Practice Interview Question Thread

[whoartthou]

Worth pointing out that should you answer both the original question and follow up question perfectly, they may still ask the follow up question as a matter of protocol in the case you want to add anything onto it. All because they do ask the follow up questions even though they may have said you answered it already does not mean that you stuffed up your answer in any way. Probably don't read into things too much during your interview, you'll stop focusing.
If I'm not wrong it is also very hard to keep on talking for a straight 8 minutes without the interviewer cutting you off anyway. (content removed) but if you know there are follow up questions in their interview protocol, be aware of the timing as well and don't waffle on.

Disclaimer: I have been an interviewer.

The requirement to answer all questions differs from universities. My suggestion is to answer the question concisely but with depth by including a few discussion points. It also depends on the question being asked. There isn't one way to answer all questions you must use better judgement.

(Content removed)

Pretty impressed with the answers so far. Typing and speaking it out are completely different so do practice speaking.

 

[DrDrLMG!]

As we move into interview season please take a moment to refresh yourselves with MSO’s rules regarding discussion, recommendation, vague mention, allusion to, or naming of prep companies.

MSO Rules

Read before posting!

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13. No discussion of paid preparation services, whether including a direct reference to the name or otherwise.

 

[whys]

Hi guys, this is my first attempt at an interview question so I'm trying to get my answer absolutely ripped apart if needed so I know how to prepare going forwards also, I feel like my answer is too short for an 8 minute station, but I'm not sure what more I should be adding. Any feedback is greatly appreciated
View attachment 3862

1. No. Whilst it is important to uphold the patient’s autonomy in choosing treatments, especially as medicine shifts away from a paternalistic to a holistic stance, Mr Wang’s motive of getting an insurance claim does not justify a referral from Dr Ronaldson.
2. Dr Ronaldson should ensure that he remains polite and avoid dismissing Mr Wang’s suggestion, however he should attempt to provide enough information so that Mr Wang consents to the surgery on his own will. He should initially approach by asking Mr Wang about his concerns about the surgery to explain and clear any potential misconceptions the patient may have. Subsequently, Dr Ronaldson should discuss the pros and cons of the surgery, such that Mr Wang is able to make the most informed decision possible, answering any questions Mr Wang may have. However, if the patient is adamant in refusing surgery, Dr Ronaldson must allow him to receive the alternative treatment without the insurance coverage.
3. Firstly, Dr Ronaldson should apologize for declining the request. He must ensure that Mr Wang understands why his request was declined by politely informing him that the lack of evidence cannot justify Dr Ronaldson’s referral, and speak gently to calm Mr Wang. However, given Mr Wang’s emotional reaction, Dr Ronaldson should be wary of any other non-medical concerns the patient may have, such as financial or cultural reasons, gently enquiring if there are any that Mr Wang would like to discuss. Throughout this process, it is important that Dr Ronaldson does not change his decision, as it would be unprofessional and potentially damaging to the patient.
4. No. If not medically indicated, the behavior is unprofessional from the doctor as it is an abuse of the doctor’s role. It is also unethical as it could potentially damage the insurance company financially if this was a commonly committed act. Apart from these, this behavior from doctors may inadvertently encourage patients to unknowingly seek out potentially dangerous procedures, and any damage to the patient’s health may tarnish the confidence of patients in the healthcare system as the procedure had initially stemmed from the doctor’s referral.

I'm only a student so take what I'm saying with a grain of salt. However, I think instead of saying 'no' and saying Mr Wang's motive doesn't require a referral, you should explore why Mr Wang might be feeling reluctant to undergo back surgery and his reasoning behind choosing acupuncture (apart from the fact that his wife was also treated with it). You did this for the second question but not for the first question. That will make your answer feel more justified because you've substantiated it with why you feel this way.

 

[someday]

I'm only a student so take what I'm saying with a grain of salt. However, I think instead of saying 'no' and saying Mr Wang's motive doesn't require a referral, you should explore why Mr Wang might be feeling reluctant to undergo back surgery and his reasoning behind choosing acupuncture (apart from the fact that his wife was also treated with it). You did this for the second question but not for the first question. That will make your answer feel more justified because you've substantiated it with why you feel this way.

oh noo i deleted my post to edit it before i saw your reply but thanks for the feedback! I'll definitely take it into account

 

[Sokka]

If I was a doctor and a relative asked me for medical advice/treatment options regarding their illness, am I allowed to provide this information? Or is the most I can do encourage them to see a physician and offer them support?

