their program with the tools needed to be able to prioritize your work during their time with them. While they fully realize that you will learn and grow during your time as a resident with them, they still need to be assured that you come to their program able to handle anything thrown your way.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
How to Answer
As you answer this question, there are a couple of things that your interviewers will be looking to hear. Taking the time to organize and frontload your day by doing the most important patient tasks first helps free up time later. Sometimes, it is helpful to delegate to others when possible, but it's never an acceptable answer if anything patient-care-related is not done because there wasn't time. Talk about your ability to be efficient in your tasks, your exams, and your charting. Finally, to get at the heart of the question, let your interviewers know that you would always prioritize the most critical patient items prior to moving on to other tasks throughout your day.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
Answer Example
"I feel very fortunate to have worked in a couple of very high-paced and busy settings during my clinical rotations during medical school. In these rotations, I was able to observe my preceptors handle busy situations with ease by prioritizing the high needs patients first, moving along to other patients, and leading a team effort to ensure that all get handled in a shift. As a resident of your program, I would take this same philosophy in prioritizing a large patient load. I would come here with the ability to build a strong rapport with support staff and would know their limits in their work to be able to help out when times get tough."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
3. You are consulting with a patient that has bruising from a fall. Her male companion answers questions for her, and she barely gives eye contact. What do you do in this situation to get the patient to answer independently?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As a physician and resident in training, you have to be prepared for worst-case scenarios with your patients and a patient that is involved in domestic abuse is certainly one of those scenarios. In asking this question, your interviewers are not only looking to hear how you would handle getting the patient to talk, but also how you would handle the reporting of the situation moving forward. Some states also require that physicians are mandatory reporters of domestic violence, so it would be good to read up on the state that you are interviewing for residency in.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
How to Answer
Sometimes a domestic abuse victim's only connection to help might be a trip to the ER, urgent care, or any other type of appointment with a physician. All patients should be screened for abuse whether man, woman, or child. As the physician in charge as a resident, you need to know the warning signs and learn how to assess and ask effective questions. As you answer this question, it is vital that you reiterate the need for separating the couple during your examination so you can ask the right questions of the patient and give her the opportunity to speak openly. From there, talk about any reporting protocols that you are familiar with from your medical training.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
Answer Example
"I would need to separate the potential abuse victim from the abuser, though I understand that it may be difficult. I would first ask him to leave the room for the assessment and if he balked, I would probably ask a nurse to take her to the bathroom for a urine sample to ask her questions. I would be careful not to judge or prejudge the situation, but I would do what I needed to do to assess the potential abuse victim thoroughly. I definitely would seek guidance from a faculty member in this situation and I wouldn't hesitate to get security involved if needed."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
4. A colleague left their computer open with sensitive information on the screen. You are the only one in the shared resident office. How would you address this with them?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Patient confidentiality must always be honored, and leaving a computer open even to run to the bathroom for a minute risks a serious breach of patient confidentiality. In asking this question, your team of interviewers needs to be assured that any resident that matches into their training program will come with a high degree of integrity and would do the right thing in this situation.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
How to Answer
Even if you wouldn't say a word to anyone and you are a physician with integrity, you should not be able to see possible protected information on a patient that you are not personally taking care of. Leaving a computer wide open is a serious risk to confidentiality. One thing you could discuss with your interviewers is gently closing or locking the computer so that the screen is not visible and discuss the seriousness of this when your colleague returns. No matter how you answer, make sure that your interviewers walk away from your time together knowing that you would do what is necessary to protect the PHI of any patient of their institution.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
Answer Example
"I would immediately close or lock the computer and I would not look at the information on the screen. If I wasn't sure where the coworker was or when he or she left, I would be compelled to report it to an administrator because someone could have accessed the information. It's a tough call and may cause some colleague tension, but as a resident, I must do what is best for the patient in protecting their protected health information."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
5. What kinds of review questions would you ask yourself as a resident after dealing with a difficult or challenging patient situation?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
All residents want to have positive and impactful shifts every day during their residency training, but this is not a reality. Things happen in patient care situations and things can go awry quickly. Your interviewers know that t's important to reflect as an individual or a team and extract the lesson to learn how to be better.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
How to Answer
It's human nature to rationalize or justify and not face the difficult feelings or emotions of a situation gone bad, but this reflection is extremely important so that it doesn't happen again. Talk to your interviewer about the importance of analyzing a situation and reflecting upon it to improve moving forward. If you have an example of a time where you did this during your medical school or other medical-related position, don't hesitate to talk about it with your interviewers.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
Answer Example
"As a resident with your program, taking time to sit back at the end of each day and reflecting on the situations faced that day would be extremely important for me to learn and grow. This reflection will include speaking with the faculty and other resident colleagues so we can learn together from our experiences. In a very challenging situation, I think it would be vital to distance myself from the motions and review things logically later on. When faced with a challenging situation, I would first ask how I could've handled the situation better and would look for other insight. Then, I would ask myself how I will handle a similar situation that will likely happen again in the future so I am mentally prepared for it."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
