Management Questions
Interview Questions
As a surgeon do you need to be a leader or manager or both?
As a surgeon, it is essential to possess both leadership and management skills to excel in the field of orthopaedics.
Leadership
Surgeons often find themselves in positions where they must lead multidisciplinary teams during surgical procedures or patient care. Strong leadership skills enable surgeons to effectively communicate, inspire, and guide their team members, fostering a collaborative and cohesive environment.
Management
Surgeons also need management skills to efficiently organise and oversee various aspects of their practice. This involves managing resources, such as staff, equipment, and budgets, to ensure the smooth functioning of the surgical unit. Effective management skills help surgeons streamline processes, optimise workflow, and maintain quality standards.
In summary, as a surgeon, being both a leader and a manager is vital. The ability to balance and integrate both leadership and management skills allows surgeons to deliver excellent patient care, lead their teams effectively, and contribute to the success of the surgical department.
Tell us about a time you have managed a post-operative complication?
Provide a specific example, maintain a patient-centered approach, and demonstrate your ability to effectively manage complex operative cases while prioritising patient safety and positive outcomes. You should showcase your ability to notice complications, rectify it, escalate, reflect and learn from the experience. The STAR framework can be used for this, with an example outlined below.
Tips for Crafting Your Answer
Be Concise: Keep your answer focused and avoid unnecessary details.
Reflect on Learning: Show what you learned from the experience and how it has improved your clinical practice.
Stay Positive: Even if the complication had some negative aspects, focus on the positive outcomes and your proactive management.
Situation
During my rotation in the general surgery department at XYZ Hospital, I encountered a patient who developed a postoperative wound infection following an appendectomy. The patient, a 40-year-old male with no significant comorbidities, presented on day 4 post-op with erythema, increased pain, and discharge from the surgical site.
Task
As the junior doctor on the team, it was my responsibility to assess the patient (A-E Approach), manage the infection (Sepsis Six), and ensure proper documentation and communication with the senior surgical team.
Action
Upon assessing the patient, I noted the signs of infection and immediately informed my registrar. I then proceeded to take a swab of the wound for microbiological analysis and started the patient on empirical antibiotics as per our hospital protocol. I also ensured the wound was properly cleaned and dressed. Given the patient’s escalating pain, I reviewed his analgesia and adjusted it accordingly.
I communicated with the nursing staff to monitor the patient’s vitals closely and arranged for daily wound inspections. I made sure to document all findings and actions in the patient’s medical record. Additionally, I educated the patient and his family about the signs of worsening infection and when to seek immediate help.
Result
The patient’s wound infection was effectively managed with the antibiotics and proper wound care and the patient showed significant improvement over the next few days. The experience reinforced the importance of early intervention, clear communication, and meticulous documentation. I took the opportunity to reflect on this case during my ISCP (Continuing Professional Development) to further enhance my learning and ensure continuous growth in my surgical skills."
Tell me about an interesting case you managed recently?
In this question think of a case that allows you to demonstrate patient management, decision making and escalation. Use it to show that you are a safe and reliable trainee. It is a good opportunity to show you are engaged with the learning process and ISCP. Say how you reflected on the case and performed a CBD to maximise your learning. The STAR framework is perfect for this question to produce a structured answer.
Situtation
"During a recent on-call I was presented with an elderly female who presented with a fusiform ring finger that she was unable to flex her finger. She had pain all along her flexor sheath and I recognised this as a potential flexor sheath infection.
Task
"I performed observations and bloods. I identified that this patient was clinically septic with raised inflammatory markers and this was a surgical emergency."
Action
"I initiated initial sepsis management with IV abx, elevation in a Bradford sling and medical photography before escalating to my senior. I referred immediately to our tertiary local plastic centre and stressed the importance of the situation"
Response
"The patient was transferred for an urgent flexor sheath washout at the appropriate centre. This case led me to revise my hand anatomy. I was also told about the four cardinal Kanavel signs which I read about for further learning. I completed a CBD with discussion with on-call registrar afterwards. I now examine for these four signs in cases of of potential flexor sheath infection of these digits".
