Insulting Interviewers

[djnels01]

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So if I am asked a question at interviews about what a health care issue is that I would address as a doctor, and I bring up the obesity epidemic here in the US... and there happens to be an overweight person on the panel interviewing me... am I screwed?

How do I bring it up in the most respectful yet effective way possible? I have lots of facts to support my stance, but I don't want anyone to feel personally attacked. I don't want to bury my chances of acceptance because of one answer to a (from what I hear) very common question in interviews.

Any insight would be much appreciated. Thank you!

 

[CircleTheDrain]

So if I am asked a question at interviews about what a health care issue is that I would address as a doctor, and I bring up the obesity epidemic here in the US... and there happens to be an overweight person on the panel interviewing me... am I screwed?

How do I bring it up in the most respectful yet effective way possible? I have lots of facts to support my stance, but I don't want anyone to feel personally attacked. I don't want to bury my chances of acceptance because of one answer to a (from what I hear) very common question in interviews.

Any insight would be much appreciated. Thank you!

Maybe if you worded your response "The Gross obesity problem ... ". Its my belief that mildly overweight people do not see themselves as grossly overweight, thus you are differentiating between them and the population with the problem. Hope that makes sense to you! 😉

 

[dr.z]

I would have a few options for those type of questions. I would choose the topic depending on who is in the audience and pick one that is more appropriate.

 

[MoosePilot]

Why risk it?! Use something less likely to tick them off.

 

[SOUNDMAN]

Talk about preventative health care in general and use obesity and lifestyle changes in there. Focus on how you would approach the situation as an individual physician, and what you could do to help with the problem.

 

[ambernikel]

Maybe if you worded your response "The Gross obesity problem ... ". Its my belief that mildly overweight people do not see themselves as grossly overweight, thus you are differentiating between them and the population with the problem. Hope that makes sense to you! 😉

I'm not sure I would use the terms "gross" and "obese" when not trying to offend a big person... 😉
sorry....that was bad....

 

[Lady Tokimi]

I have thought about this issue as well, but the thing is, anythin you say can offend them, it doesn't have to be obesity........so i would just stick to what you plan to say regardless. The interviewers are askin for your opinion, and if they get offended by it, then something is wrong with them.

 

[stoleyerscrubz]

I would also to stick to what you plan to say but don't concentrate on obesity itself but the health problems that are associated with it such as diabetes, heart disease, etc.
I worked in a gym where a personal trainer would always bring up issues with stretching overweight patients to the gym manager that was definitely overweight. I never understood what her deal was.

 

[DrMom]

I'm not sure I would use the terms "gross" and "obese" when not trying to offend a big person... 😉
sorry....that was bad....

morbid obesity is a much better term 🙂

 

[Lady Tokimi]

I would also to stick to what you plan to say but don't concentrate on obesity itself but the health problems that are associated with it such as diabetes, heart disease, etc.
I worked in a gym where a personal trainer would always bring up issues with stretching overweight patients to the gym manager that was definitely overweight. I never understood what her deal was.

Yes i agree, say somethin along the lines of "obesity because of it's health risks such as blah blah blah"

 

[lexrageorge]

Well, I can offer two ways to answer the question, and you tell me which one will be less likely to offend.

1.) "I am very much concerned about public health and some of the lifestyle changes that have occurred among people, especially younger people. While there have been some improvements (decrease in smoking), there are also some disturbing trends. For example, kids are eating more and more fast food (super size fries), and these dietary trends have caused an increase in obesity in younger children. As you know, these kids are more suspect to chronic illnesses later in life such as heart disease and diabetes..."

2.) "More and more Americans are obese, many seriously so, and these people are going to put a huge drain on our health care system as they are more likely to suffer from heart disease, diabetes, etc.. As you know, the obese lack self control and got that way on purpose. I don't think our Medicare tax dollars should go to those that do not practice self control. Maybe we shoulre report these people to the Medicare commission and tell them that they will not be covered for lifestyle diseases such as diabetes..."

You get the idea. In one statement, you portray your concern for public health and for those that are at risk for developing serious complications. In the other, you portray your concern for your pocketbook and your disdain for those that are not perfect. Now, if you truly agree with #2, do us all a favor and use that statement verbatim in your interviews. That way, you will hopefully have no chance of becoming a doctor.

 

[CCEMTP2DOC]

Well, I can offer two ways to answer the question, and you tell me which one will be less likely to offend.

1.) "I am very much concerned about public health and some of the lifestyle changes that have occurred among people, especially younger people. While there have been some improvements (decrease in smoking), there are also some disturbing trends. For example, kids are eating more and more fast food (super size fries), and these dietary trends have caused an increase in obesity in younger children. As you know, these kids are more suspect to chronic illnesses later in life such as heart disease and diabetes..."

2.) "More and more Americans are obese, many seriously so, and these people are going to put a huge drain on our health care system as they are more likely to suffer from heart disease, diabetes, etc.. As you know, the obese lack self control and got that way on purpose. I don't think our Medicare tax dollars should go to those that do not practice self control. Maybe we shoulre report these people to the Medicare commission and tell them that they will not be covered for lifestyle diseases such as diabetes..."

You get the idea. In one statement, you portray your concern for public health and for those that are at risk for developing serious complications. In the other, you portray your concern for your pocketbook and your disdain for those that are not perfect. Now, if you truly agree with #2, do us all a favor and use that statement verbatim in your interviews. That way, you will hopefully have no chance of becoming a doctor.

Well said. It is how you present it. I agree with an earlier statement that if they ask your opinion, they shouldn't get upset at your answer. Just don't
point a specific individual and say "like you" when refering to obese people.

 

[Doctor Bagel]

morbid obesity is a much better term 🙂

just what I was going to post.

 

[Taus]

I had this exact situation at NYCOM.....was interviewed by a very obese person....so I chose to change my wording to promoting overall health and wellness...

 

[djnels01]

Thank you all for your insight. I will re-word my pre-formed answer to be more encompassing with overall public health, maybe with a specific example of obesity and the health related issues associated with it.

Thanks again!