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-Specific
Purpose
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.
Tips
- 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.
Common mistakes
- 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.