Residency Interview Prep

Search, practice, and track progress. Press / to focus search, ↑/↓ to navigate cards, Enter to open guidance.

All Adaptability Advocacy Behavioral Burnout Career Career Goals Challenges Clinical Scenarios Communication Conflict Conflict Resolution Core Decision-Making Diversity & Inclusion Equity Ethical Ethics Experience Feedback Hypothetical scenarios Interprofessional Collaboration Introduction Leadership Miscellaneous Motivation Patient Encounter Patient Safety Personal Personal Attributes Professional Growth Professionalism Program Fit Quality Improvement Research Residency CV Resilience Resource Stewardship Self-Reflection Specialty Specialty-Specific Systems-Based Practice Teaching Teamwork Telemedicine Time Management Top Wellness
Showing 349–360 of 482

Patients requesting cosmetic changes often have high expectations. How would you counsel a patient who expects perfect results from a rhinoplasty or facelift based on media images?

Specialty Specialty-Specific
Why this question?
This question digs into how well you understand patient psychology and the ethical challenges in cosmetic surgery. Interviewers want to see if you can handle tough conversations and prioritize patient well-being over just performing a procedure.
Best practices
  • Acknowledge that unrealistic expectations are common, especially due to media influence.
  • Show empathy by actively listening to the patient's concerns and desires.
  • Educate the patient on what's realistically achievable, using visual aids like before-and-after photos and morphing software.
What to avoid
  • Don't just brush off the patient's feelings; engage with their concerns deeply.
  • Avoid saying it's not your job to manage their emotions; that's a key part of the role.
  • Don't skip discussing psychological issues like Body Dysmorphic Disorder; it's crucial for patient safety.

In breast reconstruction after mastectomy, how do you integrate aesthetic goals with the functional aspects of surgery?

Specialty Specialty-Specific
Why this question?
This question checks if you understand the balance between making a breast look good and ensuring it functions well after surgery. Interviewers want to see how you consider both the patient's emotional needs and the technical aspects of the procedure.
Best practices
  • Start by emphasizing a patient-centered approach; listen to their concerns and priorities.
  • Discuss specific reconstruction techniques and how they meet both aesthetic and functional goals.
  • Talk about managing patient expectations and the importance of clear communication throughout the process.
What to avoid
  • Don't just focus on making the breast look good; that misses the functional side.
  • Avoid vague answers; be specific about techniques and how they integrate both goals.
  • Don't forget to show empathy; patients are going through a tough time and need to feel understood.

Coordinate with physical and occupational therapists, nurses, and pain specialists to create a rehabilitation plan for a total hip replacement?

Specialty Specialty-Specific
Why this question?
This question checks your understanding of teamwork in healthcare, especially how you’d work with different specialists to help a patient recover after hip surgery. Interviewers want to see if you value collaboration and can integrate various perspectives into a solid rehab plan.
Best practices
  • Highlight the unique roles of each team member and how they contribute to the patient's recovery.
  • Discuss specific communication strategies, like regular team meetings or shared documentation, to keep everyone on the same page.
  • Focus on the patient's needs and goals, showing how you’d educate and motivate them throughout the rehab process.
What to avoid
  • Don't just list what each team member does without explaining how you'll work together.
  • Avoid vague communication strategies; be specific about how you'll keep the team informed.
  • Steer clear of making it all about your role; emphasize the importance of collaboration and shared goals.

Orthopaedics is seeing many technological advances such as robotic joint replacements and 3D‑printed implants. How do you stay current with these technologies, and how would you evaluate whether to adopt a new tool into your practice?

Specialty Specialty-Specific
Why this question?
This question checks if you're committed to lifelong learning and can think critically about new tech in orthopaedics. Interviewers want to see if you can balance innovation with patient safety and make informed decisions.
Best practices
  • Share specific ways you stay updated, like reading journals or attending conferences.
  • Explain your evaluation process for new tools, focusing on patient safety and outcomes.
  • Mention the importance of balancing innovation with evidence-based practice.
What to avoid
  • Don't just say you'll follow what others do; show your independent thinking.
  • Avoid vague statements about technology; be specific about your evaluation criteria.
  • Don't focus solely on the latest trends; emphasize patient benefits and safety.

Patients often expect ‘pain-free’ results after orthopedic surgery. How would you set realistic expectations for pain and function before a procedure like a total knee replacement, especially for patients eager to resume high-impact activities?

Specialty Specialty-Specific
Why this question?
This question checks how well you can communicate with patients and manage their expectations about surgery outcomes. Interviewers want to see if you can balance what patients hope for with the reality of recovery.
Best practices
  • Start by listening to the patient's goals and emotions to show empathy.
  • Use simple, clear language to explain what they can realistically expect after surgery.
  • Discuss the importance of rehabilitation and how it plays a big role in recovery.
What to avoid
  • Don't dismiss the patient's hopes or make them feel like their concerns don't matter.
  • Avoid using medical jargon that might confuse them instead of helping.
  • Don't make unrealistic promises about being pain-free or returning to high-impact activities right away.

Suppose an implant representative strongly encourages you to use a particular device or procedure. How would you respond to make sure your decision remains patient-centered and free of inappropriate influence?