6. How would you handle a situation during residency in which a faculty member were to reject an idea you pitched?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
It's difficult for any person to be rejected in any way. As a resident fresh out of medical school and armed with loads of great knowledge, it can be especially difficult. Your interviewers know that the coming years will be a time of growth and learning for all of the future residents in their program. They'll want to hear that you would take a potentially negative situation like this and turn it into a positive experience that helps you grow and learn.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
How to Answer
In a situation like this, the one important factor that you need to discuss with your interviewers is that you will look to get feedback from the faculty member and learn their perspective on why your idea wasn't accepted. Then, talk about your ability to process the new knowledge gained from the faculty member and explain how you will take that knowledge and move forward in a positive manner.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
Answer Example
"I know I would feel disappointed, but I would definitely go back and ask for feedback on my idea and be grateful for the feedback. I would ask for feedback from others to see if I presented my idea in a reasonable way. If I still thought it was a great idea, I would review how I explained it, simplify and reorganize the information, and ask for another opportunity to present. I once heard that Walt Disney applied to 302 banks before he got the loan for Disney Land, so I try to remember that success doesn't always happen right away, but it does leave clues. I would want to know what I did right and what I could improve upon and then learn from the rejection."
Written by Dianne Barnard on January 8th, 2022
7. Give an example of how you may connect and find common ground with a patient to gain understanding.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
All patients are different and come from different backgrounds and life experiences. Sometimes a patient will have biases and reject you as a competent individual, especially as a resident who is young in their training. Learning how to connect and find common ground with a patient quickly can improve patient outcomes and your interviewing team wants to ensure that you would come to their program with the ability to build connections with their patients.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
How to Answer
There is always something that you can find in common with someone. It could be the weather, a comment on a crossword they are completing, admiration for their turquoise necklace, or anything that is authentic and sincere to start to build a bridge or connection. It doesn't have to be a colossal sharing of souls, but just looking quickly for similarities with patients can have a real impact on your work as a resident. Talk to your interviewers about your ability to connect and build rapport with your patients.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
Answer Example
"I try to establish conversational rapport with each patient and humanize our interaction a little bit. I want to be seen as a professional and competent resident, but also as a warm and caring human being. I don't think idle chitchat is helpful overall, but I do believe an authentic comment about a picture of their dog or maybe a sweater they are wearing can leapfrog into more personalized conversations and a stronger trust from the patient. For me, I love talking about local culture and happenings, so talking to patients about the season, their hobbies, and their interests are definite techniques that I would use to connect with them."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
8. Describe a situation where it may be appropriate to use humor in the workplace as a medical resident.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Caring for patients is typically not funny business, and someone coming in cracking jokes under dire circumstances may find their humor is rejected. But, there is a time for humor in healthcare, but it must be mindful. Your interviewers are posing a question like this to know that you would join their residency with a bit of professional fun to you, while also ensuring that you do so in a tactful manner.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
How to Answer
If humor is used, it should be very mild and universal. It's a good policy to be kind, tolerant, professional, and compassionate with your patients. Certainly, laugh at a child's joke, if appropriate, and acknowledge a patient's attempt to be cheerful, but follow rather than lead with humor and only support, chuckle, or smile at anything that would be universally accepted as OK. Some people poke fun at themselves, but sometimes, it's a self-esteem issue so it's best to avoid playing along.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
Answer Example
"As a resident physician, there would always be room for smiling and a laugh with a patient to help brighten their day. But this must always be done with tact and good judgment. I also feel that humor should be encouraged among the residents at any program to help them get through stressful times. If I were fortunate to join your program, I would look forward to building great relationships that would last the rest of my career."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
9. How would you handle difficult family members who disagree with the care that the patient agreed to?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Patient families can often be the most challenging to residents and physicians as they do not always agree with the patient's decision. Sometimes they will pull you aside and tell you their opinion. In asking this question, your team of interviewers wants to hear that you will join their residency program as a patient advocate and a respectful communicator to all people that you consult with during your time in their training program.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
How to Answer
As long as the patient is competent to make their own decisions, the best way to deal with these situations is to tell the family that they really need to talk with the patient. You also should not be talking about the patient's condition when they are not present. As you answer, talk about how you will rely on your ability to educate the family and loved ones of your patients and why doing so is the best for their care. Depending on the situation of the patient, buy-in from the family is extremely important on their path to healing.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
Answer Example
"I would acknowledge that I understand they want the best for their family member, but explain that I cannot discuss the patient's care with them and that the patient has the right to make their own decision. I would encourage them to discuss their concerns with the patient directly and perhaps ask for a shared meeting with the doctor so their concerns could be addressed. I would definitely report the interaction to my nursing supervisor."
