Practice 30 Transitional Year Residency interview questions covering clinical reasoning, program fit, and career goals.
Question 29 of 30
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
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Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
The interviewers ask this question to understand your conflict resolution, communication, and problem-solving skills. Working as a physician requires handling angry patients and their family members calmly and professionally. The interviewers want to see that you have these skills and will be an asset to the transitional year residency program if matched.
Focus on giving an example from your past where you have successfully dealt with an angry patient. If you have not had this experience, explain that to the interviewers and describe how you have handled a disagreement with a coworker or classmate in the past.

Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
"I have handled angry patients and their family members by remaining calm, listening to their complaints, and finding a resolution to the problem. I have found that most often, there is a communication issue that can be resolved with patience, listening, and problem-solving. If I cannot make them happy, I will involve my supervisor. That has only happened once, and even they could not please the patient."

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Written by Krista Wenz
30 Questions & Answers • Transitional Year Residency

By Krista

By Krista