 

[A1]

If I was a doctor and a relative asked me for medical advice/treatment options regarding their illness, am I allowed to provide this information? Or is the most I can do encourage them to see a physician and offer them support?

My understanding is, on legal basis if there is no commercial fee involved anyone can give advice to anyone and it's up to the recipient to decide to follow that advice or not. My mum gives me tablets to take for a (mild) headache while she's not a doctor - is that illegal/unethical? I don't think so.

On professional basis, if your relative's illness is within your expertise area I don't see anything wrong with it. But don't trust me, I'm only a med student.

 

[dotwingz]

From my experience, family medical advice typically goes like this...

family member: hey can you have a look at *insert body part here*
doctor: yeah i can see why you might be concerned about it, you're probably best off seeing *insert your gp/specialist here* but it might be x,y,z

It would be irresponsible to reply with any sort of high modality given that you're likely not trained in such area and you cant really have an extensive look. it wouldn't be illegal though (i think)

Also, if giving family medical advice is anything like doing family tech support ... i can say with confidence you dont wanna be in a position where everyone comes to you all the time

 

[whoartthou]

My understanding is, on legal basis if there is no commercial fee involved anyone can give advice to anyone and it's up to the recipient to decide to follow that advice or not. My mum gives me tablets to take for a (mild) headache while she's not a doctor - is that illegal/unethical? I don't think so.

On professional basis, if your relative's illness is within your expertise area I don't see anything wrong with it. But don't trust me, I'm only a med student.

I don't see how a commercial fee interferes with giving advice. You charge for your time and expertise so a commercial fee is irrelevant.

The most important issue about giving free advice is that there may be unconscious biases when you give advice to family/friends. It's not illegal to give advice to family or friends but it's recommended that you don't. Usually I would ask my family/friend to seek out another doctor's opinion.

 

[A1]

I don't see how a commercial fee interferes with giving advice. You charge for your time and expertise so a commercial fee is irrelevant.

I brought up the commercial fee matter because, for example, anyone can give investment advice to anyone but if they charge a fee for it they must be properly qualified & registered.

The question Yuzzy asked did not say whether the relative's illness was within the doctor's trained expertise. What if they were a PGY2 doctor and the relative asked about brain surgery? For the sake of completeness I pointed out even that would not be illegal.

Otoh what if you are the most experienced brain surgeon in your city, would you still turn away your relative tell them to travel to another city for advice?

 

[whoartthou]

I brought up the commercial fee matter because, for example, anyone can give investment advice to anyone but if they charge a fee for it they must be properly qualified & registered.

The question Yuzzy asked did not say whether the relative's illness was within the doctor's trained expertise. What if they were a PGY2 doctor and the relative asked about brain surgery? For the sake of completeness I pointed out even that would not be illegal.

Otoh what if you are the most experienced brain surgeon in your city, would you still turn away your relative tell them to travel to another city for advice?

Even if you give free advice it doesn't automatically divulge you of legal responsibility. Giving free or paid advice can have potential legal consequences however, giving free advice on the basis that it isn't formal advice should be stated.

On a pragmatic note you would send your relative to another city for advice because you can't operate on them anyway and it is professional practice to get a formal opinion from another surgeon. If a student said they would give advice without getting advice from third party I would not be impressed by that because they aren't considering the implications for the potential conflict of interest.

 

[kotoloper]

Hi guys! This is my second attempt at a practice question, any feedback would be appreciated! In the middle of trials right now, so expect to see a sudden influx of responses from me after the next two weeks (sorry!).

Patient presents at hospital having an asthma attack. She is asked but refuses to be examined by a medical student. Is seen and treated by a doctor. What are the issues around patient/volunteer participation in training medical students and junior doctors?
A valid concern of patients can include feeling uncomfortable with being treated by someone who is relatively inexperienced and just starting to learn. It is important to respect their autonomy in choosing their preferred treatment and doctor, as they are most likely fearful of the medical student or junior doctor making the wrong move or decision in their treatment. If they in need of urgent treatment, it would be best to make sure a doctor treats the patient so that no harm is done. The voluntary nature of acceptance of treatment by medical students or junior doctors is vital in maintaining the patient’s autonomy. It is paramount that only patients who volunteer to be treated by a medical student or junior doctor are treated as such.

However, this is problematic as without these experiences in applying theoretical knowledge from learning into real-life situations and patients, medical students and junior doctors are unable to build up experience in the medical field. They can also feel disempowered or disengaged with the medical profession if faced with constant refusal of treatment, which can cause mental health issues surrounding confidence and willingness to learn. Similarly, if patients are continuously being allocated to senior doctors, they may also feel strained and overworked, and their work-life balance may be affected.

Furthermore, a likely scenario in emergency treatment is that these wards are extremely busy, and senior doctors may not be available to treat every individual who insists on not being treated by a medical student or junior doctor. Continuous refusal can not only result in health detriments to the patient, but can also cause a significant burden on the hospital in terms of time and resources. This would cause damage in the long run to the hospital, leading to detriments to all individuals involved.

Hospitals should have some sort of initiatives in place to encourage and promote confidence in our medical students and junior doctors and to thus increase patient participation in medical training. This can include providing a greater sense of accountability and transparency within the system, having reliable medical professionals supervising at all times, or having specific programs where medical students and junior doctors tend to patients, etc.

 

[chinaski]

Main issue with your response here is that you are convoluting medical students with junior doctors. Students are there to learn, not to provide a service (which they are not qualified or expected to impart). As such, the system does not rely upon their contributions, which is entirely different to the role of a junior medical officer. You're over-estimating the capabilities and role of the medical student in this scenario. In a nutshell, if a patient refuses to see medical students, the amount and quality of their care is not affected one jot. Conversely, if they refuse to have anything to do with junior medical staff, given the integral role JMOs play in the system, the patient is at risk of poorer outcomes as a result.

 

[kotoloper]

Main issue with your response here is that you are convoluting medical students with junior doctors. Students are there to learn, not to provide a service (which they are not qualified or expected to impart). As such, the system does not rely upon their contributions, which is entirely different to the role of a junior medical officer. You're over-estimating the capabilities and role of the medical student in this scenario. In a nutshell, if a patient refuses to see medical students, the amount and quality of their care is not affected one jot. Conversely, if they refuse to have anything to do with junior medical staff, given the integral role JMOs play in the system, the patient is at risk of poorer outcomes as a result.

Ooh, I see how i just mixed the two together aah thank you for pointing it out! Do you think I've covered a broad enough range of issues or could I expand more? Thank you for taking the time to give me feedback!

 

[chinaski]

I think you make a strong point about patient autonomy, but the response is scrambled when you combine your thoughts about med students and doctors. I think it's important to underline that students learn basically through the generosity of patients who allow them to participate in their care - it is very much a one-way street (all the benefit is for the student). As such, students should be respectful of this privilege. For junior doctors, they learn by simply doing their job, and patients refusing to engage with them negatively affects both sides: the patients get suboptimal care, and junior doctors miss out on opportunities.

There's also the practicality of the situation, wherein patients in the public system actually can't reasonably refuse to see anyone but a consultant-level doctor. I'm not going to be trotting down to the ward to put in a cannula because Mrs Bloggs doesn't want to see my intern - Mrs Bloggs doesn't really get a choice there. Finally, be aware that medical students and junior doctors alike are under constant supervision, and they do no bear ultimate responsibility - so you're creating some redundancy by suggesting that they should be supervised - this is a given: they are.

 

[kotoloper]

I think you make a strong point about patient autonomy, but the response is scrambled when you combine your thoughts about med students and doctors. I think it's important to underline that students learn basically through the generosity of patients who allow them to participate in their care - it is very much a one-way street (all the benefit is for the student). As such, students should be respectful of this privilege. For junior doctors, they learn by simply doing their job, and patients refusing to engage with them negatively affects both sides: the patients get suboptimal care, and junior doctors miss out on opportunities.

There's also the practicality of the situation, wherein patients in the public system actually can't reasonably refuse to see anyone but a consultant-level doctor. I'm not going to be trotting down to the ward to put in a cannula because Mrs Bloggs doesn't want to see my intern - Mrs Bloggs doesn't really get a choice there. Finally, be aware that medical students and junior doctors alike are under constant supervision, and they do no bear ultimate responsibility - so you're creating some redundancy by suggesting that they should be supervised - this is a given: they are.

I really appreciate your feedback, thank you so much! I'll try to provide more clarity and common sense in my next practice responses haha.

 

[Sokka]

Hey MSO,
I've finally decided to stop procrastinating and start some interview prep. I found this prompt online and thought I might give this a crack, any feedback is appreciated
Thanks in advance.

• Your mother calls you and asks you to help with a major family decision. Your maternal grandfather is 70 years old and has been diagnosed with a condition that will kill him some time in the next five years. He can have a procedure that will correct the disease and not leave him with any long-term problems, but the procedure has a 10% mortality rate. He wants to have the procedure, but your mother does not want him to. How would you help mediate this issue?

First and foremost, I need to understand my place in this scenario. I am simply a mediator to help my family reach the best decision in this difficult circumstance. I must consciously avoid any biases, and my opinion on whether my grandfather should or should not receive this treatment must not interfere when I am talking to the stakeholders of this situation.

Now, I need to sympathetically ask my mother why she does not want her father to undergo this surgery. Is it because she is afraid of losing him? If so, I need to fully explain to her the risks and benefits of the treatment so she will be correctly informed for this major family decision. If the reason she is opposed to this treatment is because she is against medicine in general, then I need to understand her specific views and attempt to rebuttal (in a non-aggressive way) by presenting the evidence which shows the benefits of medical treatments. Maybe she might be more comfortable with alternative therapy, and so I need to explain that there is very little evidence showing the benefits of alternative therapy. However, if she is adamant in pursuing alternative therapy, then I suppose it would do no harm to consult the doctor in charge and ask if there are any adverse implications of alternative therapy on my grandfather (with or without the procedure). In my response, I need to ensure I remain sympathetic as this understandably a very emotional time for our family.

Next, I need to discuss the situation with my grandfather. I need to ask him about why he wants this treatment, and if he is aware of the risks involved. Why does he want the treatment? Is it because he is in immense pain, and so he is desperate for some relief. Or is his goal to extend his life? Whatever his reasons are, I need to be gauging whether he seems to be competent enough to be making this decision as his life is at risk. Depending on his responses, I may want to discuss with his doctor (in the presence of my mother and him) if there could potentially be another treatment with less risks. Maybe with this newfound information, the doctor may suggest he take some sort of pain killer medication to ease his pain (if this is his goal). However, it is important to keep in mind that ultimately, it is up to my grandfather to make this decision and respect his autonomy, given that he is competent enough.

 

[whoartthou]

Hey MSO,
I've finally decided to stop procrastinating and start some interview prep. I found this prompt online and thought I might give this a crack, any feedback is appreciated
Thanks in advance.

• Your mother calls you and asks you to help with a major family decision. Your maternal grandfather is 70 years old and has been diagnosed with a condition that will kill him some time in the next five years. He can have a procedure that will correct the disease and not leave him with any long-term problems, but the procedure has a 10% mortality rate. He wants to have the procedure, but your mother does not want him to. How would you help mediate this issue?

First and foremost, I need to understand my place in this scenario. I am simply a mediator to help my family reach the best decision in this difficult circumstance. I must consciously avoid any biases, and my opinion on whether my grandfather should or should not receive this treatment must not interfere when I am talking to the stakeholders of this situation.

Now, I need to sympathetically ask my mother why she does not want her father to undergo this surgery. Is it because she is afraid of losing him? If so, I need to fully explain to her the risks and benefits of the treatment so she will be correctly informed for this major family decision. If the reason she is opposed to this treatment is because she is against medicine in general, then I need to understand her specific views and attempt to rebuttal (in a non-aggressive way) by presenting the evidence which shows the benefits of medical treatments. Maybe she might be more comfortable with alternative therapy, and so I need to explain that there is very little evidence showing the benefits of alternative therapy. However, if she is adamant in pursuing alternative therapy, then I suppose it would do no harm to consult the doctor in charge and ask if there are any adverse implications of alternative therapy on my grandfather (with or without the procedure). In my response, I need to ensure I remain sympathetic as this understandably a very emotional time for our family.