Written by Dianne Barnard on January 8th, 2022
10. As a resident responsible for the direct care and treatment plan for your patients, how would you handle a patient that does not do what is necessary for their treatment?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As a new physician that's pursued this career, you deeply care about patients and their outcomes. So it's difficult sometimes to recognize when we over-function for patients and do not encourage them to be their best. Doing too much for patients is as damaging as doing too little. Your interviewers will be looking to hear that you can perform the subtle dance between empathy and advocacy for patients helping themselves.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
How to Answer
You want to encourage without being demeaning or too harsh, but also push them to do what they can for themselves in every situation possible. A weight lifter doesn't bench press 200 pounds overnight, but rather adds weight little by little. Each time a patient swings their own leg out of the bed or shuffles to the bathroom without assistance, wonderful things are building incrementally in his or her body. Talk to your interviewers about how you would be encouraging and empowering to your patients as a resident with their program.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
Answer Example
"First and foremost, I would come to your program as a new resident fully understanding that every patient is different and, frankly, that some just don't comply with recommended treatment plans. In situations like this, I would continue educating the patient on why the treatment plan was important and what benefits they would see with compliance. During my clinical rotations, I worked with a great Orthopedic surgeon that really had to hammer home the important points of physical rehabilitation for patients that had joint replacement surgeries. She could easily tell in follow-up appointments if her patients weren't rehabbing. I watched her be firm, yet respectful, in her approach and this is an approach I would try to always emulate."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
11. How would you handle someone asking you for medical advice or diagnosis validation outside the workplace as a resident?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This can be a difficult challenge for residents who have gained a lot of medical knowledge throughout medical school and are now applying that knowledge into clinical practice for the first time. While it's easy and ego-boosting to become the resident 'expert', it can surely backfire. Ideally, your interviewers will look to hear that you would always recommend your friends or acquaintances to see their physician for any medical matters for a thorough examination and testing.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
How to Answer
Be very forthright as you answer in letting your interviewers know that while you may give a quick opinion to a family member or friend, you would always recommend them to see their physician for any matters that may be serious. Reiterate that you know that we live in a very litigious society and that you aren't willing to jeopardize your license (or reputation) by giving quick medical advice. As well, make sure that you point out the importance of telling others to seek immediate attention at an ER if needed.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
Answer Example
"First and foremost, I would do my best to gauge if it was a serious condition and, if it was, I would recommend they be seen at urgent care or ER as soon as possible. If the question was more general or not serious, I may give them a quick opinion and would always recommend that they see their PCP for further diagnosis."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
12. How would you handle a situation where you had ethical or philosophical differences with a patient?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As a medical resident, you will be treating patients from many different cultural backgrounds and walks of life. Your interviewing team needs to be assured that you would come to their training program free of biases of any sort to effectively work with their patients.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
How to Answer
While it can be difficult to separate personal preferences and philosophies from your patients, you need to ensure your interviewers know that you will take a fair and balanced approach with any patient you would be consulting as a resident with their program. As you answer this question, be sure to point out that you can never know the entire story of a patient and that you are there to serve, help and protect patients, rather than judging them.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
Answer Example
"In a situation like this, I would listen to the patient so I could hear where they are coming from and why they feel the way that they do. If a cultural difference was making the patient hesitant about a particular treatment, I would do my best to educate them in a sensitive way and offer alternatives that would work with their values and beliefs. In the end, I would be striving to do what is best for the patient in a manner that works the best for them."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
13. How would you change your communication style if a patient's family was having trouble understanding what you were trying to tell them?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Patient care staff are teachers and instruct patients on difficult concepts and challenging instructions. This effort starts with the physician caring for the patient. Your interviewers are posing this question to hear that you value and prioritize patient education and that you have the communication skills necessary to do so.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
How to Answer
First, your interviewers want to hear that you would be cognizant of your audience when discussing critical medical information with patients and their family members. Talk about how you would ensure that your audience is fully understanding what you are telling them and how you would adjust the conversation based on the audience. Then, discuss how poor comprehension comes with a high burden of decreased patient outcomes, increased financial ramifications for patients and the healthcare system, and decreased patient satisfaction.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
Answer Example
"If in a situation where a patient and their family weren't understanding me, I would begin to explain things in a much simpler manner for them and ask questions of them so I could effectively gauge they were in full understanding. We are very fortunate as medical professionals to understand and grasp the complexities of medical issues, but a majority of the general population simply does not. My goal as a resident with your program is to ensure that my patients are believers in their care plan and ready to move forward with it after being sent home."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
