Residency Interview Prep

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Showing 325–336 of 482

If you discover an incidental finding on a scan (for example, a small lesion unrelated to the scan’s purpose) that is likely benign but uncertain, how would you report and manage it?

Specialty Specialty-Specific
Why this question?
This question digs into how you handle ethical dilemmas in radiology. Interviewers want to see your judgment, communication skills, and how you prioritize patient care while managing risks.
Best practices
  • Start by assessing the finding's details and relate it to the patient's history.
  • Mention using established guidelines to support your decision-making.
  • Explain how you'd report the finding clearly and communicate directly with the referring physician.
What to avoid
  • Don't just brush off the finding as 'likely benign' without a solid plan.
  • Avoid causing unnecessary alarm with vague or overly dramatic recommendations.
  • Don't skip direct communication with the referring physician; it's key to collaborative care.

Counsel a patient whose expectations for restored vision after cataract surgery exceed what you know is realistically achievable?

Specialty Specialty-Specific
Why this question?
This question checks your communication skills and empathy. Interviewers want to see if you can manage patient expectations sensitively, especially when they might be unrealistic due to other eye conditions.
Best practices
  • Start by acknowledging the patient's hopes and excitement about their vision.
  • Use clear and gentle language to explain the limitations without being harsh.
  • Involve the patient in the conversation about what realistic outcomes look like for them.
What to avoid
  • Don't just bluntly tell the patient they won't get perfect vision; that can feel dismissive.
  • Avoid using medical jargon that might confuse the patient instead of helping them understand.
  • Don't forget to focus on the patient's overall quality of life and functional vision, rather than just the idea of 'perfect' vision.

If you detected retinal changes suggesting undiagnosed diabetes, how would you approach discussing this finding with the patient and coordinating their care?

Specialty Specialty-Specific
Why this question?
This question checks how well you can communicate serious health news and coordinate care with other healthcare providers. It’s about showing empathy and understanding the bigger picture of patient health.
Best practices
  • Start with a private setting and use empathetic language to ease into the conversation.
  • Explain the findings in simple terms, avoiding medical jargon, and check if the patient understands.
  • Outline clear next steps, like referring them to their primary care doctor for further testing.
What to avoid
  • Don't just throw out the diagnosis without considering how the patient might feel about it.
  • Avoid using complex medical terms that might confuse the patient.
  • Don't leave the patient hanging; make sure to actively coordinate their follow-up care instead of just writing a referral.

What’s your approach to evaluate when to adopt a new technology, such as AI-based retinal screening, into your clinical practice?

Specialty Specialty-Specific
Why this question?
Interviewers want to see how you think critically about new tech and ensure it benefits patients. They’re checking if you can balance excitement for innovation with responsible care.
Best practices
  • Outline a clear, systematic approach to evaluating new technology.
  • Mention specific factors like evidence from studies, patient safety, and integration into your practice.
  • Discuss ethical considerations and the importance of ongoing evaluation after adoption.
What to avoid
  • Don't just say you'll adopt tech because it's trendy or others are using it.
  • Avoid vague answers; be specific about how you assess effectiveness and safety.
  • Don't overlook the importance of patient impact and ethical issues like data privacy.

Manage a situation where a patient is struggling to afford or comply with a crucial treatment due to cost, frequency, or other barriers?

Specialty Specialty-Specific
Why this question?
This question checks your empathy and problem-solving skills. Interviewers want to see if you understand that non-compliance often comes from real challenges, not just a lack of willpower.
Best practices
  • Start by showing empathy and understanding the patient's struggles.
  • Ask open-ended questions to uncover the specific barriers they face.
  • Offer practical solutions like exploring financial assistance programs or simplifying treatment regimens.
What to avoid
  • Don't blame the patient for their situation; it shows a lack of empathy.
  • Avoid giving generic answers without specific examples or solutions.
  • Don't forget to mention the importance of teamwork with other healthcare professionals.

Manage a situation where a patient insists on a risky elective eye procedure for cosmetic reasons, such as an iris implant to change their eye color?

Specialty Specialty-Specific
Why this question?
This question checks your ethical judgment and communication skills when a patient wants something that might not be safe. The interviewer wants to see if you can balance what the patient wants with what’s best for their health.
Best practices
  • Clearly state that you won't perform risky procedures for cosmetic reasons, prioritizing patient safety.
  • Show empathy by listening to the patient's motivations and validating their feelings about their appearance.
  • Explain the risks in simple terms, and offer safe alternatives like colored contact lenses.
What to avoid
  • Don't be dismissive or judgmental about the patient's desires; it can break trust.
  • Avoid just listing risks without showing understanding or compassion for the patient’s feelings.
  • Don't forget to offer alternatives or support; it’s important to guide them towards safer options.

What factors would guide you in choosing between a far cheaper off-label drug and a costly brand-name alternative for treating macular degeneration?

