The interview question bank

A practical problem in school, clinic or work. What do you do next?

• SituationalIntermediate·MMI station · Most programs

  You discover a classmate has a copy of the upcoming exam and is sharing it. What do you do?

  Integrity · Professionalism

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  Sample answer outline

  1. 1Don't look at it, and say so.
  2. 2Find out what you can without spreading it: is it really the exam, and how widely is it shared?
  3. 3Encourage the classmate to stop and come forward.
  4. 4Tell the course director either way. The exam's fairness affects everyone, and future patients depend on honest assessment.
  5. 5Stay fair: you're reporting facts, not judging the person.

  What makes it work

  • Links academic honesty to patient trust, the real stakes.

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• SituationalIntermediate·MMI station, Traditional one-on-one · PA

  A patient specifically requests to see 'the doctor' and not 'just a PA.' How do you respond?

  Communication · Professionalism

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  1. 1Stay calm and don't take it personally. Ask what's behind the request: a past experience, a specific worry.
  2. 2Explain your role briefly and confidently: your training, how you work with the physician, what you'll do today.
  3. 3Offer a path: you'll start the visit and involve the physician if needed, or arrange for them to see the doctor.
  4. 4Respect their choice if they still prefer the physician.

  What makes it work

  • Confidence without defensiveness builds trust.
  • Putting the patient's comfort first is the professional move.

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• SituationalIntermediate·MMI station, Traditional one-on-one · Nursing, Pharmacy, PA

  You notice a physician's orders seem incorrect for a patient. How do you handle this?

  Patient safety · Communication · Teamwork

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  1. 1Don't carry out an order you believe is unsafe. Pause first.
  2. 2Check yourself: the chart, the medication reference, any recent changes in the patient's condition.
  3. 3Call the prescriber with a structured message (situation, background, assessment, recommendation) and ask directly.
  4. 4If you're still concerned, go up the chain: charge nurse, supervisor.
  5. 5Document the conversation and the outcome.

  What makes it work

  • Shows the nurse's role as a safety check, done respectfully.
  • A clear escalation path, not a confrontation.

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• SituationalIntermediate·MMI station · MD, DO, PA, Nursing, Residency

  You overhear a resident making an inappropriate joke about a patient. What do you do in the moment?

  Professionalism · Integrity

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  1. 1Check whether the patient or family could hear. If so, protect their dignity first.
  2. 2In the moment, a light redirect can work without humiliating anyone: "Let's keep it professional out here."
  3. 3Afterward, if you feel safe, talk to the resident privately and explain the impact.
  4. 4If it's a pattern or severe, use the program's reporting channel. As a student, involve a trusted supervisor.
  5. 5Acknowledge the power gap honestly; speaking up as a junior takes judgment and courage.

  What makes it work

  • Graded responses fit the situation instead of an all-or-nothing answer.
  • Recognizing the hierarchy makes the answer realistic.

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• SituationalIntermediate·MMI station · MD, DO, PA, Nursing, Pharmacy

  How would you counsel a vaccine-hesitant parent who distrusts the health care system?

  Communication · Cultural humility · Empathy

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  1. 1Open with curiosity, not facts: "What have you heard, and what worries you most?"
  2. 2Acknowledge the distrust honestly. For some communities it's rooted in real history.
  3. 3Share information matched to their specific concern, in plain language, and admit what is uncertain.
  4. 4Make your recommendation clearly, as their child's clinician.
  5. 5Respect that they may need time. Keep the door open and offer a follow-up visit.

  What makes it work

  • Listening first is what actually changes minds.
  • A clear recommendation without pressure keeps trust.

  Avoid

  • Lecturing with statistics in the first minute.

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