Imagine a patient with laryngeal cancer who could be cured with a total laryngectomy but would lose their natural voice. How would you guide them through this decision?
Specialty-Specific
Purpose
This question is all about seeing how you handle tough ethical decisions and communicate with patients. The interviewer wants to know if you can balance life-saving treatments with the emotional impact on a patient's identity.
Tips
- Acknowledge the emotional weight of losing their voice and show empathy.
- Engage the patient in a conversation about their values and preferences, making it a shared decision.
- Explain all treatment options clearly, including the implications of each, and involve other specialists for support.
Common mistakes
- Don't just focus on the medical facts without considering the patient's feelings.
- Avoid dictating what the patient should do; it's about guiding them, not making the decision for them.
- Don't forget to mention the importance of involving family or support systems in the discussion.