Interview Honesty

[Waitlistno2]

I’m confident in my ability to be a compassionate doctor, but I worry that being completely genuine about my experiences with the harder sides of medicine during an interview could raise red flags.

For example, my best friend has struggled with heroin use for some time. I have a lot of experience caring for patients struggling with substance use from years in EMS, so when he came out about his addiction, I felt like I was uniquely positioned to support him. Some of our other friends in his now dwindling support network had only seen drug use in passing on the street or on the TV.

I’ve seen him cycle through addiction, rehab, and relapse, and I’ve had to come to terms with the fact that he may never fully recover. One of my patients in recovery said that back in rehab, he was told that addicts often lie and manipulate to get their fix. Recognizing that all addicts lie is an integral part of the 12 step program for narcotics anonymous. I can tell you numerous ways my best friend’s addiction has hurt me, and remembering that he’s a prisoner of a terrible compulsion has helped me stay supportive without completely sacrificing my own well-being.

I want to share my experiences if they come up naturally, but I worry they could be misunderstood by an interviewer. It could seem as though I lack compassion or might judge patients, even though this understanding is essential in helping those with substance use disorders. I love seeing my patients who suffer from substance addiction, I have some repeat patients I think about all the time, even off shift. I genuinely try to open my heart to them, let them know that I’ll be there for them in whatever capacity they need me.

How does one communicate a complex experience like this without triggering the wrong impression? This is just one solid example of how I have genuine experiences that are fundamental to who I am, but they are tough to talk about because of the potential for misrepresentation. At the end of the day, I don’t fit into a “polished” narrative. How do you guys go about being genuine during interviews without feeling like you’re about to step on a landmine that ends your chances?

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[Hollow Knight]

practical advice: use "people with substance abuse disorders" not "addicts" etc etc.

Just be honest. But don't say stuff like "all addicts lie." You can talk about supporting your friend and leave out the politically incorrect stuff.

Also, a shocking amount of physicians still see substance use as some kind of moral failure anyway. So there's a good chance you'd be fine regardless. But in case your interviewer is super progressive, you want to avoid being offensive.

If you don't understand what's offensive and want me to expand on that I'm happy to, but you seem to get it.

 

[Goro]

I’m confident in my ability to be a compassionate doctor, but I worry that being completely genuine about my experiences with the harder sides of medicine during an interview could raise red flags.

For example, my best friend has struggled with heroin use for some time. I have a lot of experience caring for patients struggling with substance use from years in EMS, so when he came out about his addiction, I felt like I was uniquely positioned to support him. Some of our other friends in his now dwindling support network had only seen drug use in passing on the street or on the TV.

I’ve seen him cycle through addiction, rehab, and relapse, and I’ve had to come to terms with the fact that he may never fully recover. One of my patients in recovery said that back in rehab, he was told that addicts often lie and manipulate to get their fix. Recognizing that all addicts lie is an integral part of the 12 step program for narcotics anonymous. I can tell you numerous ways my best friend’s addiction has hurt me, and remembering that he’s a prisoner of a terrible compulsion has helped me stay supportive without completely sacrificing my own well-being.

I want to share my experiences if they come up naturally, but I worry they could be misunderstood by an interviewer. It could seem as though I lack compassion or might judge patients, even though this understanding is essential in helping those with substance use disorders. I love seeing my patients who suffer from substance addiction, I have some repeat patients I think about all the time, even off shift. I genuinely try to open my heart to them, let them know that I’ll be there for them in whatever capacity they need me.

How does one communicate a complex experience like this without triggering the wrong impression? This is just one solid example of how I have genuine experiences that are fundamental to who I am, but they are tough to talk about because of the potential for misrepresentation. At the end of the day, I don’t fit into a “polished” narrative. How do you guys go about being genuine during interviews without feeling like you’re about to step on a landmine that ends your chances?

I think that if you just explain things like you've written here, and always be honest, you'll be fine.

You'd be surprised at how many ER docs in the EM forum rag on IVDAs.

Also, don't assume that you will be asked about this.

 

[Lifeblood_20]

Compassion fatigue is a real thing. Being a physician doesn't mean you have boundless empathy for every single person who comes into the hospital. Having healthy boundaries and protecting yourself mentally and emotionally is important in the medical field. Nothing wrong with acknowledging that.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Can I ask how you described this friend and these situations in the rest of your application? I understand your relationship with your friend is important, but I'm not as certain that his experience is "fundamental to who (you are)." How much have you practiced discussing this relationship in mock interviews, and what feedback has helped you improve your answer and your impression?