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

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

  Confidentiality · Professionalism

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  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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• SituationalBeginner·MMI station, Traditional one-on-one · Most programs

  How would you communicate with a patient who has limited English proficiency?

  Communication · Cultural humility · Patient safety

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  How to approach situational questions

  1. 1Start with safety: is anyone at risk right now?
  2. 2Gather information before judging anyone involved.
  3. 3Act in proportion: a private conversation first, escalation when needed.
  4. 4Close the loop: follow up, document and reflect.

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