Casper, more casper practice

A time you navigated a personal crisis (yours or someone else's)

*as a greeter stopping a distraught mother from entering the ER* *working on a patient who has coded*

Is it ever appropriate to keep quiet and not speak up against a superior even though you are certain they are making a 'wrong choice'?

A good team has different personalities and leadership styles and there are usually multiple solutions to a problem. Thus, I understand that I may not always agree with my superior on the best course of action. However, if my superior is doing something I believe is unethical or unprofessional, it is best to speak up and address the problem. Superiors are also human and make mistakes, a good team member should not be afraid of speaking up to correct wrongs.

Consider a time when you faced a difficult situation. What was the situation and why was it difficult for you?

Because of COVID-19, my hospital had a strict no-visitor policy and as the ER technician, it was on of my duties to enforce it as the screener. I had a particularly difficult encounter with a mother who wanted to see her son who was having a heart attack. She was extremely distraught and I empathized with her because the situation reminded me of the time I was waiting to hear about the results of my brother's surgery after a major car accident.

principles of CASPER

Collaboration Communication Empathy Equity Ethics Motivation Problem Solving Professionalism Resilience Self-Awareness

"Do not follow where the path may lead". What does this quote teach you about leadership?

That leaders are innovative and form their own path to success. By following everyone else, one will only accomplish what everyone else has. In medicine, leaders have innovated new technologies like the Da Vinci robot to assist in surgeries, resulting in safer procedures for patients. Innovative thinking is how leaders find novel solutions and make the industry safer, more efficient, and accessible to the community.

How can we better protect members of the public from the misuse of their private data?

The government should protect the public by giving individuals the ability to turn off data collection and also limit the kind of information that is available to be collected and sold. In addition, similar to incorporating typing and online etiquette classes to the curriculum, we should include education on the risks if the internet in our schools. Online data should also be anonymous, to prevent tracking.

Do you think school administration should be held responsible for monitoring cyber-bulling by students? Explain your response.

The school's priority is the well-being of their students, but they must also consider their students' right to autonomy and privacy. Thus, schools should have the right to make decisions to protect their students when they have a justifiable belief that a student is being bullied. However, monitoring of both public and private content is invasive and unnecessary. Continuous monitoring allows the risk of tipping over to curiosity, voyeurism, and invasion of privacy, blurring the line for what is profession and what is not.

Tell me about a time that you made a mistake at work?

There was a student who came to sit with me and do his work. He returned his completed homework and took out the new work in his folder. As he worked, he appeared to struggle a little bit. After he left, I was reviving his homework and realized he had a much older students work.

Describe a time when you used teamwork to solve a problem.

There were 1-2 students at Kumon who would always misbehave during class. Our instructor likes to rotate the students between her assistants to ensure consistency between students. We came up with a reward system using coins and stickers, to motivate all students.

You are asked to put three items into a time capsule, which will be opened in 300 years. This time capsule is intended to reflect the areas of humanity that are going well, and those that need improvement, in the current year. What areas, both positive and negative, do you feel should be highlighted? Explain why you consider these to be key areas.

Today, technology has improved many areas of our society. Our smartphones allows us to connect with others and ideas in an instant. With this ability, we can collaborate and innovate unlike before. However, we have also caused an environmental disaster that has destroyed the precious biodiversity our world has to offer. Through human means alone, we have caused mass extinctions in almost every environment.

Your patient is diagnosed with Syphilis but does not want to tell his wife. What would you do?

First, I would talk to the patient and make sure he understands the risks of untreated syphilis in his wife. I would let him know that although it may be an uncomfortable conversation, he is putting her at risk if eh does not let her know to get tested and possibly treated. If he still will not tell his wife, I will refer to my state laws. In many states, the obligation to make sure the wife is not harmed outweighs the confidentiality. If the laws do confirm this, I would first tell the patient that I am obligated to tell his wife. I would then tell her if he still will not

How would you tell a superior that you think they are 'wrong'?

If I believe that a superior is doing something unethical or something that will harm our patient, I would approach them in a private conversation. If it is urgent, then I would try to make it as private as possible by either taking them around the corner or a corner of the room and speak in a quiet voice. Embarrassing them will not help with delivering my message and could make them defensive. I would be calm and rational, listing the reasons why I believe are wrong. I would also be prepared for a rebuttal and understand it may strain our relationship if they do not take kindly to criticism.

When you handled a difficult situation

Five-year-old Timmy came from a large immigrant family with strict parents who were always forcing him to do more work, never content with their child. Due to this constant pressure, Timmy always came to the centre in a bad mood. Even during difficult classes, which ended in tantrums, crying fits, or refusal to do work, it was my responsibility to ensure that Timmy had a meaningful session. I strove to listen to Timmy, making sure he knew that he was smart, hard-working, and could do anything he put his mind on. Timmy has stayed and continued with his learning in the centre. It is surreal to see Timmy now in the main classroom working independently on his math and reading.

What makes a good leader?

Good leaders are those who are able to utilize a team to their fullest potential by identifying each individual's strengths and combining them to solve problems. I believe this is accomplished through active listening, good communication skills, and problem-solving abilities. With these skills, members will respect their leader, leading to cohesive team dynamics and collaboration.

Give an example of positive feedback you have received.

Recently, my ER was extremely understaffed due to COVID-19 and a hiring freeze. There were a couple of times when I was the only ER technician on the schedule when there should have been four or five. I got recognized by the charge nurse and ER staff for being a team player during those times. During that time, I focused on prioritizing tasks that had to be done by me and asking for help on tasks that were considered less urgent or able to be done by someone else. I really appreciated the feedback because there were times when I felt overwhelmed.

informed consent

requires the patient or client to understand the proposed procedure, details, possible alternatives, risk and complications, and consequences of doing nothing.

Describe a past situation in which your ethics were challenged.

"Several years ago in my first role as a retail associate, I witnessed a coworker taking cash from one of the registers. At first, it looked just like changing over the drawer, but I decided to confront the staff member anyway. The employee was actually taking money from the register, and I took the cash they had from the drawer, placed it back in the register and notified my supervisor. We were able to resolve the issue through balancing the cash drawer and ensuring that particular employee was unable to commit theft from the company again."

Processed meat has been found to be a carcinogen in humans, putting it in the same class as smoking cigarettes. As a public health official, what steps would you take when considering a ban on processed meats in your community?

(Ethical dilemma, policy) As a public health official, I would do more research into the effects on the health of the public. My main concern is the health of the general public, the limitations of my office, and individuals' right to autonomy. If the risk to the public is great and warrants intervention, I would see if the manufactures could look into making it healthier. If not, then I would consider a partial ban, by enforcing taxes or an educational initiative. I would not consider a complete ban unless the research is irrefutable and it causes a direct and imminent health threat (think asbestos), as that will infringe on personal choice.

What do you think is the significance of the statistic presented in the first sentence, that though 86% of people know that excess salt consumption is bad for their health, only 53% of them actually consider salt content when making food choices?

(Personal, critical thinking) The statistic alludes to the fact that individuals do not always act upon their knowledge. There are confounding factors to behavior, such as environmental, cultural, and psychological. However, I would hesitate to support this statistic before doing more research into how they got these numbers.

You are the manager of an office, where lunches have been missing from the common kitchen. What would you do?

(ethical dilemma) As the manager, my priority is the well-being of my team members, including the one who may be stealing lunches. I would interview my team privately, in a non-confrontational manner. If someone confesses, I would inquire as to why to see if they need help (financially or otherwise), and see if there is anything I could do to help them. However, I would have to warn them that this unprofessional behavior cannot go on and next time, I will have to fire them.

Describe a situation when you had to say no to a friend's request for help.

(personal) As an EMT, my friends have come to me for medical help and information. I usually try to help them to the best of my abilities, when appropriate and within my scope of practice. However, there have been some cases when I refuse to give them advice, such as mixing medications, because I believe it is out of my purview and unethical for me to advise them. In these cases, I tell them to ask their doctor or pharmacist.

What is your approach to working with someone whose values are vastly different from your own.

(personal) My approach to working with someone whose beliefs are vastly different from my own is to listen, try to empathize, which opens up the dialogue and makes it easier to find a common ground. My roommate was skeptical about masks and social-distancing during COVID-19, and by listening to his reasons, I was able to find house rules that we would both agree upon that would keep us both safe and allow his right to autonomy while sharing common space.

"Success is walking from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm." Would you change anything about that quote if you could?

(personal) One of my favorite quotes is attributed to Albert Einstein and is summarized by: "insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results." If I could change anything about Churchill's quote, I would include something about learning from your failures and mistakes to improve your ability to succeed. When I was learning how to snowboard, each time I fell or went down a slope, I thought about how I could improve. I focused on my stance, my turns, and my braking. Each time I went down that mountain, I got incrementally better by focusing on improving my mistakes.

"Success is walking from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm." Describe a time in your life when you failed.

