What ethical considerations should guide the use of patient tissue samples for research or teaching purposes?
Specialty-SpecificEthical
Purpose
This question checks your understanding of medical ethics, especially around patient rights and the responsible use of their biological materials. Interviewers want to see if you can balance advancing medical knowledge with protecting patient interests.
Tips
- Start with informed consent – explain why patients need to know how their tissue will be used.
- Mention the importance of privacy and confidentiality, and how you would protect patient identities.
- Discuss the role of ethics committees and regulations like HIPAA to show you understand oversight in research.
Common mistakes
- Don't just say 'it's fine to use leftover tissue' without considering patient rights.
- Avoid vague statements; be specific about ethical principles and their implications.
- Don't overlook the need for a balance between research benefits and patient protection.