As a medical professional, you may encounter a variety of challenging situations. To help you stay prepared, we have curated 12 scenarios you might face in your practice.
1. Professionalism in Social Media
Scenario Description:
You are a medical student, and you come across a social media post by a fellow student that includes a photo taken inside the hospital with a patient in the background. The patient’s face is clearly visible, and the post does not seem to have the patient’s consent.
Station Instructions:
You have 2 minutes to read the scenario and think about your response. You will then have 6 minutes to discuss your approach with the interviewer.
Prompts:
What are the ethical concerns with this post?
How would you approach your fellow student about this issue?
What steps would you take to prevent future occurrences?
Possible Questions from the Interviewer:
Why is patient consent important in such scenarios?
How would you address your concerns with the student in a way that maintains a positive relationship?
If the student is unresponsive or dismissive, what would your next steps be?
What are the potential consequences for the patient and the student if this issue is not addressed?
How can institutions ensure students are aware of the professional standards regarding social media?
2. Teamwork in Healthcare
Scenario Description:
During a clinical rotation, you are part of a team managing a critical patient. One of your team members consistently interrupts others and dismisses their input. This behavior is causing tension and affecting team performance.
Station Instructions:
You have 2 minutes to read the scenario and think about your response. You will then have 6 minutes to discuss your approach with the interviewer.
Prompts:
How would you address the team member’s behavior?
What strategies would you use to improve team collaboration?
How do you ensure all team members’ contributions are valued?
Possible Questions from the Interviewer:
Why is it important to address disruptive behavior in a healthcare team?
How would you approach the team member without escalating the conflict?
What role does communication play in resolving such issues?
How can you foster a team environment where everyone feels heard?
If the behavior continues despite your efforts, what would you do next?
3. Cultural Sensitivity
Scenario Description:
You are treating a patient who practices a religion that prohibits certain medical interventions. The recommended treatment conflicts with their beliefs, and they refuse the intervention.
Station Instructions:
You have 2 minutes to read the scenario and think about your response. You will then have 6 minutes to discuss your approach with the interviewer.
Prompts:
How do you approach the conversation with the patient?
What alternative solutions might you consider?
How do you ensure that the patient feels respected and understood?
Possible Questions from the Interviewer:
Why is cultural sensitivity important in healthcare?
How can you balance respecting the patient’s beliefs with providing medical care?
What strategies can you use to find alternative treatments?
How do you handle situations where no alternative treatment is available?
What would you do if the patient’s family disagrees with their decision?
4. Breaking Bad News
Scenario Description:
You are a medical student observing a consultation. The doctor asks you to explain to a patient that their condition is terminal and there are no further treatment options available.
Station Instructions:
You have 2 minutes to read the scenario and think about your response. You will then have 6 minutes to discuss your approach with the interviewer.
Prompts:
How would you prepare for this conversation?
What key points would you include in your explanation?
How would you support the patient emotionally?
Possible Questions from the Interviewer:
What are the key components of delivering bad news?
How can you ensure that the patient fully understands their condition?
What role does empathy play in these conversations?
How do you manage your own emotions while delivering bad news?
How would you involve the patient’s family in this conversation?
5. Conflict of Interest
Scenario Description:
You are a medical student conducting research with a pharmaceutical company. You discover that the company is not fully disclosing potential side effects of a new drug.
Station Instructions:
You have 2 minutes to read the scenario and think about your response. You will then have 6 minutes to discuss your approach with the interviewer.
Prompts:
What are the ethical concerns with the company’s actions?
How would you address this issue with the company?
What steps would you take to ensure transparency and patient safety?
Possible Questions from the Interviewer:
Why is transparency important in medical research?
How can you address this issue without jeopardizing your relationship with the company?
What are the potential consequences of not disclosing side effects?
How do you ensure that your actions align with ethical research practices?
If the company refuses to address your concerns, what would be your next steps?
6. Resource Allocation
Scenario Description:
You are part of a committee tasked with allocating limited funding for healthcare services in a low-income community. There are several competing needs, including mental health services, chronic disease management, and preventive care.
Station Instructions:
You have 2 minutes to read the scenario and think about your response. You will then have 6 minutes to discuss your approach with the interviewer.
Prompts:
What criteria would you use to make your decision?
How would you balance immediate needs with long-term benefits?
How do you justify your decisions to the community?
Possible Questions from the Interviewer:
What factors are most important in resource allocation?
