Describe a time when you had to handle a patient who required modifications to their surgical procedure due to their personal preferences or goals. How did you ensure their understanding and accommodate their needs?

JUNIOR LEVEL
Describe a time when you had to handle a patient who required modifications to their surgical procedure due to their personal preferences or goals. How did you ensure their understanding and accommodate their needs?
Sample answer to the question:
During my residency, I encountered a patient who wanted modifications to their knee surgery due to their personal preferences. They were an avid runner and wanted to ensure they could return to running post-surgery. To ensure their understanding, I scheduled a meeting with the patient to explain the risks and benefits of the modified procedure. I also provided them with educational materials and resources to help them make an informed decision. During the surgery, I collaborated closely with the senior surgeon to make the necessary modifications while ensuring the patient's safety and desired outcomes. Post-surgery, I closely monitored the patient's recovery and provided them with a customized rehabilitation plan that would allow them to gradually return to running. The patient was grateful for the accommodations and successfully resumed their running routine.
Here is a more solid answer:
During my residency, I had a patient who requested modifications to their knee surgery in order to best meet their personal goals. As an avid runner, they wanted to ensure that they would be able to return to their active lifestyle post-surgery. To ensure their understanding and address their concerns, I scheduled a dedicated meeting with the patient to thoroughly explain the risks and benefits of the modified procedure. I made sure to use clear and concise language, avoiding any medical jargon, and encouraged the patient to ask questions or express any doubts they had. I also provided them with educational materials and resources that outlined the recovery process, which included a gradual return-to-activity plan specific to their running goals. Throughout the process, I collaborated closely with the senior surgeon to discuss the patient's preferences and goals, and together we made the necessary modifications while ensuring the patient's safety and desired outcomes. Post-surgery, I closely monitored the patient's recovery, regularly assessing their progress and adjusting the rehabilitation plan as needed. By maintaining open and transparent communication throughout the process, the patient felt reassured and actively engaged in their own care. They successfully resumed their running routine and expressed their gratitude for the accommodations made to meet their personal goals.
Why is this a more solid answer?
The solid answer provides specific details about how the candidate communicated with the patient and collaborated with the senior surgeon. It also mentions the provision of educational materials and a customized rehabilitation plan. However, it could be improved by describing a specific instance of collaboration with other healthcare professionals.
An example of a exceptional answer:
During my residency, I encountered a patient who had strong personal preferences regarding their knee surgery. As an accomplished athlete, they expressed their desire to have a minimally invasive procedure that would allow them to recover quickly and return to their competitive sports career. To ensure their understanding and accommodate their needs, I took a proactive and comprehensive approach. Firstly, I scheduled multiple meetings with the patient to establish a trusting relationship and gather detailed information about their goals and preferences. These discussions also included the patient's family members, as their support was crucial throughout the process. I then collaborated with the senior surgeon, an experienced adult reconstructive orthopedist, to review the patient's case and explore the feasibility of a minimally invasive approach. Together, we conducted extensive research and consulted with other healthcare professionals, including anesthesiologists, physical therapists, and sports medicine specialists. This multidisciplinary collaboration allowed us to develop a customized surgical plan that minimized tissue trauma while ensuring the patient's desired outcomes. To further ensure the patient's understanding, I utilized visual aids and computer simulations to explain the procedure and its potential benefits. I also facilitated direct communication between the patient and other team members involved in their care, allowing them to address any concerns or questions they had. Post-surgery, I closely monitored the patient's recovery, adjusting the rehabilitation plan based on regular assessments and input from physical therapists. The patient successfully recovered and returned to their sports career, exceeding their own expectations. This experience taught me the importance of effective communication, multidisciplinary collaboration, and patient-centered care.
Why is this an exceptional answer?
The exceptional answer provides specific details about how the candidate took a comprehensive approach to accommodate the patient's needs, including multiple meetings, collaboration with other healthcare professionals, and the use of visual aids. It also highlights the successful outcomes of the patient's recovery. This answer demonstrates the candidate's strong communication skills, ability to collaborate effectively, and commitment to patient-centered care.
How to prepare for this question:
  • Familiarize yourself with common modifications that may be requested by patients in your specialty, such as minimally invasive techniques or specific post-operative activity plans.
  • Research and stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in adult reconstructive surgery. This will allow you to provide accurate and informed information to patients who seek modifications to their surgical procedures.
  • Practice explaining complex medical concepts in a clear and concise manner, using language that is accessible to patients without medical backgrounds.
  • Develop your collaboration skills by actively seeking opportunities to work with other healthcare professionals, such as observing surgeries or participating in interdisciplinary conferences.
  • Learn about patient-centered care models and techniques, with a focus on empowering patients to actively participate in their own care.
  • Consider reviewing case studies or real-life scenarios where patient preferences or goals required modifications to surgical procedures. This will help you analyze and discuss these situations during the interview.
What are interviewers evaluating with this question?
  • Communication Skills
  • Collaboration
  • Patient Education
  • Decision-Making

Want content like this in your inbox?
Sign Up for our Newsletter

By clicking "Sign up" you consent and agree to Jobya's Terms & Privacy policies

Related Interview Questions