How would you communicate a diagnosis like skin cancer to a patient?
Specialty-SpecificPatient Encounter
Purpose
This question checks how well you can communicate tough news with empathy and professionalism. Interviewers want to see if you understand the emotional weight of a diagnosis like skin cancer and how to guide a patient through it.
Tips
- Start with a 'warning shot' to prepare the patient for bad news.
- Use simple, clear language to explain the diagnosis and avoid medical jargon.
- Acknowledge the patient's feelings and invite them to share their concerns.
Common mistakes
- Don't just blurt out the diagnosis without any preparation or empathy.
- Avoid using too much medical jargon that might confuse the patient.
- Don't skip over the emotional aspect; failing to validate their feelings can make them feel unheard.