(personal) When I received the final rejection letter from PA schools from the first time I applied, I was very disappointed in myself. Knowing that I wasn't going to achieve my goal of getting into PA school for at least one more year was devastating. However, I realized that this was also a second chance at better myself as a candidate and potential PA student. I used the year to improve my GPA, healthcare, volunteering, and shadowing experience. Now applying for the second time, I am excited for the opportunity to prove myself and show what I have learned in the past year.

"Success is walking from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm." What is your interpretation of that quote?

(personal) Winston Churchill alludes to the fact that success is the result of many failures. A famous example is the invention of the light bulb, where Thomas Edison failed a thousand times, but on the thousand and first try, he created this amazing technology that changed the entire world. In my personal life, I understand that failures are just another step in achieving my goals.

Describe your leadership style.

(personal) As a leader, I prefer to be engaged and communicative with my team members. When I was on the Philanthropy Committee in my sorority, I kept open communication with my members, allowing me to address issues before they become major problems. For example, I realized a couple of my members were having trouble meeting deadlines because of their academic workload, and by reaching out to them, I was able to reassign their tasks to other members who were interested in more responsibility.

In countries where the provision of health care services is subsidized by the government, do you think that governments should be able to prevent access to substances known to cause chronic disease? Why or why not?

(policy) By preventing access to substances known to cause chronic diseases, governments may help their citizens live long, healthy lives by reducing chronic diseases, increasing quality of life, and decreasing overall healthcare spending. However, this also limits personal choice and may marginalize those choosing to practice this behavior for personal reasons. Instead of outright prohibition, governments can gradually limit access, such as the UK did with sugar and the US did with cigarettes by enforcing taxes.

Describe a disappointment from your life.

- falling below the 50 percentile in the MCAT.

A time you failed

-First year biology lab group presentation. Group members were not contributing to conversations/brushing off my questions. We were not getting along. I was not completely understanding my role in the research, but I did not ask them. The supervisor only told me to speak with my group. I did it wrong.

You're the manager at a retail store. A man tries to return a toy for a refund but doesn't have the original receipt. Due to store policy, the cashier states she can only offer him store credit. The man says his daughter came down with pneumonia, and he needs the cash to fill her prescriptions. He asks the cashier to make a policy exception for him. She turns to you. What do you think she should do? 1. As the store manager, would you give this customer a refund? Why or why not? 2. If you decide to abide by store policy, how could you refuse the refund in a way that shows empathy for the customer? 3. In your opinion, what is the most essential quality to possess in a customer service position? Explain your response.

1. As the store manager, would you give this customer a refund? Why or why not? I would first take the customer aside to have a private conversation and seek more information about his situation. I would empathize with his worry over his daughter's health and want to help him if possible. I would consider two options—does the store contribute to charity or give back to the community? If so, I could issue a refund from the store's charitable fund. If not, I would consider altering the store refund policy. I would add a clause saying refunds could be issued without a receipt based on the manager's discretion. I would also set a limit to the refund amounts to prevent the company from suffering financial harm. 2. If you decide to abide by store policy, how could you refuse the refund in a way that shows empathy for the customer? I would actively listen to his situation and validate his feelings of concern for his daughter. In a compassionate manner, I would apologize and explain I was unable to make an exception. I would try to offer alternative solutions to his problem—for example, recommend he inquire about a prescription payment plan or more affordable generic medication. 3. In your opinion, what is the most essential quality to possess in a customer service position? Explain your response. I believe empathetic listening and respectful communication are essential to customer service. While a customer's request may need to be denied, the customer-provider relationship can be preserved if the customer feels they have been listened to and respected. This Maya Angelou quote summarizes effective customer service, "People will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

Prompt: From time to time, we all make decisions we regret. Whether bound by less-than-ideal circumstances, lack of resources to make the best decision, or a lack of foresight or maturity, everyone has made a bad or unfortunate decision in their lives. Questions: 1. Can you reflect on a decision you've made that you later regretted? 2. How can one move past, or learn from, such regret? 3. Did you ever make what seemed like a bad decision, only to later learn that it was still the best decision at the time? Reflect on this.

1. Can you reflect on a decision you've made that you later regretted? When I first entered university as an undergraduate, I was certain that I wanted to go into Psychology. Though I'd had little experience in the field, studying the mind, understanding people's motivations, and learning about mental illness were all fascinating prospects (when I was very young, I wanted to be a neurosurgeon, but later developed hand tremors, making such work out of the question. Psychology seemed the next-best thing). When I got to university, however, I was struck by the sheer variety of subjects and disciplines, many of which I didn't even know existed previously. As well, as I went through 2 years of my Psychology major, I found that the field was quite different than I'd assumed. It didn't hold my attention or interest as much as some of the electives I'd taken, and I ended up spending my third year just floating around, taking a wide array of classes to see what sparked my passion, while still registered as a Psychology major. Eventually, I found a different discipline that asked the same kinds of questions that interested me, but from different perspectives - the Academic Study of Religion, which I ended up pursuing as my major after that. Because I switched majors at the end of my third year, I had to take an additional year to complete my B.A. I regretted the time I felt I'd wasted in pursuing something else, and wished I'd looked more carefully at the variety of disciplines available, rather than going to university as a direct-admission into the Psychology major. If I'd spent my first year floating around, rather than my third, I probably could have completed my degree in the initially-intended time. Once I declared my new major, I had to take on a very heavy course load for years 4 and 5 of my undergrad - I took 5 courses each term, even during the summer, while also working full-time. However, because I genuinely loved what I was doing, I made Dean's List with highest honors each of those terms and brought my GPA up nearly a whole point (I admittedly hadn't been doing well in Psychology). Those were two very difficult years, but I learned a lot about myself, the university, and the world during that time. Most importantly, I learned that when I'm truly passionate and invested in something, I will do whatever it takes to realize and reach my goals, and I had tangible evidence to back that up. I'd never worked as hard as I worked those two years, but instead of feeling run-down or exhausted, I felt exhilarated, and found a path that I would end up following for the rest of my academic life. (A quick note, reader! While the above story may not reflect your experience, particularly if you're still completing your undergrad, I've intentionally offered a story from a different perspective. I did this because I want you to focus not just on what is said, but how the story is structured - this can be easier to do if you're working with a somewhat unfamiliar story, something you may not identify with specifically. Recall the discussion of personal questions earlier, note the trajectory of the story here and how it works with those earlier ideas. Now, see if you can do the same with your own personal experience and narrative!) 2. How can one move past, or learn from, such regret? I think the most important thing to realize is that regret is often a paralyzing emotion. While we certainly all wish we'd done things differently sometimes, dwelling on that wish, rather than focusing on how to build effectively on it to make lasting change in the future, can end up in self-sabotage. Focusing on regret is inherently to focus on something that simply cannot be changed, and if we don't see any actionable options available to us, we may simply do nothing. This is only going to make things worse, transforming a potential learning moment into an insurmountable hurdle. 3. Did you ever make what seemed like a bad decision, only to later learn that it was still the best decision at the time? Reflect on this. In retrospect and with the benefit of hindsight, the decision noted above, to throw myself into a major I didn't truly understand, not taking the time to really research what that field entailed and determine whether it matched my own interests and ambitions, was not as disastrous a decision as it seemed at the time. While I didn't end up sticking with Psychology, I still learned a lot in the two years I pursued it actively (and the half-year or so that I floated, still taking one or two courses). I realized how interested I am in how people think - their ideologies, their influences, the role of social context for ideas and resulting behaviors, etc. In a way, it was this realization that led me to my eventual major; to study religions is to study precisely those issues of ideology, influence, and social context, via motivation, myth-making, tradition, textual lenses, authority, belief, etc. As well, at the graduate level, I took several courses that looked at the intersection of Psychology and Religion, where my early coursework helped inform my analysis in ways not accessible to peers who had studied other things. I eventually found myself precisely where I'd wanted to go, even though I didn't actually know where that was when the journey began. At the time, it felt like a disaster. Now, however, I see it as more of a scenic detour with value of its own.

Quick Fill in the blanks 1. General, Communication, Ethical, Conflict resolution 2. Yes/No, MMI type question a) pros/cons b) 2 opposing perspectives 3. Personal questions (general formula) a) Difficulty you've overcome b) Are you a leader/follower? c) How do you handle conflict? d) Describe a time you had a conflict with an authority figure. How did you resolve this issue? e) Describe an obstacle you have had to overcome. f) Describe a situation you have had with a difficult patient. g) Tell me about a time that you made a mistake at work? h) Describe a time you failed. i) Describe a time you received unfair treatment or criticism j) Recall a group situation when the group did not do what you wanted. k) Describe the major differences between schoolyard bullying and cyberbullying.

