How would you handle a situation where you had ethical or philosophical differences with a patient?

"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."

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.