Tell me about a mistake you have made and how you managed it
Admitting to and learning from mistakes is a crucial part of professional development, especially in the medical field. When asked about a mistake you’ve made during a surgical interview, it’s important to show accountability, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to improvement. The STAR framework (Situation, Task, Action, Result) can help you structure a compelling and honest response.
Tips for Crafting Your Answer
Be Honest and Specific: Clearly describe the mistake without downplaying it. Honesty shows integrity and maturity.
Focus on Learning: Emphasise what you learned from the experience and how it has positively influenced your practice.
Show Accountability: Demonstrate that you took responsibility for your actions and made efforts to rectify the situation.
Situation
During my rotation in the emergency department, I was responsible for initial assessments and management of incoming patients. One evening, I assessed a 65-year-old woman who presented with abdominal pain. In my initial evaluation, I mistakenly diagnosed her condition as gastroenteritis without considering a broader differential diagnosis.
Task
As the junior doctor, my task was to take a thorough history, perform a clinical examination, and initiate appropriate management based on my findings.
Action
After my initial assessment and management plan, the patient’s pain continued to worsen. The following morning, during the senior review, my registrar re-evaluated the patient and identified signs consistent with acute cholecystitis, which was confirmed by an ultrasound. Recognising my mistake, I immediately took steps to correct it. I updated the patient and her family about the revised diagnosis and the need for surgical intervention.
I apologised for the oversight and reassured them that we were now on the right track. I also reviewed the case with my registrar to understand where I went wrong and how to avoid similar mistakes in the future. I learned to always consider a broad differential diagnosis and to seek senior input when in doubt.
Result
The patient underwent a successful cholecystectomy and made a good recovery. This experience taught me the importance of thorough clinical assessment and the value of asking for help when needed. As a result, I have become more diligent in my evaluations and more proactive in seeking second opinions in uncertain cases. This mistake reinforced my commitment to continuous learning and improvement in my clinical practice.
By using the STAR framework, you can provide a well-structured and thoughtful response that highlights your ability to learn from mistakes and improve your clinical practice.
When were you last stressed / put under pressure?
Here it is important to think of a personal example. Use the STAR framework to structure your answer. Show that you were able to manage the stress outlining your management strategies. Then apply this to how you plan to cope with stress during your registrar training.
Situation
"Due to COVID the run up to MRCS Part A had been delayed and I had struggled balancing in catching up on operative experience whilst revising at the same time. I neglected personal well being and doing my normal exercise regime which led to be being over stressed as a result.
Task
"I reflected on this prior to the interview and thought about management strategies to improve when revising this time around"
Action
" I developed my time management and organisational skills. On Sunday evening I would plan meals and times in the week to exercise. Including evenings which I’d work and evening which I’ll relax. I kept up with exercise routine and utilised WBAs to maximise my learning at work."
Response
"As a result I become a lot more focused and efficient at work as a result. Focusing on ISCP requirements during working hours led to more time to revise at home. This strategy I will take forwards to exceed in my training as an CST"
What do you do if you feel stressed at work?
For this question focus on emphasising healthy coping mechanisms, seeking support when needed, and maintaining a positive work-life balance. It is important to show you are aware of your own stress, are able to manage it and can reflect upon it to aid self-progression.
Recognize and acknowledge stress
Explain that the first step is to recognize and acknowledge when you are feeling stressed. This self-awareness allows you to take proactive steps to address the situation.
Implement stress management techniques
Discuss the strategies you employ to manage stress effectively. This may include taking short breaks during the day to relax, practicing deep breathing exercises, engaging in physical activity or hobbies outside of work, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Seek support
Emphasize the importance of seeking support when needed. This may involve reaching out to colleagues, mentors, or supervisors for guidance, advice, or simply to discuss any challenges you may be facing. Additionally, if appropriate, seeking support from a mental health professional can be beneficial.
Time management and prioritization
Highlight your ability to manage your time effectively and prioritize tasks to minimize stress levels. This may involve creating a structured schedule, setting realistic goals, and breaking down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps.