SituationalBeginnerMMI station
The night before your final exam, your father has a heart attack and is admitted to the hospital. What do you do?
Situational: A practical problem in school, clinic or work. What do you do next?
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Sample answer outline
- Gather facts: how serious is it, who else is with him, what does the family need?
- Be clear that family comes first in a crisis, and that schools have processes for deferred exams.
- Contact the course coordinator or student affairs right away, explain, and ask about options.
- If he's stable and you choose to sit the exam, have a plan for support afterward.
- Show what it says about you: you can ask for help and set priorities under stress.
What makes it work
- Knowing that systems exist for this shows maturity, not weakness.
How to approach situational questions
- Start with safety: is anyone at risk right now?
- Gather information before judging anyone involved.
- Act in proportion: a private conversation first, escalation when needed.
- Close the loop: follow up, document and reflect.
What it tests
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