You will work with difficult and uncooperative colleagues at times as a resident. How would you handle an uncooperative colleague in an important situation?

"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."

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.