Next, I need to discuss the situation with my grandfather. I need to ask him about why he wants this treatment, and if he is aware of the risks involved. Why does he want the treatment? Is it because he is in immense pain, and so he is desperate for some relief. Or is his goal to extend his life? Whatever his reasons are, I need to be gauging whether he seems to be competent enough to be making this decision as his life is at risk. Depending on his responses, I may want to discuss with his doctor (in the presence of my mother and him) if there could potentially be another treatment with less risks. Maybe with this newfound information, the doctor may suggest he take some sort of pain killer medication to ease his pain (if this is his goal). However, it is important to keep in mind that ultimately, it is up to my grandfather to make this decision and respect his autonomy, given that he is competent enough.

There is only really one person who can make the decision in this scenario and that is your grandfather if he is considered sound of mind which you pointed out very late in your answer. I think you should have brought this up initially as whatever anyone else says doesn't really matter if he has made that decision.
It's more about opening the room to understand their views on the situation. I think for your mother the most likely reason is she is concerned about the potential mortality risk. This is the most likely reason but you didn't elaborate enough to show empathy towards her side. You talked so much on alternative therapies but this may not have been the major issue.
The most likely reason that your grandfather wants this treatment is to extend his life but you focussed again too much on pain management which may or may not be true. You did well in getting the doctor's advise on board but you could have explored that further with other opinions from doctors.
I think overall you didn't too badly but you were too specific about smaller issues but missed the bigger picture discussion which is meant to be the focus of this question.

 

[Sokka]

There is only really one person who can make the decision in this scenario and that is your grandfather if he is considered sound of mind which you pointed out very late in your answer. I think you should have brought this up initially as whatever anyone else says doesn't really matter if he has made that decision.
It's more about opening the room to understand their views on the situation. I think for your mother the most likely reason is she is concerned about the potential mortality risk. This is the most likely reason but you didn't elaborate enough to show empathy towards her side. You talked so much on alternative therapies but this may not have been the major issue.
The most likely reason that your grandfather wants this treatment is to extend his life but you focussed again too much on pain management which may or may not be true. You did well in getting the doctor's advise on board but you could have explored that further with other opinions from doctors.
I think overall you didn't too badly but you were too specific about smaller issues but missed the bigger picture discussion which is meant to be the focus of this question.

Thank you!!
How would I get someone to accept the mortality risk? I was going to go more in depth but it sounds kind of apathetic to just be saying “this is a risk he is willing to take, and so we must support him in his decision” or is this a good response to the situation?
Also, would it be good to look remove any form of guilt from my mother before hand? For example in the case he dies, would it be a good idea to make sure my mother feels no responsibility towards his death beforehand as she could have guilt on her conscience by allowing the surgery to go ahead?

 

[whoartthou]

Thank you!!
How would I get someone to accept the mortality risk? I was going to go more in depth but it sounds kind of apathetic to just be saying “this is a risk he is willing to take, and so we must support him in his decision” or is this a good response to the situation?
Also, would it be good to look remove any form of guilt from my mother before hand? For example in the case he dies, would it be a good idea to make sure my mother feels no responsibility towards his death beforehand as she could have guilt on her conscience by allowing the surgery to go ahead?

It's not about getting someone to accept the mortality risk but helping them make an informed decision. An informed decision is made on the basis of understanding the risks and benefits and other options. You should acknowledge your mother's feelings but the decision still lies with your grandfather. You should encourage open dialogue between your mother and grandfather but your grandfather shouldn't be "persuaded" into one decision or another based on other people's expectations or concerns. These concerns should be expressed and discussed but that is all.
You are jumping to conclusions about the treatment and making sure your mother feels no responsibility. You are extrapolating too far and not focussing on discussing the main issue here.
You can potentially discuss the issues of living for 5 years vs definitive cure. If your grandfather was healthy for example the mortality risk of 10% might be more acceptable vs if he was bed bound with dementia.

 

[Sokka]

You can potentially discuss the issues of living for 5 years vs definitive cure. If your grandfather was healthy for example the mortality risk of 10% might be more acceptable vs if he was bed bound with dementia.

What’s your reasoning for saying this? Why would the risk be justified if he is healthier?