General surgeons sometimes encounter cases that could fall under another specialty, such as a very complex vascular case or oncologic case. How do you decide when to manage a case yourself versus referring it to a specialist colleague?
Specialty-Specific
Purpose
This question checks if you understand your limits as a general surgeon and how you prioritize patient safety. Interviewers want to see if you can recognize when a case is too complex for you and if you're willing to collaborate with specialists for the best patient outcomes.
Tips
- Always put patient safety and optimal outcomes first in your decision-making.
- Clearly differentiate between routine cases you can handle and complex cases that need a specialist's expertise.
- Be honest about your own skills and experience; know when to ask for help.
Common mistakes
- Don't just say you'll handle everything; that shows overconfidence and could risk patient safety.
- Avoid vague answers; be specific about what makes a case complex or specialized.
- Don't forget to mention how you communicate with patients about referrals; it's key to show you're patient-centered.