14. You will work with difficult and uncooperative colleagues at times as a resident. How would you handle an uncooperative colleague in an important situation?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Residency can be challenging and stressful at times. People get cranky, equipment breaks, and families are needy. Whether working with faculty, fellow residents, or nursing support staff, your interviewers know that people can have off days and they are posing this question to you to ensure that you can handle these situations in a professional and respectful manner.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
How to Answer
As you answer this question, ensure that your interviewers understand that your goal is to provide excellent patient outcomes and that these outcomes must take precedence over bad days and bad moods. They will be looking for a candidate who can weather the storm, hold their own, and get the job done for the patient, without adding stress or chaos to the situation. Talk about your ability to be professional and respectful in 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.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
Answer Example
"I fully realize that a busy clinic or hospital floor can put all staff in a great deal of stress, it comes with the territory. If I were working with a nurse or physician colleague that was uncooperative, my first move would be to have a one on one conversation with them to reset expectations. If patient care were involved in the lack of cooperation, I would kindly state my expertise on 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."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
15. You are alone in a break room with two other residents who are talking about a patient. How would you respond?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As a resident physician, your team of interviewers needs to know that any resident they bring to their program will abide by all HIPAA laws and help keep the protected health information of their patients confidential. This is a pretty open-ended question where your interviewers will be looking for you to distinguish PHI from the learning opportunities you will have as a resident.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
How to Answer
First and foremost, talk about the importance of keeping private patient information confidential and explain how you would squash the conversation immediately if your fellow resident were disobeying HIPAA laws. Then, make sure to leave the door open to discussions of situations that can be learning opportunities between yourself and your colleagues as long as PHI isn't shared.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
Answer Example
"My grandmother always taught me that when you are silent about questionable things, in a way you are agreeing with them, or people might think that you are. I feel strongly about protecting patient rights, and I would be very uncomfortable in this situation if my colleagues were discussing protected health information. I would feel compelled to address it right on the spot and very pleasantly say that I don't feel comfortable with the conversation and ask them to stop. I also realize that I will be discussing situations with my fellow residents that would be learning opportunities. If this was a situation where private information wasn't being shared and the discussion was educational, I would jump right in to learn or help teach more."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
16. A recent patient survey comes back and you find out that you did not meet a patient's expectations for their care. What are the next steps you would take to improve?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Patient satisfaction surveys are commonplace in any healthcare institution and are put in place to ensure that the best possible care is provided to each and every patient of the institution. Your team of interviewers poses this question to get a sense of how you will take constructive feedback from a patient's survey and turn it into a positive situation where you try to improve.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
How to Answer
If you were to ask any physician prior to your residency interview if they have ever received critical feedback on a patient survey, the answer would be a resounding yes. The for you in answering this question is reiterating to your interviewers that you would be able to take the feedback, analyze what you may have done and use that as motivation to improve in the care that you provide to patients moving forward. Keep in mind that as you answer, most patient feedback received is anonymous and you may not be able to pinpoint the exact interaction that created the feedback from the patient.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
Answer Example
"When faced with this situation as a resident, I certainly wouldn't let it get me down. Rather, I would see it as an opportunity to improve and get better. I would do my best in analyzing the feedback to see if I could remember which patient encounter it came from. If the feedback was more general, I would take time to reflect on why the patient may have said this about me and take all necessary measures to improve going forward."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
17. As a resident in our program, how would you explain a complex task to someone using verbal instructions?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your team of interviewers will be looking to ideally match residents that can help be world-class educators. Your ability to teach others can come in form of providing education to patients and junior residents once you hit your later years of residency. A question like this allows your interviewers to see how you handle the specific situation of educating someone on a complex task or procedure using only verbal instruction.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
How to Answer
Healthcare is increasingly complex, so it makes sense that the instructions can be as well. This question provides a chance to showcase your talent to take a complicated idea and explain it without losing the integrity of dumbing it down, so be sure to walk your interviewers through how you will take a step-by-step approach to ensure that the complicated subject is understood by your audience.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
Answer Example