How do you ensure fairness and equity in your decisions?
How do you handle potential disagreements within the committee?
What are the long-term implications of your decisions?
How do you communicate your decisions to stakeholders and the community?
7. Dealing with Mistakes
Scenario Description:
You are a medical student assisting in surgery, and you notice that an instrument was left inside the patient before closing the incision. The surgeon seems unaware of this mistake.
Station Instructions:
You have 2 minutes to read the scenario and think about your response. You will then have 6 minutes to discuss your approach with the interviewer.
Prompts:
What immediate actions would you take?
How would you communicate the mistake to the surgeon?
What steps would you take to prevent similar errors in the future?
Possible Questions from the Interviewer:
Why is it important to address medical errors promptly?
How would you ensure patient safety in this situation?
What communication strategies would you use with the surgeon?
How do you handle the potential conflict or backlash from the surgeon?
What protocols should be in place to prevent such errors?
7. Dealing with Mistakes
Scenario Description:
You are a medical student assisting in surgery, and you notice that an instrument was left inside the patient before closing the incision. The surgeon seems unaware of this mistake.
Station Instructions:
You have 2 minutes to read the scenario and think about your response. You will then have 6 minutes to discuss your approach with the interviewer.
Prompts:
What immediate actions would you take?
How would you communicate the mistake to the surgeon?
What steps would you take to prevent similar errors in the future?
Possible Questions from the Interviewer:
Why is it important to address medical errors promptly?
How would you ensure patient safety in this situation?
What communication strategies would you use with the surgeon?
How do you handle the potential conflict or backlash from the surgeon?
What protocols should be in place to prevent such errors?
8. Communicating with a Non-Compliant Patient
Scenario Description:
You have a patient with diabetes who is not following their treatment plan, resulting in poor health outcomes. They admit to not taking their medication and not adhering to dietary recommendations.
Station Instructions:
You have 2 minutes to read the scenario and think about your response. You will then have 6 minutes to discuss your approach with the interviewer.
Prompts:
How do you start the conversation with the patient?
What strategies would you use to address their non-compliance?
How do you motivate the patient to follow the treatment plan?
Possible Questions from the Interviewer:
What are common reasons for patient non-compliance?
How can you build rapport and trust with the patient?
What role does patient education play in this situation?
How do you handle a patient who is resistant to change?
What follow-up steps would you take to monitor the patient’s progress?
9. Ethical Use of Medical Resources
Scenario Description:
You are working in an emergency department with limited resources. A well-known local politician arrives with a minor injury, while a homeless person with a severe condition needs immediate attention.
Station Instructions:
You have 2 minutes to read the scenario and think about your response. You will then have 6 minutes to discuss your approach with the interviewer.
Prompts:
How do you prioritize patient care in this scenario?
What ethical principles guide your decision?
How do you communicate your decision to the patients involved?
Possible Questions from the Interviewer:
What factors should you consider when prioritizing care?
How do you handle pressure from influential individuals in such situations?
What are the potential consequences of your decisions for both patients?
How can you ensure that your actions are fair and just?
How do you address potential biases in decision-making?
10. Responding to Unprofessional Behavior
Scenario Description:
During a clinical rotation, you observe a senior doctor making inappropriate comments about a patient’s weight in front of the patient. The patient looks visibly upset.
Station Instructions:
You have 2 minutes to read the scenario and think about your response. You will then have 6 minutes to discuss your approach with the interviewer.
Prompts:
How would you approach the senior doctor about their comments?
What steps would you take to support the patient?
How do you ensure a respectful and professional environment in the future?
Possible Questions from the Interviewer:
Why is it important to address unprofessional behavior?
How can you approach the senior doctor without causing a confrontation?
What support can you offer to the patient in this situation?
How do you promote a culture of respect and professionalism in healthcare?
What actions should be taken if the unprofessional behavior continues?
Role Play Stations
Scenario 1: Role Play – Patient Interaction
Scenario Description:
You are a medical student, and you have been asked to discuss a new diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes with a patient. The patient is anxious and has many questions about the condition and its management.
Station Instructions:
You have 2 minutes to read the scenario and think about your approach. You will then have 6 minutes to interact with an actor playing the role of the patient.
Prompts:
How would you explain the diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes to the patient?
How do you address the patient’s anxiety and concerns?
What lifestyle changes and treatments would you discuss?
Possible Questions from the Interviewer:
How do you ensure that the patient understands the medical terminology you use?