1. General, Communication, Ethical, Conflict resolution The primary problem is . The secondary problem is . I completely understand that there are different sides to this situation, so I need to find the correct way to address the situation. I will gather facts in a private manner and at an appropriate time. As my relation to this person, I care about their wellbeing and will help find solutions to resolve some of their issues. I would decide to . Maybe there is something we do not know about that is contributing to the problem? Allowing us to gather all the facts will help us fully understand how to best support the situation in a respectful and efficient manner. 2. Yes/No, MMI type question a) pros/cons This is a difficult situation, which has both pros and cons. The pros include , which can ultimately benefit . The cons include , which can ultimately harm . I suggest because this will have a more benefit, minimizing harm by . b) two sides This is a difficult situation, which has two opposing perspectives. On one hand, some people argue , which can benefit . However, this approach can be harmful because . On the other hand, others argue , which can benefit . However, this approach can be harmful because . I suggest because this will be more beneficial, while mitigating some harm. 3. Personal questions - general formula Repeat sentence and a summary of example to follow. What u did. Why did u do this. What was its importance. How does this impact your future. a) What is a difficulty you have overcome? A difficulty I've overcome was talking to my grandmother on her deathbed and comforting my entire family, especially my mom because she was closest to her. I spent every day for a week with my mom, allowing her to vent and cry. She lives alone and I wanted to make sure she had someone to talk to and was taking care of herself, both physically and mentally. Providing a support system during difficult times was important to everyone's wellbeing. I will continue to be emotionally available for others and support others through difficult times by promoting love, empathy, and strength. b) Are you a leader or a follower? People have told me that they enjoy having me as a leader because "I consider everyone's opinions." For instance, as president of Spanish in Healthcare, an organization I founded on campus, I held meetings with my team around a community table where I encouraged others to express ideas and concerns to improve our mission. Then we all discussed each suggestion together. By promoting team effort, listening, and gathering different perspectives we were able to make the most impactful decisions within our community. As a leader, I always strive to encourage others to voice their opinions and contribute to advancing our mission. c) How do you handle conflict? I handle conflict by hearing all sides of the story and making a collective decision with all the individuals involved. I will first have private conversations to rule out other possible issues needed to be addressed. After clarifications, I will set up a meeting with everyone where all issues can be discussed respectfully. As a mediator, I will help choose the fairest solution for all parties to alleviate any tensions and maintain a safe and welcoming team environment. d) Describe a time you had a conflict with an authority figure. How did you resolve this issue? A time I had a conflict with an authority figure was when my high school counselor told me that I was not smart enough to take AP classes. I respectfully declined his went against his advice and not only took those classes, but also involved myself in leadership positions. By challenging myself, I received a near 4.0 GPA while being promoted to higher leadership positions. I learned that no one can dictate your future and to always strive for what you deserve. e) Describe an obstacle you have had to overcome. An obstacle that I had to overcome was my anxiety and depression residual from my childhood by seeking therapy, actively self-reflecting, and having my family as a support system. Growing up I lived with my mother who dated an abusive man who made derogatory and offensive remarks and gestures towards us. Being around him constantly negatively impacted my mental and emotional health. In college, I sought therapy to gain a healthier and positive mindset by addressing these issues. This helped me focus on the important things in life, such as my studies and hobbies. I learned to prioritize my mental health while my experience taught me to empathize and be kind to others. f) Describe a situation you have had with a difficult patient. g) Tell me about a time that you made a mistake at work? h) Describe a time you failed. i) Describe a time you received unfair treatment or criticism j) Recall a group situation when the group did not do what you wanted. k) Describe the major differences between schoolyard bullying and cyberbullying.

You're introduced to a new co-worker, Ben, and are surprised to find that he is the same person who sexually harassed a close friend of yours at his previous job. While Ben was fired from his last job and punished in other ways, the situation was not made public. You only happen to know the details because your friend shared them with you. How would you handle this? 1. How would you interact with Ben? 2. Would you inform your boss and/or other co-workers about Ben's past behavior? 3. Should people who commit serious offenses be given second chances? In this scenario, you'll need to demonstrate professional behavior, even in interacting with someone whom you may have a reason to dislike. You'll also need to think through the ethics and consequences of giving Ben a fresh start vs. warning others about his past behavior. However you address this, you'll want to show that you can balance fairness and compassion with harm prevention.

1. How would you interact with Ben? I would be polite to Ben. Even though I would certainly feel negatively towards him due to my prior knowledge, I wouldn't let that get in the way of behaving professionally. As a doctor, it's essential to be able to work with and potentially treat any person, no matter who they are or how you may feel about them. 2. Would you inform your boss and/or other co-workers about Ben's past behavior? It would depend on the severity of his past behavior, as well as the wishes of my friend. Assuming that I did not have reason to believe that Ben's presence put anyone in our workplace in imminent danger, to begin with, I most likely would not tell my co-workers about Ben's past in order to give Ben the benefit of the doubt and the possibility of a clean slate. It's possible that the harassment came up during his reference check. It's also possible that, given the punishment he received, he's learned from his mistake. However, if my friend gave her consent, I would quietly speak with my boss and/or HR to make sure that they are aware of the situation and can monitor his behavior accordingly. Similarly, if I heard that he was making anyone uncomfortable or if I noticed anything off, I wouldn't hesitate to share the essential details of the story. 3. Should people who commit serious offenses be given second chances? Yes, I do believe that people deserve second chances. In my opinion, all people are capable of change and improvement. I believe that it is a physician's ethical duty to approach people in an open-minded manner.

You are sharing a hotel room with a co-worker, Lisa, during a business trip. She's left her suitcase open and you notice a vial of marijuana in it. You ask Lisa about it and she tells you that she is epileptic and that it's medical marijuana. Medical cannabis is legal in your state; however, your workplace has a strict no-drugs policy. What would you do? 1. Part of your company's drug policy includes reporting other employees who disobey the policy. Would you report Lisa? 2. Say Lisa tells you that she only uses marijuana during off-work hours. Would that change your course of action? 3. Which is more important: Lisa's medical needs or your company's drug policy? The primary consideration in this scenario is a person's well-being vs. workplace policy. In thinking through your answers, you'll want to exhibit empathy towards Lisa, plus prioritize her health, while also demonstrating that you take professionalism and rules seriously. Another aspect to consider is the current political and legal debates surrounding cannabis use and how these debates may or may not be relevant to your positions.

1. Part of your company's drug policy includes reporting other employees who disobey the policy. Would you report Lisa? As Lisa's co-worker rather than her supervisor or doctor, I would take her at her word that marijuana is beneficial for her epilepsy and that her usage is legal. However, I would want to know more about how her usage interacts with our company's drug policy. For example, I'd ask her if our supervisors are aware that she uses marijuana medicinally and whether she uses it during work hours. I would also read the language of the drug policy to gain a clearer understanding of its strictures and intent—for instance, it would be useful to know if marijuana is specifically named or if the policy simply bans illegal substances. Given how quickly cannabis laws are changing these days, it seems plausible that the policy was written at a time when it was still illegal. Because medical cannabis is legal in our state, not to mention increasingly socially accepted, if I did determine that her usage clearly violated the drug policy, I would first encourage her to speak with our supervisor or HR rep before I filed a complaint. I think it is possible that her medical needs might qualify as an exception. 2. Say Lisa tells you that she only uses marijuana during off-work hours. Would that change your course of action? It depends on the language of the drug policy. For example, if the policy states that employees cannot use drugs on the job, then I would not see a problem with Lisa using medical marijuana outside of work. While a business trip does fall into a gray area, I would be inclined to consider there to still be a difference between active work hours and off-the-clock personal time. 3. Which is more important: Lisa's medical needs or your company's drug policy? As a future physician, I believe that the health and well-being of individuals should always be prioritized. At the same time, professionalism and ethics are also important—to me, this means honesty and respect and adherence to rules. Lisa's situation clearly falls under multiple gray areas that I imagine will come to the forefront of debate as the legal status of cannabis continues to evolve.

Conflict resolution question

1. Private convo 2. Empathy 3. Problems 4. Info gathering 5. Solutions - if/then 1. State the problem 2. Empathize for both sides (I completely understand the other member's frustrations, but there might be a valid reason why xyz is happening) 3. Gather information from the primary person that's causing the issue in a private manner and appropriate time. As this person's friend/classmate/etc I want to make sure everything is OK with xyz, and also help find some strategies to resolve some of the xyz issue. 4. I would (ration decision). Maybe there is something going on in her life that we don't know about? 5. Letting xyz explain their situation fully will help us understand how we can best support xyz's efforts. Fill in the blanks: The primary problem is . The secondary problem is . I completely understand that there are different sides to this situation, so I need to find the correct way to address the situation. I will gather facts in a private manner and at an appropriate time. As my relation to this person, I care about their wellbeing and will help find solutions to resolve some of their issues. I would decide to . Maybe there is something we do not know about that is contributing to the problem? Allowing us to gather all the facts will help us fully understand how we can best support the situation in a respectful and efficient manner. (This also follows the PPRDJ formula)

Strategies

1. Remember names 2. Identify the most pressing issue. Your biggest concern will be the well-being of your patients, students, clients, customers, then your co-workers, employers, and finally the community and society at large. You can do this by figuring out who is directly and peripherally affected. 3. Be non-judgmental and non-confrontational. This means having private conversations and gathering all of the facts before making a decision. No assumptions. 4. If, Then Statements or BeMo's Punnett Square method. Find your two choices and the worst/best case scenario

You are sitting in a meeting with Frank and Julia, two of your co-workers at a financial firm. Frank wants to talk about a member of his team, Jason, with regards to some concerning behavior of late. Frank is concerned that Jason has been showing up late to work and has been seen dozing off during meetings. Despite this behavior, the team's overall performance has been very positive. Julia weighs in on the conversation, saying that our company encourages flexible working conditions, where employees can maintain their own schedules as long as they maintain good performance with positive reviews. Frank further elaborates that Jason has been acting a little distant of late and avoiding any personal questions about his family; he's worried that this behavior could be a sign of something more serious. While Julia seems concerned by this disclosure, she informs Frank that, as long as Jason has not shared any specific struggles with Frank, it would be a transgression of boundaries to approach Jason about personal matters. 1. What advice would you give to Frank about his team member, Jason? 2. Do you agree that taking any additional action in this situation would be considered "overstepping boundaries"? Why or why not? 3. Imagine you heard rumors that Jason was being bullied at work, would this change your reaction to the situation? Explain your response.

