How would you handle a situation where you made an incorrect diagnosis on a pathology report?

Specialty-Specific

Purpose

This question checks your integrity and accountability in a high-stakes situation. Interviewers want to see if you prioritize patient safety and can handle mistakes responsibly.

Tips

  • Start by emphasizing patient safety as your top priority.
  • Outline a clear process for confirming the error and correcting the report.
  • Discuss how you'll communicate the mistake to the clinical team and take full responsibility.

Common mistakes

  • Don't downplay the error or try to fix it quietly without informing anyone.
  • Avoid blaming others or external factors for the mistake.
  • Don't forget to express empathy for the potential impact on the patient and the clinical team.