What strategies would you employ to alleviate the patient’s anxiety?
How would you handle a situation where the patient is resistant to lifestyle changes?
What resources could you recommend to the patient for further information and support?
How do you balance providing detailed information with not overwhelming the patient?
Scenario 2: Role Play – Breaking Bad News
Scenario Description:
You are a junior doctor. You need to inform a patient that their recent test results indicate they have a serious illness. The patient’s spouse is also present in the room.
Station Instructions:
You have 2 minutes to read the scenario and think about your approach. You will then have 6 minutes to role-play the conversation with an actor playing the patient and their spouse.
Prompts:
How do you prepare for and initiate this conversation?
How do you handle the emotional reactions of the patient and their spouse?
What follow-up steps do you suggest?
Possible Questions from the Interviewer:
What are the key elements of delivering bad news effectively?
How can you support the patient and their spouse emotionally during this conversation?
What do you do if the patient or spouse becomes very distressed?
How would you ensure that the patient understands the severity of their condition?
What steps would you take to involve the patient and their spouse in the decision-making process?
Scenario 3: Description – Explaining a Procedure
Scenario Description:
You are a medical student, and a patient asks you to explain what will happen during a colonoscopy procedure.
Station Instructions:
You have 2 minutes to read the scenario and think about your explanation. You will then have 6 minutes to describe the procedure to an interviewer acting as the patient.
Prompts:
How do you describe the purpose of the colonoscopy?
What steps are involved in the procedure?
How do you address common concerns and questions from the patient?
Possible Questions from the Interviewer:
How would you explain the risks and benefits of a colonoscopy to the patient?
What are the common misconceptions patients have about this procedure?
How do you ensure the patient feels comfortable and reassured about the procedure?
What information do you provide about the preparation and recovery process?
How do you tailor your explanation to a patient with limited medical knowledge?
Scenario 4: Description – Medical Terminology
Scenario Description:
A nonmedical friend asks you to explain what a “myocardial infarction” is in simple terms.
Station Instructions:
You have 2 minutes to read the scenario and think about your explanation. You will then have 6 minutes to describe the condition in layman’s terms.
Prompts:
How do you define a myocardial infarction in simple language?
What are the common symptoms and causes?
How do you explain the treatment options and lifestyle changes?
Possible Questions from the Interviewer:
How do you simplify complex medical terms without losing important details?
What analogies or examples could you use to help your friend understand a myocardial infarction?
How would you address any follow-up questions your friend might have?
How do you explain the importance of early treatment and recognizing symptoms?
What lifestyle advice would you give to someone wanting to prevent a myocardial infarction?
Scenario 5: Data Interpretation – Laboratory Results
Scenario Description:
You are provided with a set of lab results for a patient with suspected anemia. Interpret the results and discuss your diagnosis and management plan.
Station Instructions:
You have 2 minutes to read the lab results and think about your interpretation. You will then have 6 minutes to discuss your findings with the interviewer.
Prompts:
What do the lab results indicate about the patient’s condition?
What additional tests or information would you need?
How would you manage the patient’s anemia?
Possible Questions from the Interviewer:
How do you interpret the key indicators of anemia in the lab results?
What differential diagnoses should you consider based on the lab results?
How would you explain the lab results and your diagnosis to the patient?
What are the possible causes of anemia that you need to investigate further?
How would you develop a treatment plan tailored to the patient’s specific type of anemia?
Scenario 6: Data Interpretation – ECG Analysis
Scenario Description:
You are given an ECG printout of a patient complaining of chest pain. Interpret the ECG and provide a possible diagnosis and management plan.
Station Instructions:
You have 2 minutes to review the ECG and think about your interpretation. You will then have 6 minutes to discuss your findings with the interviewer.
Prompts:
What abnormalities do you see in the ECG?
What is your likely diagnosis based on the ECG findings?
What immediate and long-term management steps would you take?
Possible Questions from the Interviewer:
How do you differentiate between various types of chest pain based on ECG findings?
What are the key features you look for in an ECG to diagnose a myocardial infarction?
How would you explain the significance of the ECG findings to the patient?
What immediate actions would you take for a patient with an abnormal ECG?
How do you decide on further diagnostic tests or treatments based on the ECG results?
Scenario 7: Ethical Scenario – Confidentiality Breach
Scenario Description:
You are a medical student and overhear a conversation in a public place where two doctors are discussing a patient by name and details of their condition.