1. What advice would you give to Frank about his team member, Jason? Based on the information provided, I would be concerned about the well-being of my co-worker's team member. I would inform him that it sounds that his team member might be experiencing personal problems, which may be impacting his behavior and potentially his mental health. It may also be that Jason's job satisfaction has declined recently, leading him to distance himself somewhat from his work and co-workers. However, I would caution against making assumptions and encourage Frank to speak with Jason in a private and non-judgmental manner, creating a safe space for confidential disclosures of potentially personal matters. I would suggest that he share his concerns with Jason and give him an opportunity to share any personal struggles with him, if he is comfortable doing so. There could be alternative explanations to his recent behavior, such as a new and/or untreated medical condition, in conjunction with trying to maintain a semblance of privacy. However, given that mental health deterioration related to personal stressors (including physical health, personal struggles, poor work-life balance, etc.) could lead to catastrophic results, it's important to reach out to Jason as a concerned member of the same team. If his team member is experiencing personal problems at home, Frank can offer him support and refer him to counseling. Additionally, Jason may benefit from some time off work, regardless of the reason for his recent behavior. In any case, it is important to address the issue for Jason's sake, in the interest of his own well-being, and to help him see that he is supported by his team. 2. Do you agree that taking any additional action in this situation would be considered "overstepping boundaries"? Why or why not? In this scenario, it would depend on intent and approach. If the intent of probing for more information is mere curiosity, it would be considered "overstepping boundaries". However, if the intent of probing for more information is to ensure the safety and well-being of the team member, then no, I would not consider this "overstepping boundaries". Additionally, the setting and method of approach needs to be sensitive to the privacy and comfort of the team member. This conversation should take place in a private setting and be confidentiality maintained - and this should be clearly communicated to Jason, so that he feels safe making any disclosures. While the lines of such boundaries can be complex, when a team member's mental or physical health or well-being may be at stake, a careful and sensitive approach is better than disinterest or apathy. 3. Imagine you heard rumors that Jason was being bullied at work, would this change your reaction to the situation? Explain your response. It would not change my approach to the situation. I would start by gathering more information, since I cannot act on rumors. In order to do that, I would meet directly with Jason in a private setting and speak with him in a non-judgmental and non-confrontational manner. I would also inform him that all information discussed would be confidential and demonstrate my investment in his well-being through active listening and a compassionate approach. While it is important to address any behavior that creates a negative work environment, my ultimate concern would be Jason's well-being. As such, in our initial meeting, I would focus on this, and - if necessary - follow up with a full investigation into the bullying allegations.

You are a member of a study group and you observe two members of your group, John and Steve, having a heated conversation. John looks stressed and is upset that the group project is not yet close to being complete, despite being due at the end of the week. When Steve asks John what is stressing him out, he says he is overwhelmed by the amount of work which was redistributed to group members when Marshal, another group member, had to leave the group due to a medical condition. While Marshal's medical condition is severe and required hospitalization, John is upset that Marshal knew how important this project is to everyone's grades and thinks it's unfair for the other members of the group to have to take on the work Marshal was supposed to complete. To make matters worse, Steve discovers a recently posted picture on Marshal's Facebook page showing him at a pool party, which further angers John. With the current arrangement, the work submitted by the group would award Marshal the same grade as the others, despite not completing the same amount of work. John suggests Marshal has been dishonest about his medical condition to get out of work, while Steve reminds John that this picture could have been taken a while back. Steve turns to you and asks you to decide how to proceed from here. 1. What do you recommend to your group members? 2. Do you think it is okay to report a concern to a supervisor based on a suspicion? Why or why not? 3. Do you believe that one false or inappropriate post on social media can have a lasting effect on someone's career? Explain your response.

1. What do you recommend to your group members? This is a moral and ethical dilemma. While it may appear that Marshal has been using his medical condition to try and get out of work, it is important to take a step back and not jump to any conclusions. At this stage, I would like to know whether the photo posted on Facebook is a new or old photo; in order to do that, I would try to contact Marshal. Ideally, I would like to speak with him in a private, non-confrontational, and non-judgmental manner. If this is an old photo from when he was feeling better, then all is resolved. However, if it comes to light that this is a new photo, then I would ask him if he feels that his health has improved to the point where he can come back to the group to contribute. Just because he was able to attend one party, that does not necessarily mean that he is well enough to come back to school. Perhaps he has been discharged from hospital but is still recovering and went to the party to try to remain social to help with his mental health and general well-being. If Marshal has been dishonest about his medical state, I would first encourage him to try to make up for this by returning to the group and completing the work that had been assigned to him. If he refuses to do so, then I would not hesitate to report the situation to the course professor. Additionally, regardless of Marshal's situation, I would suggest that the group seek an extension from the professor, given the abrupt loss of a group member and the necessary re-distribution of workload. 2. Do you think it is okay to report a concern to a supervisor based on a suspicion? Why or why not? I think that, prior to reporting a concern, it would be my responsibility to investigate the legitimacy of the claim to the best of my abilities. If I find evidence to support that concern, then I would report that concern to a supervisor. Ultimately, the supervisor would use the provided evidence to further investigate the concern and approach the claim in an unbiased manner. Often, supervisors have more resources available to them to fully investigate such matters and to come to a rational and unbiased conclusion. 3. Do you believe that one false or inappropriate post on social media can have a lasting effect on someone's career? Explain your response. I do believe that one false or inappropriate post can have a detrimental effect on someone's career. A recent example involves Kevin Hart, a well-known comedian. He was scheduled to host the 2018 Oscars, when a series of old homophobic tweets re-surfaced from 2010. As a result, he decided to step down from hosting the Oscars, which would have been a great addition to an otherwise distinguished career. Posts on social media usually reflect our beliefs and, as such, are used to determine the moral caliber of a person. In this case, the posts were from 8 years ago, but expressing discriminatory views at any time can negatively impact someone. While I understand that individuals do change and grow with time, in this case, the burden of proof would be placed on Kevin Hart to show that he has changed - through his actions and specific views - before he is allowed to host any prestigious and public events again.

Your project group members are frustrated because one member—Paul—left the group last minute, leaving everyone else with a lot of work to complete before the approaching deadline. Paul said he had to leave the group due to a worsening medical condition, but your classmate sees a photo of him at a pool party on social media. Your group members are conflicted. One wants to report Paul to the academic coordinator so he doesn't receive a grade for the group project he left. But your other classmate doesn't want to do anything without having all the facts—maybe it's an old photo, after all. It's your call, what should you do? 1. What do you recommend to your group members? 2. Do you think it is okay to report a concern to a supervisor based on a suspicion? Why or why not? 3. Do you believe that one false or inappropriate post on social media can have a lasting effect on someone's career? Explain your response.

1. What do you recommend to your group members? I would ask to get more information before acting. I would meet Paul in person and determine if the photo was new or old. If he's truly ill and it was an old photo, I would ask how I could support him. If it's a new photo, I would express the group's concerns about the justice of the situation. If he's able to attend a party, is he able to contribute to the project and his own grade? I would give him the option to rejoin the group and complete the project with us. If he refused, I would explain the situation to the academic coordinator to protect my and the other group members' grades. 2. Do you think it is okay to report a concern to a supervisor based on a suspicion? Why or why not? It's my responsibility to make an effort to verify a concern before reporting it to my supervisor. If after seeking more information, I couldn't verify or disprove my concern, I would weigh the costs of staying silent or making a report. As a physician, if I suspected someone was putting a patient's life in danger, I would report my suspicion. I would trust my supervisor to use their resources to investigate the matter further and make a final decision. 3. Do you believe that one false or inappropriate post on social media can have a lasting effect on someone's career? Explain your response. Yes, social media posts have the power to impact a person's career. Recently we've seen celebrities attacked for offensive posts they made in the past, even if their current views have changed. Professionals, especially those who require the public's trust like physicians do, should consider how their actions on social media could be interpreted by others.

