A professional singer develops vocal cord nodules and is worried about losing their career. How would you approach counseling and managing this patient, balancing medical treatment, surgical options, and their quality-of-life concerns?
Specialty-Specific
Purpose
This question checks how well you can communicate and empathize with a patient facing a tough situation. It’s about showing you understand their fears and can guide them through their treatment options while considering their career.
Tips
- Start by acknowledging the patient's fears about their career and listen actively to their concerns.
- Outline all treatment options clearly, including medical management, voice therapy, and surgical options, while emphasizing the importance of preserving their singing voice.
- Engage the patient in shared decision-making, discussing the pros and cons of each option in relation to their professional goals.
Common mistakes
- Don't dismiss the patient's career concerns or make them feel like their worries are unimportant.
- Avoid jumping straight to surgery without discussing other options like voice therapy first.
- Steer clear of a paternalistic tone; make sure to involve the patient in the decision-making process.