Specialty Specialty-Specific
Why this question?
This question digs into how you handle tough ethical and clinical choices in ophthalmology. The interviewer wants to see if you can balance patient needs, evidence, and ethical considerations.
Best practices
  • Start with the evidence: Discuss the efficacy and safety of both drugs based on clinical data.
  • Focus on the patient: Talk about their financial situation, preferences, and comfort with off-label use.
  • Be resourceful: Mention ways to help patients with costs, like assistance programs or financial counseling.
What to avoid
  • Don't ignore the patient's financial situation; it's a big deal for many.
  • Avoid being rigid about drug choices; dismissing off-label options can come off as uncaring.
  • Don't forget to involve the patient in the decision-making process; it's all about partnership.

What’s your approach to see yourself contributing to efforts to reduce preventable blindness?

Specialty Specialty-Specific
Why this question?
This question is all about understanding your awareness of public health issues in ophthalmology and your commitment to making a difference. Interviewers want to see if you have actionable ideas and a genuine interest in tackling preventable blindness.
Best practices
  • Show your knowledge of specific causes of preventable blindness, like cataracts and diabetic retinopathy.
  • Share concrete plans for how you'll contribute, like community screenings or patient education.
  • Include personal experiences or examples that highlight your commitment to this cause.
What to avoid
  • Don't just acknowledge the problem without offering solutions or showing initiative.
  • Avoid vague statements; be specific about your plans and ideas.
  • Steer clear of sounding passive or indifferent, like saying you hope things get better without taking action.

What strategies will you use to develop the fine motor and decision-making skills needed to perform cataract surgery safely during residency?

Specialty Specialty-Specific
Why this question?
This question is all about understanding how you plan to tackle the challenges of ophthalmic surgery. Interviewers want to see if you’re proactive and have a solid plan for developing the skills needed for such precise work.
Best practices
  • Acknowledge the challenges of cataract surgery and the importance of precision.
  • Share specific strategies for improving fine motor skills, like practicing in wet labs or using simulators.
  • Discuss how you’ll enhance decision-making skills through case reviews, discussions, and seeking feedback.
What to avoid
  • Don’t underestimate the difficulty of eye surgery or sound too overconfident about your skills.
  • Avoid vague plans like 'I'll just learn in the OR'—be specific about your strategies.
  • Don’t focus only on one skill area; show that you understand the need for both manual dexterity and clinical judgment.

Imagine a patient with laryngeal cancer who could be cured with a total laryngectomy but would lose their natural voice. How would you guide them through this decision?

Specialty Specialty-Specific
Why this question?
This question is all about seeing how you handle tough ethical decisions and communicate with patients. The interviewer wants to know if you can balance life-saving treatments with the emotional impact on a patient's identity.
Best practices
  • Acknowledge the emotional weight of losing their voice and show empathy.
  • Engage the patient in a conversation about their values and preferences, making it a shared decision.
  • Explain all treatment options clearly, including the implications of each, and involve other specialists for support.
What to avoid
  • Don't just focus on the medical facts without considering the patient's feelings.
  • Avoid dictating what the patient should do; it's about guiding them, not making the decision for them.
  • Don't forget to mention the importance of involving family or support systems in the discussion.

Approach counseling parents who are hesitant about cochlear implantation for their child because of concerns about Deaf culture?

Specialty Specialty-Specific
Why this question?
This question checks your understanding of cultural sensitivity and communication skills in a tough situation. Interviewers want to see if you can respect diverse values while discussing cochlear implants.
Best practices
  • Start by actively listening to the parents' concerns and validating their feelings about Deaf culture.
  • Provide balanced information about cochlear implants and alternatives, avoiding any judgment on what's 'better.'
  • Emphasize shared decision-making, empowering parents to choose what's best for their child while respecting their cultural identity.
What to avoid
  • Don't dismiss cultural concerns as irrational or unimportant.
  • Avoid pushing for cochlear implants without acknowledging the value of Deaf culture.
  • Steer clear of using medical jargon that might confuse or alienate the parents.

When evaluating a patient with Obstructive Sleep Apnea, what factors would you consider in recommending a surgical intervention versus non-surgical management?

Specialty Specialty-Specific
Why this question?
This question checks your clinical reasoning and decision-making skills in managing Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Interviewers want to see if you can balance medical knowledge with patient-centered care.
Best practices
  • Start by discussing the severity of OSA using metrics like the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) from a sleep study.
  • Highlight patient-specific factors like their compliance with CPAP, lifestyle, and any comorbidities that might affect treatment choices.
  • Emphasize the importance of anatomical assessment to identify obstruction sites and how that influences surgical options.
What to avoid
  • Don't just focus on severity; it's not the only factor that matters.
  • Avoid dismissing non-surgical options without a solid reason; they can be effective for many patients.
  • Steer clear of oversimplifying surgery as a guaranteed fix; acknowledge the complexities and risks involved.
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