You are an employee at a retail store and you overhear an interaction between a customer and another employee at the cash register. The customer is here to return an item; however, she does not have a receipt for the purchased item and claims to have paid in cash. Despite assurances by the customer that she did buy the item at your store, your colleague informs the customer that, while she can provide store credit or an exchange, store policy does not allow refunds of more than $20 without a receipt. The customer informs your colleague that she really needs a refund given that this was a birthday purchase for her daughter, but now she desperately requires that money to buy her daughter's prescription medication. While the manager can override the store policy, she is away until next week. Your colleague turns to you for advice given that you have been working at the store for longer than she has. 1. What do you tell the other employee - go ahead and give the refund, or abide by store policy? Justify your answer. 2. Assume you advise the newer employee not to give the refund, but she does anyway. Do you report this to your supervisor? Why or why not? 3. If you were asked to establish a policy around refunds for a new store, what aspects would you take into consideration?

1. What do you tell the other employee - go ahead and give the refund, or abide by store policy? Justify your answer. As a fellow employee of the store, the pressing issue is that of an ethical dilemma. I would like to help the customer as best as I can without compromising store policy. Before I make a decision on the matter, I would first like to gather more information. As I take this step, I would verbalize my appreciation of the customer's patience and speak with her in a non-judgmental and non-confrontational manner, demonstrating understanding of the difficult situation she is in by actively listening to her and acknowledging her concerns. If there are other customers around, I would take this conversation to a private space to avoid embarrassing the customer or making her feel uncomfortable. I would like to know when this customer bought the item and confirm that she did buy it from this store location. It's possible that this customer bought this item a few months or even years ago and, as such, it would not be eligible for a refund. Additionally, I would like to consult the store policy to ensure that there are strict rules with regards to refunding of items without a receipt. There might be a clause where store employees may return items without a receipt for a full refund at their discretion. I am aware that my manager is away, but I can always call a different branch of the store which might have a store manager available to provide guidance, or - if possible - I could call our store's manager to see if I could get approval to process the return. Based on the information I have gathered, if the customer did indeed buy the item from our location and I am able to refund them in cash, based on a discretionary rule or leeway in store policy, I would not hesitate to complete the refund. If I am unable to provide a refund, I would apologize profusely; however, I would try to assist this customer as best as I can. To try to help with the current dilemma, I would encourage her to seek medical help at the emergency department if the prescription required is for a life-threatening condition. Additionally, I would encourage her to speak with her pharmacist, as they may accommodate a payment plan for prescriptions, or they may have a generic form of the medication that costs significantly less. For the future, I would encourage her to contact her family physician and make an appointment, given that they might be able to access social support programs for prescriptions if she is having financial difficulties and has no health insurance to cover the prescriptions. As well, in mentioning her financial difficulties to her family physician, she may find that the doctor can prescribe similar medications that are less pricey than the current prescription for her daughter. The doctor may even have some samples of the medication in question, which can be given out at no cost. Note: If you are struggling to come up with answers like this on the spot, review our blog on how to prepare for CASPer first, then come back to this blog to try again. 2. Assume you advise the newer employee not to give the refund, but she does anyway. Do you report this to your supervisor? Why or why not? It would depend on the store policy, since upholding such policy is my duty as an employee. If there was a discretionary rule whereby an employee can provide the refund, given that they have justification for doing so, then I would not report her. I would instead encourage her to document the event so that she can submit a report to management. If it was clearly against the rules, and my advice was in line with store policy and procedures, then I would give her the opportunity to do the right thing and report her actions to the manager. I would gently remind her of her ethical responsibility and her responsibility as an employee, as a way of encouraging her to uphold such standards. I would follow up with her and, if she has not reported the incident, then I would report to the manager without hesitation. 3. If you were asked to establish a policy around refunds for a new store, what aspects would you take into consideration? With regard to setting a refund policy, my goal would be to provide the best shopping experience to customers without compromising the store from a business perspective. Prior to establishing a new policy, I would love to hear from our customers to learn what they would like to see in a return policy; I would solicit such information in the form of a survey, to determine what seems fair and appropriate from their perspective. I would also send the survey to employees and upper management to get their input. Additionally, I would look into refund policies at other stores, to see how a proper balance between customer and business needs is met. My priority would be making the return policy transparent, uncomplicated, and in the best interest of the shopper. With regard to transparency, I would clearly outline the return policy on the store's website and place a copy by the store's cashier. I would have training sessions so that employees can learn and disclose our policies at the point of purchase. With regard to ensuring the policy is uncomplicated, I would construct a policy that is simple, universal, and that does not include a lot of rules. Ideally, I would limit the policy to 4-5 rules that protect both the customer and our store. Additionally, I would provide an electronic as well as a printed receipt to customers, so they can access their receipt from anywhere; that way, that the issue presented in the scenario would be much less likely to arise again in the future. With the customer's consent, I would also establish an in-house database, where items purchased by a customer can be looked up on our system; this would be a service provided to the customer and they would have to enroll, given laws around privacy and maintaining their personal information in our database. Finally, with regard to having the policy lean more in favor of the consumer, I would have a "no questions asked" policy if they are returning one of our products.

Prompt: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. All men are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly." - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Questions: 1. What does this quotation mean to you? 2. Can you reflect on a time when this quotation was relevant in your own life? 3. How does this question relate to your desired field?

1. What does this quotation mean to you? The great civil rights leader, the reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was trying to draw attention to not only the prevalence of injustice, but the ways in which such injustice is structural, systematic, as damaging to those oppressed as to those oppressing. The civil rights era in the United States was one of demonstrating the ways in which social injustices, like racism, were not merely individual issues of hatred or bigotry, but were profoundly social issues, maintained and sustained through both evident and hidden social, political, and personal norms. One may ask how oppression harms not just the oppressed, but the oppressor, as well. Here, King identifies the intense mutuality of the human condition - those who experience hatred of others are the most evidently harmed, but those who live in a state of hatred harm themselves, as well. They cut themselves out of that "single garment of destiny" - a phrase laden with meaning for King, as both an activist and a religious leader. That "garment of destiny" for him was the arc of history bending toward justice, as both an ethical principle and a manifestation of the love of the divine. To cut ourselves off from each other, for King, is also to cut ourselves off from an aspect of that divine love. When we hate, when we are prejudiced, when we harm others, we become toxic vessels, carrying and spreading poison that leeches into the very waters of life itself. To understand our mutuality, to understand that harming others is to harm ourselves and to harm those we accept and love, is to make a profound and radical realization. When we refuse to question and critique the racism, prejudice, and hatred woven into our social structures, we all suffer. When hatred is our inspiration to action, those actions themselves will continue to manifest as hatred, and humans cannot thrive and develop in such conditions, just as flowers cannot bloom in a toxic waste dump. 2. Can you reflect on a time when this quotation was relevant in your own life? During my pre-med education, I was fortunate to take several courses on social determinants of health, which explored intersections of health and sex, gender, wealth inequality, and even the theoretical foundations of medicalization and criminalization (via Michel Foucault and others). Prior to these courses, health seemed like a rather simple concept - I thought that, even if it wasn't merely a binary (health-illness, wellness-unwellness), it was likely what we might call a shallow spectrum, with a few plot points between each end. I quickly learned how wrong I was, and how complex things really are. Not only in each individual person a rich tapestry, with a multitude of threads - biological and social conditions - factoring into their overall presentation, every individual is themselves a thread woven into an even larger tapestry - or garment - of the broader society. If threads in the individual garment become loose or frayed, health may be compromised. Likewise, if threads in that larger social garment become frayed, the social body (both collective and individual) suffers, as well. The social worlds we create in our "single garment of destiny" impact all those in that society, and the threads that have been put under more extreme pressure (e.g., through inequality, lack of access to resources, criminalization, etc.) may be at greater risk of becoming compromised, and if even one thread breaks, the whole of the garment becomes destabilized. To ensure the health of the individual, we must progress socially; to progress socially, we must ensure the health of the individual. Each is bound to, and intrinsically part of, the other. I feel fortunate to have had educational experiences that allowed me to realize at least one of the layers of truth to Dr. King's statement. 3. How does this question relate to your desired field? Building on the previous answer, as a medical doctor, it is important to note the social factors of health and wellness, along with physiological, genetic, or other biological factors. These, however, are much more difficult to determine, without an acknowledgment of their existence and importance, and without a strong patient-physician relationship. In order to treat patients effectively, physicians must gather insights into their acute symptoms, but also their living conditions, the resources available (or unavailable) to them, whether or not they have access to nutritious foods, whether they have time for proper rest and self-care, or whether they consistently work multiple jobs, 60-80 hours a week. Standard routines of care are useless if a patient cannot afford the ideal course of treatment. A prescription for physiotherapy is pointless if the patient has no time for appointments because they work two jobs. All of these things are interconnected, but such insights are inaccessible if a patient is viewed only as a list of symptoms, conditions, hereditary tendencies. Doctors have a responsibility to build a trusting relationship to fully understand their patients' circumstances, and to advocate on their behalf, understanding that each individual's wellness or illness may in some way be tied to that wider collection of social conditions.