"I read once that most newspapers are written at a 5th-grade level so that most people can understand the message. I think that today we are inundated with verbal messages and written messages, so what we choose to say should be prime real estate. That means no filler or fluff words for me, and to speak in a way that the patient or family can understand. As a resident of your program, I fully understand that I will be relied upon to educate patients and fellow residents down the road and I'm very excited to do this. If faced with a time that I had to explain something medically complicated, I would take a simplistic and step-by-step approach with the person. I would stop along the way to ensure they can repeat what I'm teaching them and use language and terms that best suit their educational level."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
18. What tools or techniques will you use to remember difficult information or instructions given verbally only to you by our faculty when you are directly caring for patients?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As a resident physician, you will be working with some of the best and brightest faculty in your specialty that you will be expected to learn from on a daily basis. In asking this question, your interviewers will be looking to hear that you will come to their institution as a trainee that is ready and willing to learn, grow and prosper in your time with them and that you have a plan for retaining all that you learn as a resident with them.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
How to Answer
Prior to your interview, put some thought into how you plan to retain what you learn from the faculty you will be working side by side with during your residency training. Your interviewers will be looking to hear that you have the techniques and tools in place to do this, so be sure to talk about the things you use to help you learn and retain information for later use. If it helps your answer, talk about how you successfully navigated your way through the rigors of medical school using the same tools and/or techniques.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
Answer Example
"Heading into residency, I'm so excited to put all that I learned and mastered over the last four years into clinical practice. I'd come to your program knowing that I'd be learning so much more on the clinical side and that I have a true lifetime of learning ahead of me as a physician. Similar to what I did during medical school, keeping notes in a journal certainly helps me learn and master concepts. But, putting them into hands-on practice is what truly helps me retain the information and that has me so excited about joining a world-class residency training program like yours."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
19. You are nearing the end of your 12-hour shift and you are exhausted from caring for eight high-acuity patients. As your colleague arrives to relieve you, tell me how you proceed.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Essentially, your interviewers are asking this question to determine if you understand the importance of completing shift handovers as a resident in their program. When patient information is involved, residents and physicians must ensure that they properly hand over information to their colleagues properly, even if this means they stay late to complete paperwork on each of their patients. Failing to properly hand over information to the next physician could have dire consequences to patients, making handovers a vital element of a resident's set of responsibilities.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
How to Answer
To effectively answer this question, you should indicate they would ensure handover information for all patients was completed before departing for the day. If you have direct experience in the proper handoff at shift change time, whether it be during your medical school rotations or other clinical experience, be sure to talk about that. Any way you answer, be sure that you reiterate to your interviewing team that you understand the importance of properly handing off work at shift change time as a resident physician with their program.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
Answer Example
"It has been thoroughly ingrained in me that patient safety often fails first because of shift handoffs and I would come to your institution as a new resident that would be focused on efficient and effective shift handoffs. In this situation, even though I am exhausted, I would complete all required handover templates for all my patients, if I haven't already. I would also take the extra time to verbally communicate any known issues happening on the unit to the physicians coming on and the nursing staff as well. If there are huddles at shift change time, I would prioritize being present at both the start and ends of my shift each day."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
20. You are currently in a patient's room during rounds and although they are not due for another dose of pain medication for two more hours, they are complaining of increased pain. Tell me how you proceed.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interviewers are asking this question for two reasons - first, to ensure that any resident they bring aboard will not give the patient a dose of pain medication before it is due; and second, to see if you will attempt to lower the patient's pain using other comfort measures. While the administration of pain medication will relieve a patient's pain, it is important that pain medication is administered as directed by the physician and/or resident in order to avoid patient overdose or other negative side effects. Although patients may ask for pain medication in advance of their scheduled dose, you as the resident can work with nursing staff on the unit to help reduce their pain using other comfort measures, such as repositioning, offering heated blankets or warm compresses, helping them stretch, or getting them up for a walk.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
How to Answer
To effectively answer this question, you should indicate that you would avoid giving the patient their pain medication early and instead use alternative comfort measures to help reduce the patient's pain. To seal your answer and impress your interviewers, talk about how you would let the patient know that more medication could not be administered for their safety and how you would work as a team with nursing support staff to ensure that the patient was pain-free and at ease.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
Answer Example
"Unfortunately, since the patient is not due for their medication for a couple of more hours, I would not be able to approve them being administered and I would let the patient know that and that it was for their own safety and well being. Immediately, I would work with the nurses on duty so they could work with the patient to see what could be done to make them comfortable in the meantime."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