Specialty Specialty-Specific
Why this question?
This question is all about ethics and professionalism in orthopaedics. Interviewers want to see if you can handle industry pressure while keeping the patient's best interests at heart.
Best practices
  • Acknowledge the potential for influence and the ethical challenge it presents.
  • Make it clear that your decision will focus on what's best for the patient, not the sales pitch.
  • Discuss how you'll evaluate the device using independent research and consultations with unbiased colleagues.
What to avoid
  • Don't just accept the rep's claims without doing your own research.
  • Avoid saying you trust the reps completely; that shows a lack of critical thinking.
  • Steer clear of focusing on benefits for you, like making surgery easier or faster.

Incorporate a patient’s lifestyle and job requirements into your treatment plan and surgical choices?

Specialty Specialty-Specific
Why this question?
This question checks if you prioritize patient-centered care and can customize treatment plans based on individual needs. Interviewers want to see if you understand how a patient's lifestyle impacts their recovery and overall satisfaction.
Best practices
  • Start by asking detailed questions about the patient's job and daily activities to understand their specific needs.
  • Tailor your treatment options based on the patient's lifestyle, like choosing a more durable implant for active patients or discussing recovery timelines.
  • Involve the patient in decision-making, discussing the pros and cons of different options to respect their preferences and goals.
What to avoid
  • Don't give generic answers that ignore the patient's unique situation; be specific about how you would adjust your approach.
  • Avoid a one-size-fits-all mentality; each patient is different, and your treatment should reflect that.
  • Don't forget to set realistic expectations about recovery; it's important to link these to the patient's job and lifestyle.

An active athlete with an ACL tear wants to return to play as soon as possible. How would you balance this patient’s desire for a quick recovery with evidence-based rehabilitation timelines to minimize re‑injury risk?

Specialty Specialty-Specific
Why this question?
This question checks how well you can juggle patient expectations with solid medical practices, especially in sports medicine. Interviewers want to see if you can show empathy while keeping patient safety and long-term health in mind.
Best practices
  • Start by acknowledging the athlete's desire to return quickly; it shows you understand their perspective.
  • Explain the importance of following evidence-based rehab timelines and the risks of rushing back to play.
  • Use clear communication strategies, like shared decision-making, to involve the athlete in their recovery plan.
What to avoid
  • Don't dismiss the athlete's feelings or desires; it can come off as uncaring.
  • Avoid sounding too rigid or authoritarian; this can alienate the athlete.
  • Don't forget to explain the 'why' behind rehab timelines; just stating rules isn't enough.

For a common problem like a degenerative knee meniscus tear or early osteoarthritis, what factors would guide you to recommend surgery versus non-operative management?

Specialty Specialty-Specific
Why this question?
This question checks how well you can weigh treatment options and make patient-centered decisions. Interviewers want to see if you understand the balance between surgery and non-surgical options while considering patient needs.
Best practices
  • Discuss patient-specific factors like age, activity level, and pain severity.
  • Mention the importance of shared decision-making and patient preferences.
  • Highlight the role of evidence-based guidelines in your decision process.
What to avoid
  • Don't oversimplify the decision by focusing on just one factor, like pain.
  • Avoid dismissing non-operative options without a solid reason.
  • Steer clear of sounding judgmental about patients' choices or compliance.

Approach an elderly patient who has a hip fracture but also has serious comorbidities?

Specialty Specialty-Specific
Why this question?
This question checks your clinical judgment and communication skills in a tough situation. Interviewers want to see how you balance the need for surgery with the risks from other health issues.
Best practices
  • Start by discussing how you'd stabilize the patient and consult with other specialists to manage their comorbidities.
  • Emphasize the importance of shared decision-making with the patient and their family, using clear and empathetic communication.
  • Mention specific risks and benefits of surgery, and be open about alternatives to help set realistic expectations.
What to avoid
  • Don't just focus on getting the surgery done; that shows a lack of understanding of the patient's overall health.
  • Avoid using medical jargon that might confuse the patient or their family; keep it simple and relatable.
  • Don't forget to consider the patient's values and preferences; ignoring this can come off as paternalistic.

Collaborate with other specialists from oncology, neurology and critical care in the care of a complex brain tumor patient?

Specialty Specialty-Specific
Why this question?
This question checks if you understand how to work in a team with different specialists to provide the best care for complex brain tumor patients. It’s all about showing you can communicate and coordinate effectively.
Best practices
  • Acknowledge the complexity of brain tumors and the need for a team approach.
  • Clearly explain the unique roles of oncology, neurology, and critical care in the patient's care.
  • Share specific strategies for communication, like tumor boards and daily rounds, to show how you’d keep everyone in the loop.
What to avoid
  • Don’t just focus on your role; make sure to highlight the importance of other specialists.
  • Avoid vague statements about communication; be specific about how you’d collaborate.
  • Don’t overlook the patient's perspective; always emphasize patient-centered care in your answer.

How you would counsel a patient when a proposed procedure carries a significant risk of neurological deficit?

Specialty Specialty-Specific
Why this question?
This question checks if you can handle tough conversations about high-stakes medical decisions. Interviewers want to see if you can communicate clearly and empathetically while respecting the patient's values.
Best practices
  • Create a calm, private space for the discussion and invite family members.
  • Use clear, simple language to explain the procedure and specific risks, avoiding medical jargon.
  • Encourage shared decision-making by asking about the patient's values and what matters most to them.
What to avoid
  • Don't just list risks without context or emotional support; it can come off as cold.
  • Avoid using too much medical jargon that might confuse the patient.
  • Don't make the decision for the patient; it's about guiding them, not dictating.
0 / 0
0:00