You are an employee at a company and over a period, you have observed harsh treatment towards a black co-worker. When asked, your boss says he is hard on her because he wants to see her improve her weaknesses and reach her full potential, however it is perceived as discriminatory by not only you, but others in the office as well. 1. What is going through your mind? 2. What should you do? 3. What would you do if you were the employee being discriminated against?

1. What is going through your mind? At this point, I am wondering if this is discrimination or if the boss is hard on her because she has potential that he is trying to help her realize. If he is trying to help her realize her potential, he should treat other employees with the same level of intensity, as his goal should be to help everyone flourish. The major problematic factor is that she is being treated differently from others. However, it is possible that the boss genuinely wants to help her and is pushing her to genuinely help her. It is difficult for me to discern what is occurring; I will have to investigate to find out what is occurring. 2. What should you do? I need to gather information to learn what is going on. First, I would talk to the employee of color and ask her about her experiences, as it is possible that I am misinterpreting what is going on. First, I would ask her how she feels about how the boss treats her-if she feels like he treats her fairly and equal to others? If she feels he treats her well, then there is nothing further to investigate. However, if she feels like she is being discriminated against, I would ask her how long this has been occurring, as well as ask for specific examples of this ill treatment. I would encourage her to approach the Human Resources department with her concerns so they can help her mediate this situation with the boss. Additionally, I would approach the boss to investigate further, why he treats her like this. If he genuinely believes he is helping her grow, I would be understanding but also point out how his treatment of her may be perceived by others. If he confesses to discriminating against her, I will notify him that discriminatory behavior is not acceptable in the workplace. If he agrees to change that is great, but if not, I will report him to higher authorities in the company. 3. What would you do if you were the employee being discriminated against? I would first investigate and find out if I am truly the only person being treated this way, it is possible that he may be treating other employees in a similar fashion but I may just be unaware of this. If it turns out that he is treating others equally harshly, then there is no problem, as I am not facing discrimination. However, if it turns out that I am the only person receiving this treatment, I will approach my boss to share my concerns. If he is understanding and commits to changing how he treats me, I will be forgiving and give him a second chance, but if he is harsh and refuses to hear my concerns, I will approach the human resources department with my concerns so they may help me mediate this situation.

Prompt: On the heels of the recent legalization of recreational cannabis (marijuana) in Canada and several U.S. states, debates around full decriminalization or legalization of illicit substances have been renewed in some medical, legal, and political circles. Questions: 1. What is your opinion on legal recreational cannabis? 2. What is your opinion on legalizing or decriminalizing other illicit substances, such as cocaine, heroin, or MDMA? 3. What do you think is the key driver of illegal drug consumption, and what can be done to address this?

1. What is your opinion on legal recreational cannabis? As noted, recreational cannabis usage was recently legalized in Canada and several U.S. states, and medical/prescription cannabis is legal in many U.S. states where legal use is still criminalized. There are many valid arguments on each side of this issue. Those opposed to legal cannabis raise a number of concerns - for one, we do not have reliable field sobriety tests for THC like we do for alcohol, making driving under the influence difficult to determine. As well, while research is still limited, some recent studies have suggested that cannabis use in late childhood and early adulthood can exacerbate pre-existing mental illness. On the other hand, advocates have emphasized that greater availability of legal cannabis may make it easier for medical marijuana patients to access their medication, as there have been gaps in access for those prescribed this substance. As well, there is a lot of tax revenue to be generated from taxation on legal cannabis, and far fewer law enforcement resources would be expended on cannabis if it were equal, opening up funds for other law enforcement issues. Personally, having considered such things, I am in favor of legal recreational cannabis for those old enough to consume alcohol. Legalization will, ideally, bring in funding from tax dollars which in turn can be used for research into both the benefits and dangers of cannabis usage, as well as public education campaigns as such research becomes available. As well, funding made available by reduced police expenditures could go into developing field sobriety testing for THC - this is important on two counts: first, we can ensure our roadways are safe with reliable sobriety testing, and second, we can ensure that those not directly under the influence are not wrongfully charged. Currently, if a person is suspected of being under the influence of THC, a mandatory urinalysis may return a positive result if the person has consumed THC any time in the last 30 days, potentially resulting in wrongful charging and conviction. As well, getting medical marijuana patients their medication more easily and effectively should be a high priority. Lastly, the charges and convictions resulting from arrests for cannabis have been historically discriminatory, with minority communities often facing harsher sentencing for even minor offenses. As such, legalization - so long as it brings widespread pardons for past offenses - can help rectify a long-standing social injustice. 2. What is your opinion on legalizing or decriminalizing other illicit substances, such as cocaine, heroin, or MDMA? First, addressing the question requires clarification, since legalizing and decriminalizing are not the same thing. Legalizing means full and open access, usually to people above a certain age, with no illicit status for anyone, whether manufacturer, dealer, or consumer. Decriminalization often refers more specifically to users of such substances, while manufacturing and selling remain illegal. This is the model that has been used in Portugal for over a decade. Under their model, no one who is caught using such substances will be subject to arrest, but are rather encouraged to undergo treatment and rehabilitation, with support to do so from the state. For the purposes of this answer, I will focus on a model such as this one. Those opposed to drug decriminalization are concerned that it would lead to an increase in drug consumption, which can have detrimental effects not only on those who use such substances, but on society at large. After all, a significant community of drug users would likely not be a very healthy or productive society. As well, decriminalization of use may lead to increased manufacture of such drugs, which could exacerbate crime elsewhere, or lead to increased violence among those who develop and export these substances. On the other hand, those who support decriminalization tend to focus on drug use as a social and mental health issue, rather than one of individual failings or shortcomings. A system based around care and rehabilitation, rather than incarceration, of users would eliminate the fear of arrest many undergo if they seek treatment. As well, if this were part of a national, public health care system, the cost of treatment would not be prohibitive, as cost is another barrier to care experienced by many. While I personally do not have enough information to confidently support either side, I do think that Portugal itself provides an interesting and compelling example for what could be possible with decriminalization. An approach that fosters care and support has helped a great many people suffering from drug dependency (addiction), and drug use rates have not increased in the 10+ years since this policy was implemented. That said, what works in one nation is not necessarily universalizable. So, if I had the position and resources to explore this issue further, I'd want to meet with doctors, police, politicians, recovering users, and other such parties in Portugal, to learn more about their system and how and why it seems to be working. I'd also put together a multi-disciplinary research team to explore other efforts and drug liberalization laws to see what has and hasn't been tried. If it did turn out that Portugal's tactics could work elsewhere, then I could consider supporting decriminalization efforts. 3. What do you think is the key driver of illegal drug consumption, and what can be done to address this? While there are surely some who use such substances to derive pleasure at a recreational level, many who abuse illicit substances do so from a place of pain, emptiness, or loss (similar to those who abuse alcohol). As we've seen in the United States, gaps in health care have contributed to the current opioid crisis, wherein those without insurance for specialists or complex treatments have filled that gap with narcotic painkillers, and this gap is most evident in low-income and otherwise medically underserved areas. Similarly, research has shown that excessive drug abuse and dependency often correlates with things like trauma, childhood abuse, poverty, mental illness, and other social and medical issues. While drug consumption as a whole cannot be reduced to such causes, such correlations cannot simply be ignored - we have to follow what the evidence shows. As such, I think that the key drivers of illegal drug consumption are social and medical in nature. Simply treating such drug abuse as a moral issue, or an issue of individual failing or weakness, and criminalizing based on that, misses the root causes of such behavior. As noted above, treating drug use as an issue of mental health, such as in Portugal, and having accessible treatment and rehabilitation for all could lead to both a greater understanding of such behavior, as well as more options for treatment and a decrease in overall drug addiction. Studies from multiple disciplines, including physical health, mental health, and even sociology, have turned up similar insights, suggesting that a multidisciplinary approach that re-frames the narrative around drug use may be the best way to advocate for those who self-medicate because they are suffering physically, mentally, and/or socially. However, additional research is necessary to form a firm opinion.

There is a local bully, Thomas, who has been taunting children as they walk home from school and has been known to create a fearful environment for other children in the neighborhood. One day as he is troubling a group of innocent girls, Willy, a fellow classmate was fed up and punched the bully repeatedly. The bully was badly harmed and taken to hospital to get stitches, his parents are now asking who did this to him. 1. What should you do? 2. Is it acceptable for someone to do bad things for a good reason? 3. What are your thoughts on the philosophy, "one needs to have a taste of your own medicine"?