Station Instructions:
You have 2 minutes to read the scenario and think about your response. You will then have 6 minutes to discuss your approach with the interviewer.
Prompts:
What are the ethical issues involved in this scenario?
How would you address the situation with the doctors involved?
What steps can be taken to protect patient confidentiality in the future?
Possible Questions from the Interviewer:
Why is patient confidentiality crucial in medical practice?
How would you approach the doctors without causing a conflict?
What policies or practices can prevent breaches of confidentiality?
How would you handle a situation where the doctors dismiss your concerns?
What are the potential consequences of not addressing confidentiality breaches?
Scenario 8: Ethical Scenario – Informed Consent
Scenario Description:
You are a junior doctor obtaining consent from a patient for a surgical procedure. The patient appears confused and unsure about the procedure.
Station Instructions:
You have 2 minutes to read the scenario and think about your response. You will then have 6 minutes to discuss your approach with the interviewer.
Prompts:
How do you ensure the patient fully understands the procedure and its risks?
What steps would you take if the patient remains unsure?
How do you balance the need for informed consent with the urgency of the procedure?
Possible Questions from the Interviewer:
What are the key components of obtaining informed consent?
How can you ensure the patient’s understanding despite their confusion?
What strategies would you use to explain complex medical information?
How do you address a situation where the patient is unable to make an informed decision?
What are the ethical implications of proceeding without full informed consent?
Scenario 9: PBL – Case Discussion
Scenario Description:
You are in a PBL session discussing a case of a 65-year-old male with a history of smoking who presents with a chronic cough and weight loss. The group needs to determine the differential diagnosis and next steps in management.
Station Instructions:
You have 2 minutes to read the case and think about your approach. You will then have 6 minutes to discuss the case with the interviewer.
Prompts:
What are the possible diagnoses for this patient?
What further tests would you order to narrow down the diagnosis?
How would you prioritize the management plan?
Possible Questions from the Interviewer:
What are the most likely differential diagnoses for a patient with these symptoms?
How do you decide which tests are necessary to confirm the diagnosis?
What is your approach to managing a patient with suspected lung cancer?
How do you communicate your diagnostic reasoning to the patient and their family?
What lifestyle advice would you offer to this patient?
Scenario 10: Personal Statement – Motivation for Medicine
Scenario Description:
You are asked to discuss your personal statement, focusing on your motivation to study medicine and any experiences that have prepared you for a medical career.
Station Instructions:
You have 2 minutes to think about your response. You will then have 6 minutes to discuss your personal statement with the interviewer.
Prompts:
What motivated you to pursue a career in medicine?
Can you describe any experiences that have prepared you for medical school?
How do you see your future career in medicine developing?
Possible Questions from the Interviewer:
Can you elaborate on a specific experience that influenced your decision to study medicine?
What personal qualities do you possess that make you well-suited for a medical career?
How have your experiences prepared you for the challenges of medical school?
What are your long-term career goals in medicine?
How do you plan to balance the demands of medical school with other aspects of your life?
Scenario 11: Medical Knowledge – Common Conditions
Scenario Description:
You are asked to discuss the pathophysiology, symptoms, and treatment options for asthma.
Station Instructions:
You have 2 minutes to think about your response. You will then have 6 minutes to discuss asthma with the interviewer.
Prompts:
Explain the pathophysiology of asthma.
What are the common symptoms of asthma?
How is asthma typically treated and managed?
Possible Questions from the Interviewer:
What triggers are commonly associated with asthma attacks?
How do you differentiate asthma from other respiratory conditions?
What are the latest advancements in asthma treatment?
How would you educate a patient on managing their asthma?
What role do environmental factors play in asthma?
Scenario 12: Medical Knowledge – Recent Advances
Scenario Description:
You are asked to discuss a recent advancement in medical technology or treatment and its impact on patient care.
Station Instructions:
You have 2 minutes to think about your response. You will then have 6 minutes to discuss the recent advancement with the interviewer.
Prompts:
Describe the recent advancement you chose.
How has this advancement improved patient care?
What are the potential challenges or limitations of this new technology or treatment?
Possible Questions from the Interviewer:
What evidence supports the effectiveness of this new technology or treatment?
How does this advancement compare to previous treatments or technologies?
What are the cost implications of implementing this new advancement?
How do you see this technology or treatment evolving in the future?
How would you explain the benefits and risks of this advancement to a patient?
