Medicine is a field we cannot live without as our lives and well-being depend on it. In this article, we will present Medical School Interview Ethical Questions. It is also a field where a lot of ethical questions pop up. If you are a doctor, you need to take a lot of things into consideration. For example, should you free the patient from life support? Is a common question. What would you do in such a situation? Do you have the moral aptitude for this job? If you are a doctor, you must take all these issues into your own hands. Listed here are some of the common ethical questions that will come for your interview. Ace your interview by preparing with the help of these interview questions based on medical ethics. Here are a few commonly asked interview questions and answers on medical ethics.
Medical School Interview Ethical Questions
- Your patient tells you he is consuming drugs. What will you do?
Make sure that the patient is aware of the health risks associated with taking illegal drugs. You must also keep the information confidential. You have to advise your patient, but you do not need to report to authorities unless lives are at risk. You must also make him aware of rehabilitation centers that could help him out. Monitor the patient’s health and find out if any medical intervention is required.
- Tell me what are your views on mercy killing or euthanasia?
Euthanasia means purposefully ending a person’s life painlessly so that they can end their suffering. Tell the interviewer your views on euthanasia or mercy killing. Tell him why you think it is wrong/right. Express your view on the subject of euthanasia. It could be that it is the person’s life to take, so it is his wish. Tell them about your viewpoint.
- A young adult wants to do an abortion. What do you do?
First of all, I would make her aware of the risks associated with such a procedure on a young teenager. I would inform her that it could be dangerous and maybe even fatal. I would encourage her to open up to her parents as well. I would also have to find out if the patient was raped or had an older partner.
- How would you feel treating a person who is positive for HIV?
I would treat him/her like every other patient. I would not treat him/her as an outcast. The procedures will all be the same as those for a patient without HIV.
- What would you do as a doctor if the family does not want to inform the patient about the terminality of his condition?
As a doctor, I know it is the patient’s right to be informed of his condition. These norms cannot be violated even if it is against the family. The patient must know about his terminal illness as it is his right.
- Should a doctor treat a patient who has attempted to end the life?
Yes, the doctor should treat him/her as they were not in the right state of mind while committing the act. This proves that they require medical attention.
- If a family member asks for the patient’s private information, what would you do as a doctor? Would you give them the information?
I would tell the family that giving them private information about the patient would violate the confidentiality agreement. I would say politely that I cannot give them the information regarding the patient. I would only tell them what is non-confidential in nature.
- How would you disclose to a cancer patient that he has only a little time left to live?
I would give him all the facts related to his condition. I would tell him that I understand his situation, and I would ask him if he would like to talk about it. I would be straightforward with him about his condition as well.
- Do you think placebo treatment should be allowed as a form of treatment?
Placebo treatment can work in certain conditions, but not all. You cannot cure cancer with a sugar pill. Placebo treatment is known to work for nausea, fatigue, and similar conditions. It can cure the side effects of a disease, but it cannot cure serious conditions. Therefore, the placebo treatment should be used accordingly.
- What would you tell parents who do not give vaccines to their children?
I would advise them. I would tell them why vaccinations and educate them on why it is necessary for their child. I would let them know the dangerous side of not taking vaccinations and tell them that taking vaccinations is vital for their child’s health from harmful and even fatal diseases.
- Does it matter if a doctor arrived for surgery with alcohol in his breath?
It matters 100% if a doctor is drunk. A patient’s life is in his hands, and he must not take it lightly. A doctor must take his role and his patient’s life very seriously. If he takes it seriously, he would not have arrived for work with alcohol in his breath. Such a doctor must deal with the consequences, even if it means that he is suspended.
- Tell me your views about #BlackLivesMatter?
I think the movement is an important one as black lives matter just as much as anyone else’s life. The incident of George Floyd was the last straw. It is time for the suppressed to rise, and the government must notice them and their issues.
- Is lying to patients about their condition ethical?
No, lying to patients is not ethical. The patient has the right to know the truth about his condition. Lying can only bring temporary relief, and the truth will have to come out eventually. It is the duty of a doctor to disclose the truth to his patient and maintain confidentiality.
- If you found out that your colleague was lying to patients, what would you do?
I would take up the matter with my colleague as it is important. I would ask him for a reason. If he refuses to change his ways, then I will bring higher authorities into the scene.
- Is using animals for medical research acceptable?
It is not completely ok as their lives matter too. But, advancement in research is important too. We need to find alternate ways to conduct our research and experiments.
- Describe when you had to face an ethical dilemma? State your experience?
Try to answer the question honestly and stay relevant. Describe to the interviewer an incident in your life when you had to face an ethical dilemma.
- Should illegal immigrants be provided with healthcare?
Yes, we must provide healthcare to illegal immigrants as well as their lives are important too. We must not ignore their medical conditions and must provide medical aid whenever required.
- What would you tell the father of a child who died because you gave them the wrong medicine?
If it was my fault, I would tell him the truth and be ready to face the consequences of my mistake.
- If a patient who refused blood transfusions due to religious reasons is now unconscious, would you say ok to the transfusion?
I would probably allow the transfusion as the patient’s life is now at risk, which is more important than any religious problem. Later, I will face the consequences after the patient wakes up.
- What would you do if you caught your friend cheating on an exam?
Tell the interviewer what steps you would take in such a situation. It could be that you might advise your friend to stop cheating or that you might tell the authorities of your friend’s action.
- Do you feel that drugs that are illegal should be legal so that anyone can use them?
No, they should not be made legal as they have an adverse effect on the person’s health. It is difficult to stop once you start taking it. So, please do not take them at all. Drugs should only be used as prescribed and for medicines as the doctor administers. Taking drugs without the doctor’s permission has serious disadvantages.
- Do you feel that doctors should be completely honest with their patients?
Yes, I feel that they must be 100% honest as the patient has the right to know about his condition. It is best to give him all the information rather than giving him false hope. A doctor must be frank with his patient even if the prospect does not look great.
Conclusion
Ethics are extremely important if you are a doctor. What decisions you will make when faced with certain situations that might save or take the lives of your patients. It is important to remain ethical while still doing your job efficiently. A doctor must have morals and principles. It is very important for their job. Ace your interview by preparing with the help of these interview questions and answers. Remember that confidence and body language are just as important as answering the questions. Dress accordingly, and do not forget to take all the required documentation with you. Also, do not forget to thank the interviewer after the interview is done. All the very best!
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