1. What should you do? In this situation, I am in a difficult position because I do not want Willy to get into trouble for standing up for himself, but at the same time his actions were wrong. I would have to encourage Willy to go forward to report what he did. If he refuses, I would tell him that it is my ethical responsibility to report him. However, to seek justice for all the bullied students, and hopefully reduce the penalties Willy may face, I would get every student who has been bullied by Thomas to sign a petition or come forward, so that Thomas may face some consequences for his negative behaviors, and hopefully change his behavior. 2. Is it acceptable for someone to do bad things for a good reason? No. Sometimes people are put in a difficult situation that may tempt them to respond in an unethical way, for example, a mother stealing to feed her hungry child, but the reality remains that their actions are still unethical. In such situations, I believe the penalty one should receive must reflect their extenuating circumstances, because though their behavior was wrong, their intent was not malicious. Additionally, social services need to be made available, so that good people in bad situations have somewhere to turn so that they never feel like unethical behavior is the only option. 3. What are your thoughts on the philosophy, "one needs to have a taste of your own medicine"? There are many situations in life in which a wrong-doer learns from experiencing the pain they inflict on others, however, there are many angles to consider. One advantage of this philosophy is that if an individual suffers what they make others endure, they are more likely to realize the extent of their wrongdoing and are less likely to be a repeat offender. However, one disadvantage is that doing wrong to someone who does you wrong does not make it right, and there are some situations in which it is not even possible to do so. For example, some wrong-doers, like dictators, are highly protected and in many cases, there is no way to give them "a taste of their own medicine". Overall, I think it is wrong to give people a taste of their own medicine, I believe legal avenues should be taken to hold accountable people who do wrong.

Prompt: You are at the airport with your family, preparing to board a plane to your favorite vacation destination. The flight attendants prepare to begin calling passengers for boarding. Prior to calling for passengers in first class, the attendant asks for any passengers with disabilities to come forward for priority boarding. A couple, a young man and woman in their mid-to-late twenties, begins moving toward desk; the man is carrying all of their carry-on baggage, and they are smiling and laughing, with no visible complications with movement in either of them, and neither has any kind of visible mobility device (e.g., a cane, crutches, wheelchair, etc.). As they move past you, the woman in line behind you sighs loudly. You turn to look at her, and she is glancing around at your fellow passengers, visibly annoyed. She loudly proclaims, "This is unbelievable! Look at them!" She notices you looking at her, catches your eye, and looks at you expectantly. "You know what I mean, right?" she says to you, gesturing toward the couple, who have overheard this and look visibly upset. Questions: 1. What would you do in this situation? 2. To use accessible parking spaces, people with disabilities must display a special placard, or have special license plates on their car. Do you think similar documentation should be required for accommodations like the one posited in the scenario (priority boarding on a flight)? Why or why not? 3. Can you describe a time when you intervened on behalf of someone else in a public space?

1. What would you do in this situation? This scenario presents a potential ethical dilemma, which may require some de-escalation and conflict resolution. The first thing I'd want to do is gather some information, if possible, and try to remain non-judgmental. I'd need to ensure I was interpreting the situation correctly, but I also want to respect the privacy of the two passengers who are about to board - it would not be appropriate to ask them to disclose any disability status. So, I'd try to speak with the upset woman, to clarify what, exactly, she was finding so frustrating. I would speak with her in a non-confrontational manner, and - if at all possible - I'd try to call her to the side where we could speak privately, rather than causing a bigger disturbance among the other passengers. She may not understand that what she has said could be hurtful, and I want to prioritize the well-being of the disabled couple/person, try to use this as an educational experience, and do so in a way that doesn't inconvenience my fellow passengers or the flight crew by delaying boarding. In a soft tone, I would ask the woman, "Can you please explain to me why you are so upset? I'm not sure I understand, so I'd like to hear your perspective." What I do from there would depend on her response. It could be that she was referring to something completely different, and I've simply misread the situation. If that's the case, then I will apologize for misinterpreting what she said. If, however, she tells me that she was assuming that the couple (either one or both of them) were actually able-bodied and taking advantage of a policy to board before others, I would try to acknowledge her feelings by actively listening and repeating her statements back to her as questions, to ensure I fully understood her complaint. After that, I would gently say the following, "I appreciate the frustration you've expressed, as well as your understanding of the situation. However, I wonder if you are familiar with the term 'invisible disability'. This is a term that covers many conditions, including chronic illness, chronic pain, and other 'hidden' conditions like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. While such patients may not outwardly 'look' disabled, and may not (always) use mobility devices, they actually benefit considerably from minor accommodations like priority boarding or accessible parking passes. This can be confusing for those unfamiliar with such conditions, because such people 'don't look sick' or 'don't look disabled', but their illness is very real." Hopefully, she will interpret what I've said in a positive light, and I'll be very careful not to appear judgmental or confrontational. If she understands, perhaps I can persuade her to apologize to the couple. However, it is possible that she will not accept my explanation. If that is the case, then at least I know I've done what I can to help advocate for such patients. 2. To use accessible parking spaces, people with disabilities must display a special placard, or have special license plates on their car. Do you think similar documentation should be required for accommodations like the one posited in the scenario (priority boarding on a flight)? Why or why not? Disability parking passes are a useful way of ensuring public spaces are accessible to people with conditions that limit their mobility, and to ensure that limited resources (parking spaces) are allocated in a way that prioritizes such access in the interest of equity. In large, frequently-used, and often heavily populated areas, like parking lots or on-street parking, such regulation is necessary, since the goal is access for people with disabilities. It ensures spaces for such individuals will be available and holds others accountable if they use such spaces without the required documentation. That said, some would note that unauthorized use does occur, and there have been people who fraudulently use parking passes - for example, driving a friend or relative's car with a disability license plate and using accessible spaces, despite not having a mobility issue themselves. However, while many people use automobiles and parking facilities every day, most people only fly a few times a year, if at all. As such, requiring documentation for such an infrequently-used mode of transportation may place an undue burden on those with disabilities. Such parking placards or license plates can only be obtained with documentation from a physician (often a specialist), who must have had the patient in their care for a significant amount of time, and who must indicate the scope of the disabling condition (e.g., whether it is temporary or permanent). While many flights are booked well in advance, sometimes, people must fly on short notice, such as in an emergency or in the case of a death in the family. Since obtaining a parking pass requires an appointment with a physician as well as time processing the documentation before the pass is issued, it may be difficult for someone to complete all of the necessary steps in time for their flight, especially as they are disabled. Allowing priority boarding takes a very small amount of time, and - while it may be inconvenient for others - it is a very small inconvenience. In this scenario, everything could have been resolved very quickly, if the couple were simply allowed to board without disruption. Considering that this is a delicate ethical issue (which includes private and confidential information), it is likely best to simply give people the benefit of the doubt, as fraudulent use of something like this is quite rare. 3. Can you describe a time when you intervened on behalf of someone else in a public space? One day, on my way to school (taking public transit), I noticed a young woman walking quickly with a young man following behind her. The man was yelling at the woman, "Hey! I'm just trying to say hello to you. Why won't you talk to me?" She looked visibly upset, and he began walking faster and calling her names, using profanities, etc. I'd been walking toward them (we were going in opposite directions after exiting the subway train), so I slowed down and walked off to the side, out of the path of others, to observe the situation. As they got closer, I could see tears in the woman's eyes - she seemed very shaken up and scared. I wanted to help her, so I put on a warm smile and walked over to her. "Oh, there you are," I said, "I've been wandering around trying to find you!" She looked confused, but began walking toward me. As she got close, I whispered, "It's okay. Tell me where you're going and I'll walk with you." Her face softened immediately as she put her arm in mine and began walking in the direction she'd been heading. We made small talk as we walked up the stairs and exited the subway station, with the young man still following, but quiet now. As we got outside, she told me which building she was heading toward, but said she was scared to go there. Instead, we ducked into the nearest building. We found a bench and sat down for a moment. She began crying and explained that he had been following her for the last 20 minutes, even as she switched subway lines (from east-west to north-south, to get to campus). She'd tried to ignore him, but he kept getting louder, faster, more aggressive. We sat there and watched as he walked by in one direction, looking at us through the window as he passed. About 5 minutes later, he walked by again, in the opposite direction, heading back toward the subway. We saw him enter the station and waited a few minutes to ensure he didn't come back. Once all seemed clear, I walked her to her building, and then went back about my day. Though I myself am a woman, and have experienced similar, this was the first time I was able to help someone else through a situation like this. It made me realize how vulnerable many people are to such things, and led me to wonder if the young man even realized how terrorized she'd felt. It also impressed on me the importance of being aware of one's surroundings - it just so happened that on this particular day, I'd forgotten my earbuds at home, so I wasn't listening to music, as I would normally have done. If I were, I probably wouldn't have noticed what was happening, and may not have been able to step in and be of assistance.

