The interview question bank

Competing duties with no perfect answer: consent, confidentiality, fairness.

• EthicsIntermediate·MMI station · MD, DO, PA, Nursing, Residency

  A Jehovah's Witness patient refuses a blood transfusion they need to survive. What do you do?

  Autonomy and consent · Cultural humility · Communication

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  Sample answer outline

  1. 1A competent adult can refuse even life-saving treatment. Your job is to make sure the refusal is informed, voluntary and consistent with their values.
  2. 2Talk with them privately to check for pressure from family or community.
  3. 3Explore what they will accept: bloodless surgery techniques, cell salvage, iron, medicines that boost blood production.
  4. 4Document the conversation and their decision clearly, and keep caring for them fully.
  5. 5Note how it differs for a child or for an unconscious patient without an advance directive.

  What makes it work

  • It respects autonomy while doing everything else possible.
  • Showing the contrast with a child proves you understand the limits.

  Avoid

  • Trying to persuade them out of their faith.
  • Treating the refusal as a reason to step back from their care.

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• EthicsAdvanced·MMI station · MD, DO, PA, Nursing, Residency

  A mother refuses a life-saving blood transfusion for her 4-year-old because of her religious beliefs. What do you do?

  Autonomy and consent · Cultural humility · Patient safety

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  Sample answer outline

  1. 1The child's best interests come first. Parents' right to refuse has limits when a child's life is at risk.
  2. 2Approach the mother with empathy, explore her beliefs and offer every acceptable alternative that is medically safe.
  3. 3Involve the senior physician, ethics and the hospital's legal team early. Courts can authorize treatment.
  4. 4In a true emergency, treat to save the child's life as the law allows.
  5. 5Protect the relationship: this family will still care for the child afterward.

  What makes it work

  • It shows exactly where autonomy ends: a parent deciding for a child.
  • It handles the family with compassion, not force alone.

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• EthicsBeginner·MMI station · MD, DO, PA, Nursing, Residency

  A dying patient asks you to pray with them. You're not religious. What do you do?

  Empathy · Cultural humility · Communication

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  Sample answer outline

  1. 1Respond to the need behind the request: comfort and connection at the end of life.
  2. 2You can be present respectfully, by staying quietly, holding their hand or listening, without claiming a belief you don't hold.
  3. 3Offer the chaplain or their own faith leader.
  4. 4Keep your own views out of it; this moment is about them.

  What makes it work

  • Presence over performance: honest and kind at once.

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