Emergency Medicine Physician Interview Questions

Tell us about a time when you had to make a critical medical decision quickly and effectively.

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

Sample answer to the question:

One time, while working in the emergency department, a patient was brought in with severe abdominal pain. Based on my initial assessment, I suspected that the patient had a ruptured appendicitis. Without wasting any time, I ordered a complete blood count and an abdominal ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis. The results confirmed my suspicion and indicated that the patient needed immediate surgery. I quickly mobilized the surgical team and prepared the patient for surgery. The patient underwent an appendectomy and had a successful recovery.

Here is a more solid answer:

During a busy shift in the emergency department, a patient presented with severe shortness of breath and a rapid heart rate. Upon initial evaluation, I suspected the patient was experiencing acute heart failure. I quickly accessed the electronic medical records and reviewed the patient's medical history, which revealed a previous diagnosis of congestive heart failure. Based on this information and the patient's symptoms, I ordered a chest X-ray, blood tests, and an echocardiogram to assess the severity of the heart failure. The results confirmed my suspicion of acute decompensated heart failure. To stabilize the patient, I initiated diuretic therapy, oxygen supplementation, and strict fluid restriction. I also consulted the cardiology team for further management. Within a few hours, the patient showed significant improvement and was admitted to the cardiac care unit.

Why is this a more solid answer?

The solid answer provides a more detailed account of the critical medical decision, showcasing the candidate's ability to work effectively in a high-stress environment, utilize electronic medical record systems, and prioritize patient safety and quality care. However, it can still be improved by including more specific information about the candidate's critical thinking skills and decision-making process.

An example of a exceptional answer:

One memorable incident in the emergency department involved a patient who presented with sudden, severe chest pain. As the triage physician, I promptly recognized the possibility of a myocardial infarction (heart attack) and activated our hospital's cardiac catheterization team. While waiting for their arrival, I initiated immediate treatment by administering aspirin, nitroglycerin, and oxygen therapy. I quickly reviewed the patient's medical history and noticed a previous stent placement for coronary artery disease. This finding further supported my suspicion of an acute coronary event. As the catheterization team arrived, I provided them with a detailed patient handoff, outlining the presenting symptoms, medical history, and initial interventions. Together, we swiftly performed an emergency cardiac catheterization, which confirmed a complete occlusion of a major coronary artery. The interventional cardiologist successfully opened the blocked artery, restoring blood flow to the heart. The patient was subsequently transferred to the cardiac care unit for further management and made a full recovery.

Why is this an exceptional answer?

The exceptional answer provides a comprehensive and detailed description of the critical medical decision, demonstrating the candidate's exceptional ability to work effectively in a high-stress, high-stakes environment, utilize electronic medical record systems, prioritize patient safety and high-quality care, and showcase their critical thinking and decision-making skills. The answer includes specific actions taken by the candidate, collaboration with the cardiac catheterization team, and a successful outcome for the patient.

How to prepare for this question:

Review your past experiences and identify situations where you had to make critical medical decisions quickly and effectively. Consider cases that highlight your ability to work in a high-stress environment, use electronic medical record systems, and prioritize patient safety.

Practice articulating your decision-making process and the reasoning behind it. Be prepared to explain your thought process, the steps you took to gather information, and how you arrived at a conclusion.

Familiarize yourself with the latest advancements in emergency medicine and stay updated on evidence-based treatment protocols. This will demonstrate your commitment to providing high-quality care and staying current in your field.

Reflect on any challenging scenarios you have encountered and consider how you would approach them differently based on what you have learned since then. This will showcase your adaptability and continuous improvement mindset.

What are interviewers evaluating with this question?