21. A triage nurse approaches you to let you know that a patient called asking for advice as he is having chest pains. Tell me what you direct the patient to do.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
In this situation, there are multiple directions that a resident could give the patient. In a situation when a patient is having chest pains, the patient should be directed to go to the emergency department immediately or call 911 even. While care can be given at a physician's office or urgent care center, a patient with chest pains could be in the midst of a medical crisis that requires the service of an emergency department. The interviewer is asking this question to determine that you understand the clinical significance of chest pains and the fact that the patient needs to be evaluated in the emergency department.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
How to Answer
To effectively answer this question, you should indicate that you would direct the patient to hang up and immediately go to the emergency department. Whether you direct the nurse to or you do it yourself, talking to the patient about their ability to drive is important because calling for emergency medical service to their home may be of importance, depending on the individual situation.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
Answer Example
"If a patient called with complaints of chest pains, I would tell them to go to the emergency department immediately after hanging up. Even though the patient's chest pains may not be from a heart condition, there is a chance that they could be and an evaluation in an emergency department is necessary. In these situations, it is easy to assume the patient's symptoms or conditions may be caused by an ancillary condition, such as anxiety, but until they are properly evaluated, it is too risky to assume. I would also ensure that the patient was able to drive by talking them through that and, if necessary, I would advise them to call 911 to get an ambulance on-site as soon as possible."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
22. Let's say you are in a situation where everyone on your unit is busy and you requested that the nursing staff bathe one of your patients earlier today. The patient has yet to be bathed and they are upset about it. Tell me how you proceed.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As your interviewing team considers many candidates to match into their residency program, two key skills that they will be looking for in candidates are the ability to have crucial conversations with staff and the ability to take charge with staff when needed. Given a situation like this, they'll be looking to hear that you won't hesitate to talk to the appropriate staff and give direction in a succinct and professional manner.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
How to Answer
To effectively answer this question, you should first talk about how you would put the patient at ease and work to ensure they would be bathed soon. Then, discuss how you would approach the staff working that day and give the direction that the bath needed to happen as soon as possible. No matter how you answer, ensure that your interviewing team walks away confident in your ability to have direct and difficult conversations with all nursing and administrative staff you would be working with as a resident.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
Answer Example
"Being fully cognizant that our staff on the floor were busy caring for other patients, I would first reassure the patient that a bath was very important and that I would talk with our team on ensuring that they get bathed as soon as possible. Upon leaving the room, I would first approach the charge nurse on duty and let them know of the situation with the patient and my request to bathe the patient from earlier in the day. My conversation with them would be in a professional tone and would reiterate why bathing the patient was important in their care. Once I had direction from the charge nurse, I would ensure that either myself or one of the nurses talked with the patient to let them know a timeline for their care."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
23. You are performing a simple outpatient procedure and you ask the nurse to retrieve a bottle of acetic acid that can be used on the patient. After retrieving the bottle, what do you do upon receiving it from the nurse?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewers are asking this question to determine if you would verify that you received the correct chemical using it on the patient. This confirmation is important, as the nurse may have accidentally retrieved the incorrect bottle or a bottle containing a different chemical may have been in the place where the requested chemical was typically kept. If either of these were the case, and the incorrect chemical was passed to you and used on the patient, significant consequences could occur.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
How to Answer
To effectively answer this question, you need to indicate that they would verify that you have the correct chemical by checking the label on the bottle. To ensure that your interviewers understand that you are aware of the importance of this simple action, reiterate that you would always prioritize this simple action of double checking the medication you were about to administer with any patient you will be working with as a resident in their program.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
Answer Example
"I know exactly what I would do in every situation like this, as I have been trained thoroughly on the importance of double checking all patient medications before administering. Upon receiving the acetic acid, I would read details on the label to verify that I am using that and that only. In the case that I should ever receive the wrong medication or chemical requested, I would instantly let the staff know and work to help prevent a future error moving forward."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
24. As a resident in our program, let's say you are caring for a patient who is being prescribed an inhaler. Upon asking the patient if they know how to use the inhaler, they say, "Yes, I do." Tell me how you proceed.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Although most medications are dispensed with administration instructions at the pharmacy, many patients do not understand how to administer them to themselves which results in their misuse. For medications such as beta-agonists or corticosteroids which are administered via inhaler, misusing the inhalant device could mean the patient is not getting enough medication to help manage their condition. Your interviewers are asking this question to determine if you would ensure the patient understands how to use the inhaler, rather than simply taking the patient's word for it. Simply put, this scenario gives your interviewers the chance to see just how much you would prioritize patient education as a resident with their program.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
