how to answer interview questions about the healthcare system

[bashir]

As an interviewee, I think it's reasonable to expect to be asked your opinion about the challenges facing our health care system, if only to demonstrate that you know something about the way health care works in the US, but how do you answer such a question without politicizing it? I'm having a hard time coming up with "talking points" on this topic that don't risk alienating an interviewer who feels differently. Am I overthinking this, or do you guys share my concern? Any tips on how to avoid pissing off your interviewer while still being honest about your opinions?

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[Food]

Your concern is very legitimate. I'm also in a similar situation and don't have an exact answer ready. I do think it is necessary to polarize yourself slightly, but you can leave enough wiggle room so as to not exert too strong a viewpoint. My strategy is to focus on a few slightly vague "moral" principles when it comes to health-care. Whether I support privatization or otherwise is not really important if I believe that all human beings should have a right to life - and if access to medical treatment is necessary for the preservation of that life, then so be it.

 

[Isoprop]

If you can defend your position without sounding inflexible or closed-minded, then you won't alienate anyone.

 

[rockaction]

Rule #1: blame lawyers. Talk about how pissed you are that the reforms overlook malpractice as a causative agent in the decline of our healthcare system.

 

[armybound]

it's a political issue. there's no way to present your side without politicizing it

just say what your beliefs are. they wouldn't ask the question if they didn't expect you to sit on some side of the debate.

 

[TexasPhysician]

As an interviewee, I think it's reasonable to expect to be asked your opinion about the challenges facing our health care system, if only to demonstrate that you know something about the way health care works in the US, but how do you answer such a question without politicizing it? I'm having a hard time coming up with "talking points" on this topic that don't risk alienating an interviewer who feels differently. Am I overthinking this, or do you guys share my concern? Any tips on how to avoid pissing off your interviewer while still being honest about your opinions?

I think your question is too broad. There are many questions that can be asked about the state of healthcare, and depending on how they are worded, I would have different answers.

Q1: How should we go about fixing healthcare?

Q2: What do you think about everyone having health insurance?

Q3: What do you know about Obama's health plan? Opinions?

Q4: What do you think about NP's being in charge of primary care?

All of these questions test your knowledge of the same subject......some are easier to stay neutral than others. I would also have different answers depending on whether you have a MD or PhD asking the question.

 

[natfan05]

What would be the difference if it were an MD vs. a PhD?

Also...any tips to stay neutral? I really have researched on this topic but since it is such a broad topic, and the questions that the med school interviewers seem to be asking are very specific, any advice?

 

[ThaliaNox]

Keep in mind that any ethical question like this where you need to pick a side will likely be folllowed up with another question asking how you would deal with someone who didn't agree with you. They aren't there to put you into a corner or to argue with you. Present a legitimate argument and explain that you respect the opinions of others, and nearly every interviewer will think that your answers are fine.

 

[NotSur]

I think your question is too broad. There are many questions that can be asked about the state of healthcare, and depending on how they are worded, I would have different answers.

Q1: How should we go about fixing healthcare?

Q2: What do you think about everyone having health insurance?

Q3: What do you know about Obama's health plan? Opinions?

Q4: What do you think about NP's being in charge of primary care?

All of these questions test your knowledge of the same subject......some are easier to stay neutral than others. I would also have different answers depending on whether you have a MD or PhD asking the question.

I think this is the best idea. Just try to find as many potential specific questions as you can and then write out your answers to them to see what you really know and how you can organize your arguments. That way, you'll know concretely what you think and you'll already thought about how to present it. And, if you don't know much, now you have a map on which you can fill in the blanks. It's ok to have an opinion. Just know the facts and don't yell and be prepared to recognize opposing arguments and their good points.

 

[Long Dong]

Say it sucks and needs to be changed. Insurance for all doesn't mean anything if you can't pay for it. Insurance for those that have it med care, med aid, VA isn't cutting it now how are you going to cover more if these other gvt options aren't even cutting it.