Thoracic surgeons often face requests for operations that may not meaningfully extend life. How would you respond if a family insisted on aggressive surgery despite poor prognosis?
Specialty-Specific
Purpose
This question digs into your ethical reasoning and communication skills in tough situations. Interviewers want to see if you can balance patient care with family expectations, especially when surgery might not help.
Tips
- Start by acknowledging the family's feelings; show empathy and understanding.
- Clearly explain the prognosis and why aggressive surgery may not be beneficial, using simple language.
- Shift the focus from just extending life to improving the patient's quality of life and comfort.
Common mistakes
- Don't dismiss the family's concerns or come off as overly authoritative.
- Avoid using medical jargon that might confuse or alienate the family.
- Don't forget to explore alternatives like palliative care; it's important to offer options.