How to Answer
To effectively answer this question, you should describe, in detail, how you would verify that the patient understands how to use the inhaler. As you answer, talk about the importance of ensuring that every patient that you work with is educated on their condition and the treatment you have prescribed for them moving forward.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
Answer Example
"Even if the patient was adamant that they knew how to use the inhaler, I would ask them to demonstrate how they use an inhaler, either by using a teaching tool or by simply using an unrelated object to mock up the situation. Inhalers are more difficult to use than most people realize, and so many patients make mistakes when administering their inhaled medications to themselves. But this isn't only limited to inhaled medications, I always make sure my patients understand their medication regimen, and after I go over it with them, I have them demonstrate it to me or repeat it back to me, to ensure they understand. If necessary in the situation, I would make sure that I include the parents, children, or other caregivers of the patient in my education."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
25. You just finished preparing IV medications for a patient with the nursing staff, and you thoroughly washed your hands before doing so. As you enter the patient's room with the medication, describe the first thing you do to prevent patient infection.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
While hospitalized or receiving outpatient medical treatment, patients are at significant risk of picking up an infection as a consequence of the care they are receiving. Although infection prevention measures in the healthcare industry have greatly improved over the years, the risk still exists and healthcare professionals must be vigilant in order to prevent healthcare-acquired infections. In asking this question, your interviewers are looking to know that you understand the importance of handwashing upon entering a patient's room and/or before administering any sort of medication.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
How to Answer
Although it may seem obvious, the simple task of handwashing is the first step in infection prevention. To effectively answer this question, you should explain that the first step you would take to prevent infection would be to wash your hands thoroughly. As you answer, talk about any formal infection prevention training you received during medical school and reiterate that you would always take the necessary measures to keep patients safe. As well, be sure to point out the importance of using PPE and safely managing all care equipment.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
Answer Example
"The first thing I would do to prevent the patient from getting an infection is to wash my hands. There are other actions I would need to take in preventing infection, but handwashing is primary. During my medical school program, I was trained in the CDC's 'Project Firstline' program on infection control in the healthcare setting. This training has prepared me for taking all control measures and, in a situation like this, I would ensure that I was using PPE if needed as well. At times as a resident, I understand I will be working with patients that require me to gown up in their room and I wouldn't hesitate to do so when necessary."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
26. Let's say as a resident that you are caring for a patient in our inpatient unit who is taking a turn for the worse. You decide you need to call the hospitalist physician on duty. Tell me how you would proceed.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As they sift through candidates to join their next class of residents, your interviewing team will be looking to hear candidates talk about balancing the line of working independently and reaching out for help when needed. Prior to calling the hospitalist on duty for help in this situation, unless it is a dire emergency, they'll want to hear that you have the ability to assess the situation and gather as much pertinent information as possible on the patient so you can effectively and succinctly explain the situation and the needs of the patient.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
How to Answer
To effectively answer this question, you should indicate that you would collect all pertinent information on the patient, including diagnosis, condition, impression, test results, and vital signs. As well, ensure that your interviewers know that you will work to form your own medical determination on the best next steps for the patient prior to calling in the on-duty hospitalist as you will be expected to use situations like this as learning and growth opportunities as a resident.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
Answer Example
"In a situation like this as a resident in your program, I understand that it is important to gather as much information about the patient and the patient's current situation before making the call to the on-duty physician. I would consult with the nursing staff and formulate my own determination of the next steps for the patient. Then, I would speak with the physician on that day, letting them know my thoughts, and then use the situation as a great learning opportunity. I would keep a watchful eye and ear on how they handle the next steps for the patient and ask a lot of questions along the way."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
27. You are caring for a patient on your inpatient unit who is bedridden and unconscious. When the patient came to you, they already had a bedsore. How do you prevent this from happening again?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
For patients who are bedridden, bedsores can be a common, but avoidable, problem. If these sores become infected, the consequences for the patients can be severe, especially if they are in a weakened medical state. In asking this question, your interviewing team wants to be assured that you know the proper protocol for further prevention of bedsores for the patient.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
How to Answer
To prevent bedsores for their patients who are bedridden, physicians and residents should ensure their patients are repositioned at least once every two hours. Ensuring this will involve conversations with the nursing staff on the floor in a quick manner. As well, don't hesitate to talk about the importance of good nutrition and proper mattress or cushions in helping to prevent further bedsores for the patient.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
