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Surgical First Assistant Mock Interview

Question 20 of 30 for our Surgical First Assistant Mock Interview

Surgical First Assistant was updated by on December 22nd, 2018. Learn more here.

Question 20 of 30

What is an example of one of the most difficult cases you have ever worked?

The interviewer understands that every surgery is not an elective procedure and may be a more difficult situation than others. When you are asked a question like this during an interview, it is not necessarily because the interviewer wants to hear a story of a difficult time, but more likely that he is trying to see how well you cope with difficult situations. As always, remember to protect patient confidentiality when giving an answer.

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How to Answer: What is an example of one of the most difficult cases you have ever worked?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Surgical First Assistant job interview.

  • 20. What is an example of one of the most difficult cases you have ever worked?

      How to Answer

      The interviewer understands that every surgery is not an elective procedure and may be a more difficult situation than others. When you are asked a question like this during an interview, it is not necessarily because the interviewer wants to hear a story of a difficult time, but more likely that he is trying to see how well you cope with difficult situations. As always, remember to protect patient confidentiality when giving an answer.

      Written by Darby Faubion on December 22nd, 2018

      1st Entry Level

      "I have only recently begun my career as a surgical first assistant and can't think of an unusually difficult case that I have personally assisted with. Of course, I have heard stories of difficult cases, such as people who experience the loss of a limb, or a stillbirth, but I have not yet worked any such case."

      Written by Darby Faubion on December 22nd, 2018

      1st Answer Example

      "The most difficult case I ever worked was the surgery of a 14 yr old boy who had been in an automobile accident. The driver of the car that hit him was drunk. The boy lost his leg and the other driver walked away with only a few cuts and bruises. It was a devastating event."

      Written by Darby Faubion on December 22nd, 2018

      2nd Answer Example

      "

      Written by Darby Faubion on December 22nd, 2018

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "While working in Pediatric Neurosurgery I observed a case where they discovered a large tumor that they were not going to be able to remove. That hit everyone present pretty hard, myself included."

      Rachelle's Feedback

      I can only imagine this would have been incredibly hard to handle. In your answer, it would be best if you could include details on how you managed your emotions during this time.