"Unfortunately, I have to say I have been yelled at more than once by a surgeon. When you've worked in surgery as long as I have, this type of situation happens. Surgeons are people, too. I know the stress that I feel as a surgical first assistant. I try to keep in mind that, although that behavior is not acceptable, an operating room is not the time or the place to discuss issues and try and resolve a conflict. The last time I was yelled at, I simply looked at the surgeon and told him that when we finished up caring for our patient and knew that all was well, we could address anything else he wanted to outside of the operating room privately. By the time the surgery was over, he was calmer and apologized not only to me, but to the other staff who were present. I think it's important to remember that we all are stressed at one time or another. We just have to learn not to take those emotions out on other people and not to react badly just because someone else is out of line."

Operating rooms can be very stressful places to work, especially during a critical case. Stressful situations sometimes bring out the worst in people, even doctors. The interviewer is looking for evidence that you are able to handle a stressful situation without contributing to it and causing the situation to escalate. This is important in any setting, but especially in a healthcare setting, such as a surgery room.

"I have only been yelled at by a physician once. It was not a surgeon, but a staff doctor who was overseeing some residents in a facility where I was doing my clinical rotation. I was quite embarrassed, and I must admit, it made me angry. However, I did hold my composure enough to firmly, but respectfully, tell him that I was there to work and not be yelled at. I asked him to lower his voice and talk to me with the same respect that I gave him. He looked a bit shocked, but he did calm down and later apologized."