The interview question bank

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

• SituationalBeginner·MMI station · Most programs

  Your classmate posts a patient's X-ray on Instagram with a funny caption. What do you do?

  Confidentiality · Professionalism

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  Sample answer outline

  1. 1Recognize it as a privacy breach and a professionalism issue, so act quickly.
  2. 2Talk to your classmate privately and ask them to take it down now. Explain that even "anonymous" images can identify a patient.
  3. 3If they refuse, or it has spread, tell the course lead or privacy office. The school may need to act.
  4. 4Keep it proportionate: it may be a lapse in judgment, not malice. Suggest a refresher on social media policy.

  What makes it work

  • Speed and privacy first, then fairness to the classmate.
  • Clear escalation if the direct approach fails.

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• SituationalBeginner·MMI station · Most programs

  The night before your final exam, your father has a heart attack and is admitted to the hospital. What do you do?

  Resilience · Self-awareness · Communication

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  Sample answer outline

  1. 1Gather facts: how serious is it, who else is with him, what does the family need?
  2. 2Be clear that family comes first in a crisis, and that schools have processes for deferred exams.
  3. 3Contact the course coordinator or student affairs right away, explain, and ask about options.
  4. 4If he's stable and you choose to sit the exam, have a plan for support afterward.
  5. 5Show 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.

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• 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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