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 · 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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