Answer Example
"To prevent additional bedsores for this patient, I would ensure the patient was moved and repositioned at least every two hours. I would have a conversation with all nursing staff on the unit and be sure to include this in the patient's chart. If we had them available, I would look for any additional bed support like a cushion or foam pad for the bed so the nursing staff could use it. If the patient is unconscious for a long period, I would consult the physical therapy team to help prevent both bedsores and muscle atrophy."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
28. You are caring for a patient who is three-years-old and are ordering a weight-based medication. When you look at the patient's records, you find the weight was documented in pounds by the nursing staff. Explain how you proceed.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As you are likely aware, many pediatric medications are weight-based, which means the dosage that the patient will receive depends on their weight. However, for most of these medications, the dosing guidance is listed in kilograms and not pounds, the common unit of weight in the United States. Because of this difference in weight units, medication dosing errors in pediatric patients is very common. The interview team is asking this question to determine if you are aware of the common issues regarding pediatric weight and medication dosing errors and to determine how they would respond in this situation.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
How to Answer
To effectively answer this question, you should first indicate that you would convert the patient's weight to kilograms in order to determine the correct dosage of the medication for the child. Doing what is necessary in the moment will be a quality your interviewers will be looking for. Then, walk through how you would look to correct the error in a dignified way with the nursing staff as documentation of a patient's weight is standard to be in kilograms.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
Answer Example
"If the child's weight was documented in pounds and I had to administer a weight-based medication, the first thing I would do is convert the weight to kilograms by dividing the weight in pounds by 2.205. this would allow me to determine the correct dosage of medication. I wouldn't hesitate to have a conversation with the nurse that was responsible for documenting the weight in pounds. While I would be confident that it was a simple mistake, reiterating that a missed weight could have dire consequences would be important."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
29. As a resident, how would you handle a situation where a member of the patient-care team clearly wasn't pulling their weight on the team?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Heading into residency, you will be working with a diverse team of individuals as part of the larger care team. This could include faculty physicians, fellow residents, medical students, nursing staff, scheduling staff, administrators, therapists and social workers. As the physician ultimately responsible for the overall care of the patient, your interviewers will expect you to come to their program as a resident who is willing and ready to take charge and be responsible for the patient care work of all staff who come in contact with your patients.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
How to Answer
Your answer to this question should be direct in your approach and always consider what is best for the patient in the end. If the team member's lack of care on the job puts a patient at risk, talk about how you would both have an immediate conversation with the employee and bring it to the attention of their leader. If it was a situation where the person was having an off day, talk about how your ability to build a good rapport with your entire care team would enable you to have a professional, caring, and frank conversation with any member of your care team in this situation.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
Answer Example
"Coming to your program as a first-year resident, I would pride myself on my ability to build respect and trust with all staff that I would be working with. This would include the administrative leaders, RN's and patient care techs that I would be bedside with on a daily basis. This trust and respect would enable me to have a clear and respectful conversation with any staff member that I thought wasn't pulling their weight at any time. My conversation with them would end on a positive note by me telling them that I believe in them. In the case a situation would put the health of a patient at risk, I wouldn't hesitate to escalate that to the direct supervisor of the employee immediately."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
30. If you were in a busy day of clinic and a key piece of equipment failed, how would you handle the workload, patients and stress moving forward until a fix was found?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Practicing physicians work with a wide variety of medical equipment and technology and this equipment, though very expensive and modern, can break down from time to time. Your interviewers are looking to ensure that the residents that match into their program can handle the stress of vital equipment failure in a healthy, professional, and safe manner for all involved.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
How to Answer
There are some key things that you want to highlight as you answer this question to prove your ability to think on your feet, make quick decisions, and take care of what's needed in the heat of the moment. First, you want to talk about your ability to find an alternate solution and work as part of a team in doing so. Next, you want to talk about your ability to prioritize any high-needs patients that are directly impacted by this equipment failure. Last, you want to talk about your calm demeanor and ability to think critically when the chips are down and you are the resident in charge.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022
Answer Example
"Upon finding out that something like a scanner or the EMR went down, my first thought would be to gather the team for a quick huddle to come up with any needed workarounds for patients. If it was a piece of equipment, we could put our heads together to find an alternate piece of equipment or borrow one from another department in the meantime. If we found out that the equipment would be out of order and there were no alternatives for the day, we'd have to loop in administrative staff to likely reschedule any patients for that day that would need the use of the equipment. In the end, doing what is right for the patients would be my top priority as the resident physician on duty that day."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 8th, 2022