Tell me about a time when you faced a conflict or disagreement with a colleague in a multidisciplinary team. How did you handle it?

I remember a time when I had a disagreement with a speech therapist in a multidisciplinary team. We were working on a treatment plan for a child with communication difficulties, and we had different opinions on the best approach. I handled it by scheduling a meeting with the team to discuss our perspectives and find a common ground. We listened to each other's concerns and shared research articles to support our arguments. Eventually, we agreed on a modified treatment plan that incorporated both of our ideas. This experience taught me the importance of effective communication and collaboration within a multidisciplinary team.

I faced a conflict with a speech therapist while working on a multidisciplinary team treating a child with communication difficulties. We disagreed on the best treatment approach, with the therapist advocating for a traditional therapy method and me suggesting a more modern and evidence-based approach. Recognizing the importance of collaborating and finding a mutual solution, I scheduled a team meeting to address our differing viewpoints. During the meeting, I actively listened to the therapist's concerns and shared my research findings supporting the effectiveness of the new approach. We also discussed the child's specific needs and goals. Through open and respectful dialogue, we were able to find common ground and develop a modified treatment plan that incorporated aspects of both approaches. This experience taught me the value of effective communication, active listening, and compromise in building strong relationships within a multidisciplinary team.

The solid answer elaborated on the conflict or disagreement in more detail by specifying the differing treatment approaches advocated by the candidate and the speech therapist. It also highlighted the candidate's efforts to actively listen, share research findings, and reach a compromise during the team meeting. The answer demonstrated the candidate's skills in communication, collaboration, and problem-solving, which are crucial in a multidisciplinary team setting. However, the answer could further showcase the candidate's empathy and patience when dealing with the disagreement.

During my time in a multidisciplinary team, I encountered a conflict of opinion with a speech therapist regarding the treatment approach for a child with communication difficulties. The therapist favored a traditional therapy method, citing its proven track record, while I advocated for a more modern and evidence-based approach, showcasing its promising outcomes. Recognizing the significance of empathy and understanding, I initiated a one-on-one conversation with the therapist outside of team meetings. I listened attentively to their concerns and perspectives, acknowledging the value of their experience and expertise. In response, I presented them with compelling research articles showcasing the effectiveness of the new approach. I also took the time to empathize with their reservations, acknowledging the comfort and familiarity traditional therapy could provide. This conversation allowed us to develop a shared understanding of our differing viewpoints and paved the way for open-mindedness and collaboration within the team. We decided to implement a combination of both approaches, tailoring the treatment plan to the child's unique needs and goals, while continuously evaluating progress and making necessary adjustments. This experience taught me the importance of empathy, patience, and the power of individual conversations in resolving conflicts within a multidisciplinary team.

The exceptional answer provided additional details about the conflict, including the differing rationales behind the treatment approaches advocated by the candidate and the speech therapist. It demonstrated the candidate's exceptional skills in empathy and understanding by describing how they initiated a one-on-one conversation with the therapist to actively listen to their concerns and acknowledge the value of their expertise. The answer also emphasized the candidate's ability to present compelling research articles and empathize with the therapist's reservations, showcasing their patience and adaptability in finding a mutual solution. Lastly, the answer highlighted the candidate's commitment to continuous evaluation and adjustment of the treatment plan, aligning with the responsibilities of a Junior Developmental Pediatrician. However, it could further emphasize the candidate's clinical problem-solving skills and their ability to work effectively with children and their families.