The interview question bank

Unexpected or playful questions that test how you think on your feet.

• CurveballAdvanced·MMI station, Traditional one-on-one · MD, DO, PA, Nursing, Residency

  What would you do if a patient died because you misdiagnosed them?

  Integrity · Resilience · Patient safety

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  Sample answer outline

  1. 1Disclose honestly and promptly to the family with your supervisor: what happened as far as you know, and a sincere apology.
  2. 2Report it through the hospital's safety system so it can be reviewed and prevented.
  3. 3Support the family: answer questions, stay available, follow up.
  4. 4Take care of yourself: clinicians are often called second victims of errors. Seek support instead of hiding.
  5. 5Learn from it: what you would change in your practice.

  What makes it work

  • It puts honesty and the family first, then the system, then you.
  • Acknowledging your own wellbeing shows maturity, not weakness.

  Avoid

  • Defensiveness or minimizing.

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• CurveballBeginner·MMI station · MD, DO, PA

  A pregnant patient wants her C-section a week early because she "can't raise a Gemini." What do you do?

  Communication · Autonomy and consent · Patient safety

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  Sample answer outline

  1. 1Take her seriously and ask what's behind it. There may be anxiety, family pressure or cultural meaning.
  2. 2Explain in plain words why an early delivery without a medical reason carries risks for the baby, such as breathing and feeding problems.
  3. 3Find the shared goal: a healthy start for her child.
  4. 4If there's no medical reason, decline kindly, offer what you can, and document the conversation.

  What makes it work

  • Respect without mockery turns a funny prompt into a test of communication.
  • Autonomy has limits when a request causes harm without benefit.

  Avoid

  • Laughing it off or lecturing.

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• CurveballBeginner·MMI station · Most programs

  Three patients arrive: one an hour early, one an hour late, one on time. Who do you see first?

  Critical thinking · Communication

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  Sample answer outline

  1. 1Ask for the missing information: is anyone sick? Clinical urgency outranks arrival time.
  2. 2If all three are stable, see the on-time patient first. It is fair and keeps the schedule.
  3. 3Fit in the early patient if a slot opens, and see the late patient if time allows, or rebook them kindly.
  4. 4Tell everyone waiting what to expect.

  What makes it work

  • Asking about urgency first shows clinical instinct.
  • It turns a trick question into a clear rule: need first, then fairness.

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