The interview question bank

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

• 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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• CurveballBeginner·Traditional one-on-one, MMI station · MD, DO

  What song would you play in the OR, and why?

  Self-awareness · Teamwork

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  Sample answer outline

  1. 1Pick a song you actually like and say it without overthinking.
  2. 2Give a reason that shows something real about you: a memory, a mood, what helps you focus.
  3. 3Earn a bonus point by thinking of the team: volume, everyone's focus, and the patient if they're awake.
  4. 4Keep it under a minute and enjoy it.

  What makes it work

  • Curveballs test composure and personality, not the right answer.
  • The team detail quietly shows good judgment.

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• CurveballBeginner·MMI station · Most programs

  Teach me something in two minutes.

  Communication

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  How to approach curveball questions

  1. 1Take a breath. There is usually no right answer.
  2. 2Give a genuine answer quickly, then one reason that shows something about you.
  3. 3If it's a puzzle, ask a clarifying question and reason out loud.
  4. 4Keep it light and short.

  We haven't written a sample answer for this one yet. Practice it out loud and the AI interviewer gives you feedback on your own answer.

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