How would you approach telling a patient and their family that they have a serious or untreatable neurologic condition?
Specialty-Specific
Purpose
This question checks your communication skills and empathy when delivering tough news. Interviewers want to see if you can handle emotional situations with compassion and clarity.
Tips
- Start by preparing yourself with all the necessary information and anticipate questions.
- Choose a private, comfortable setting and use a 'warning shot' to prepare them for the news.
- Be honest and clear about the diagnosis, while also showing empathy and allowing space for their emotions.
Common mistakes
- Don't be overly blunt or detached; it can come off as cold.
- Avoid using too much medical jargon without explaining it; keep it simple.
- Don't skip over their emotional reactions or fail to offer support and next steps.