Tell us about a time when you had to resolve a conflict or disagreement between medical staff members.

JUNIOR LEVEL
Tell us about a time when you had to resolve a conflict or disagreement between medical staff members.
Sample answer to the question:
During my time as a medical staff coordinator, I had to deal with a conflict between two physicians who had differing opinions on a patient's treatment plan. I scheduled a meeting with both doctors to discuss their concerns and find a resolution. We had an open and honest conversation where each physician had the opportunity to explain their point of view. I facilitated the discussion, ensuring that both parties felt heard and respected. We ultimately reached a compromise that took into consideration the patient's best interests and the medical expertise of both physicians. This experience taught me the importance of effective communication and mediation skills in resolving conflicts within a medical team.
Here is a more solid answer:
As a Medical Staff Coordinator, I encountered a situation where two physicians were in a conflict about the management of a patient's treatment plan. To address the issue, I scheduled a meeting between the doctors to create an open dialogue. During the meeting, I actively listened to both physicians' concerns and perspectives. By using my strong communication skills, I facilitated a respectful and constructive conversation, ensuring that both parties felt heard. I guided the discussion towards finding a compromise that aligned with the patient's best interests and incorporated the medical expertise of both physicians. After the meeting, I followed up with the doctors to ensure that the solution was implemented effectively and that any remaining issues were addressed. This experience reinforced the importance of effective communication, active listening, and mediation skills in resolving conflicts and maintaining a harmonious medical team.
Why is this a more solid answer?
The solid answer provides a more detailed account of a conflict resolution experience and addresses the evaluation areas of communication skills, conflict resolution, and interpersonal skills. It includes specific details about how the conflict was resolved and how the candidate demonstrated effective communication and mediation skills. However, it can be further improved by providing more examples of how the candidate has successfully resolved conflicts in a healthcare setting.
An example of a exceptional answer:
As a Medical Staff Coordinator, I encountered a conflict between two highly skilled physicians regarding the management of a complex patient case. Recognizing the urgency, I swiftly scheduled a meeting and prepared a structured agenda to maintain focus. During the discussion, I used my active listening skills to grasp the essence of each physician's viewpoint while establishing an empathetic and respectful atmosphere. I acknowledged the high stakes involved and reassured both parties that their expertise was valued. To address the differences in approach, I facilitated a collaborative decision-making process by guiding them to identify common concerns and shared objectives. By highlighting the patient's well-being as the ultimate priority, I successfully fostered mutual agreement on a comprehensive treatment plan that integrated the strengths of both perspectives. Afterward, I implemented a follow-up system to monitor the plan's execution and ensure ongoing collaboration between the physicians. This experience enhanced my ability to navigate difficult situations diplomatically and reconcile diverse opinions effectively within a medical staff.
Why is this an exceptional answer?
The exceptional answer provides a detailed and compelling example of a conflict resolution experience, showcasing the candidate's exceptional communication, conflict resolution, and interpersonal skills. It includes specific details about the complex nature of the conflict, the candidate's proactive approach, and the successful resolution that prioritized patient care while fostering collaboration. The answer also demonstrates the candidate's ability to handle high-stakes situations and implement follow-up systems for ongoing collaboration. Overall, this answer goes above and beyond in demonstrating the candidate's suitability for the Medical Staff Coordinator role.
How to prepare for this question:
  • Identify a specific conflict resolution experience involving medical staff members and reflect on your role in resolving it.
  • Consider the key skills required for the Medical Staff Coordinator role, such as communication, conflict resolution, and interpersonal skills. Think about how you have demonstrated these skills in past experiences.
  • Practice articulating your conflict resolution experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide a clear and structured response.
  • Research common conflicts that can arise within a medical team and familiarize yourself with strategies for resolving them effectively.
  • Reflect on the importance of confidentiality and maintaining professionalism when dealing with conflicts involving medical staff members.
What are interviewers evaluating with this question?
  • Communication Skills
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Interpersonal Skills

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