The interview question bank

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

• SituationalBeginner·MMI station · MD, DO, PA, Nursing, Residency, Pharmacy

  A patient demands antibiotics for a cold and threatens to leave you a 1-star review if you say no. What do you do?

  Communication · Professionalism

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  Sample answer outline

  1. 1Acknowledge that they feel awful and want relief. Ask what worries them most.
  2. 2Explain in plain words that antibiotics don't work on viruses and can cause harm: side effects and resistance.
  3. 3Offer a real plan: symptom relief, what to watch for, and when to come back.
  4. 4Stay calm about the review. It doesn't change your clinical judgment.

  What makes it work

  • Empathy first lowers the temperature before you say no.
  • A plan gives them something instead of only a refusal.

  Avoid

  • Giving in to keep them happy.
  • Arguing or getting defensive.

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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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  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, 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, 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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