One of your co-workers, Vanessa, has started to frequently call in sick or leave work early, causing more work for you and the rest of your team. When you ask Vanessa why she's missing so much work, she confesses to you that her husband has moved out, which has left her without adequate childcare. You are sympathetic to her problem but are sick of picking up the slack. What should you do? 1. What would you say to Vanessa? Would you let her know that she's negatively affecting the rest of the team? 2. What would you do if you were Vanessa and a co-worker spoke to you about this situation? 3. Discuss a situation in which you had to balance personal and professional demands. There are a number of factors to consider in this scenario. You'll want to discuss showing empathy for people in difficult situations, what responsibilities team members hold, and the importance of clear communication. In addition, because doctors frequently have to balance personal and professional demands, you'll also need to think through how you would be equipped to handle these kinds of situations in your future professional life.

1. What would you say to Vanessa? Would you let her know that she's negatively affecting the rest of the team? First and foremost, I would express compassion for Vanessa by saying something like, "I'm so sorry to hear about your difficulties at home. I can only imagine how challenging it must be to balance that with work right now. Let me know how I can help." Then I would wait until a different time to pull her aside to discuss how the team has been affected by her absences. I would let her know clearly but without anger or judgment, and I would encourage her to speak to our supervisor. While I believe that it's the supervisor's responsibility to create an equitable arrangement for getting work done, I also think that it's Vanessa's responsibility to help facilitate that process by keeping the supervisor in the loop. 2. What would you do if you were Vanessa and a co-worker spoke to you about this situation? If I were on Vanessa's end of the conversation, I would listen to my co-worker's perspective and try my best not to be defensive even though I'm sure I would feel frustration and that the situation was not my fault. Nevertheless, I'd apologize to my team members for creating extra work for them, and then I would speak to my supervisor and HR person in hopes of finding a better solution. I would also speak to other single parents in the company and ask them how they've handled situations like this in the past. 3. Discuss a situation in which you had to balance personal and professional demands. During my sophomore year of college, my mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. My family lived about two hours away from my school, so I started driving home every weekend to help take care of household tasks like cleaning and laundry. This was a stressful arrangement for me, and as a result I was constantly exhausted and did not do as well as I should have in some of my classes that semester. In retrospect, I could have taken pass/fail classes or perhaps a leave of absence. If I faced a difficult personal situation like this again in the future, I would try to find similar ways to temporarily adjust my professional life.

How to shorten sentences to write concisely:

1. When making a reference to the passage use a general term for it instead of writing it out. Ex: He said that removing animal products has the benefits of x, y, z. Say His "idea" or "the benefits he mentioned" or "the reasons outlined above" Ex: He said he will do x, y, z. Say his proposal. 2. Instead of rambling on, mention 2-3 key points MAX *before typing think about 1) what I want to say, and 2) how I want to say it *make them clear, straight to the point and well organized

You're a college professor. One of your students struggles with writing and typically does not turn in high-quality papers. Halfway through the semester, you notice that the quality of his work dramatically improves. You suspect that he may be plagiarizing, but you are unable to find any evidence that the work is not his own. How would you handle this? 1. Would you confront this student? What would you say? 2. Say the student was on probation and would certainly be expelled if he were found guilty of plagiarism. How would this affect your course of action? 3. How important do you think it is to give people the benefit of the doubt?

1. Would you confront this student? What would you say? I would meet with the student and ask him how the course is going for him. I would say, "It's great to see you getting the material and improving your writing. What's made such a big difference for you? How did you approach writing this paper?" I would follow up with other detailed questions about the course material and writing process. I believe that giving him the opportunity to show he does understand the material well and offer alternative explanations would be the respectful thing to do. For example, maybe he's working with a tutor, or perhaps there was an extenuating circumstance earlier in the semester that's cleared up. Because a plagiarism accusation is serious—and it is crucial in this situation to note that there is no hard evidence—his responses to these questions would determine whether or not I would decide to move forward with asking if the work was his own. 2. Say the student was on probation and would certainly be expelled if he were found guilty of plagiarism. How would this affect your course of action? I believe that plagiarism is a serious offense for any student, so knowing a student could be expelled wouldn't change what I would do with this student vs. a student who was not on probation. Either way, I would try to get to the bottom of the situation in a careful, compassionate way. 3. How important do you think it is to give people the benefit of the doubt? Doctors must always be prepared to help others, one part of which is offering empathy and two-way communication. I don't believe this means looking the other way when there is clear wrongdoing, but in my opinion, it is very important to try to understand the nuance of a situation, which means giving others the benefit of the doubt so long as it doesn't mean potentially putting people in harm's way.

You are sitting in on a conversation between Tom and Jessie, two of your co-workers at an energy firm. Tom informs Jessie that he is having a tough time with a personal decision: he and his wife are expecting a child, and his wife would like him to take paternity leave with her. He tells Jessie that the company is taking on a new project that he would lead and doing well on this project could significantly advance his career. Despite his excitement for parenthood, he is struggling between spending time with his family in the short-term vs. focusing on his career, which would ultimately benefit his family in the long-term. He feels that if he misses this work opportunity, he will not get a similar chance for a few years. Additionally, claiming that the industry is largely "male-dominated," he feels that his boss would not be understanding if he requested paternity leave; he even recalls a time in the past when a male colleague who took paternity leave was penalized by being kept in the same position for years upon his return to work. Jessie turns to you and asks, "What do you think he should do?" 1. Would you recommend he take paternity leave? Why or why not? 2. What strategies could you offer to help him make a decision that he feels comfortable with? 3. Maintaining work-life balance can be challenging. Why do you think people struggle to find balance?

1. Would you recommend he take paternity leave? Why or why not? This is a challenging and sensitive situation, wherein Tom feels like he must choose between his career and spending time with his partner and newborn child. Prior to making a decision, I would need to gather more information. First, I would like to know the company's policy with regard to paternity leave, so I would consult Human Resources (HR) and I would encourage Tom to speak with both HR and his boss to understand their perspective on paternity leave. I would also have a private and non-judgmental conversation with Tom, to discuss his priorities. Does he prioritize spending time with his family or does he prioritize his career in terms of a speedy trajectory to promotion? This information would inform my advice. If he feels strongly about spending time with his partner and newborn, given that this is a special time that only happens once, I would encourage him to spend time with his family. If he feels that prioritizing his career for the best interest of providing for his family and that sacrificing spending time with his wife and newborn is acceptable, then I would support his decision. Ultimately, the one with the most insight would be Tom and I would help guide his decision. Information collected about the company would help inform Tom of the potential consequences of taking paternity leave based on whether the company is supportive or unsupportive of paternity leave. This will also help inform his decision. That said, I would encourage Tom not to rely on hearsay regarding his other colleague's supposed punishment for taking paternity leave, as there are any number of reasons why he may have been kept in his position - we simply don't have (and may not be able to access) all the facts around that event. 2. What strategies could you offer to help him make a decision that he feels comfortable with? As stated above, I would encourage him to gather concrete information about the company and their policy and culture around paternity leave. He would be able to do this by speaking with human resources, with his boss, and with colleagues who have taken (or given up) paternity leave. This will help inform his decision with regards to impact on his job projection and promotion. Once this information is collected, I would brainstorm with Tom around his current priorities and what sacrifices he is willing to make to fulfill his goals. The decision would be whether to take paternity leave to prioritize spending time with his wife and newborn while potentially delaying career progression vs. not taking paternity leave sacrificing spending time with his wife and newborn for career progression, which would provide financial security for his family in the long-term. This is a personal decision, and I would support Tom by making sure he collects all the necessary information required to make this decision. 3. Maintaining work-life balance can be challenging. Why do you think people struggle to find balance? There are many demands on our time and we often struggle to maintain an acceptable work-life balance. Work-life balance is often defined as time allocated to one's career vs. time allocated to other personal aspects of one's life, such as family, recreation, and self-care. The assumption is that work requires energy expenditure and life activities recharge one's energy. There are many reasons why individuals struggle with maintaining an acceptable work-life balance, including having a demanding job, poor time management or scheduling skills, unrealistic expectations by employers, and financial pressures. One unique challenge of the present era is also the expectation that employees are effectively "on call" at all hours; with email, text, and social media communication, employees rarely "clock out" at 5pm and leave work until the following day. It is important for individuals to identify the specific reasons behind their personal situation and try to have a more balanced approach to life. As well, employers bear some responsibility here, and should be mindful of the time demands they place on employees. Overall, it is important to recognize that a poor work-life balance can often have negative effects on individuals and can impact their work performance and their overall health, so a good work-life balance is in the best interest of everyone involved.

A co-worker whose wife is pregnant is conflicted whether or not to take paternity leave. He and his wife would both like him to spend time at home with the baby, but doing so might take him out of consideration for an upcoming promotion at work. Should he prioritize family or career? In addition, his industry doesn't seem to support men who take paternity leave. A former colleague was penalized for taking leave and spent years stuck in the same position before finally leaving the company. As his co-worker, what do you think he should do? 1. Would you recommend he take paternity leave? Why or why not? 2. What strategies could you offer to help him make a decision that he feels comfortable with? 3. Maintaining a work-life balance can be challenging. Why do you think people struggle to find balance?

1. Would you recommend he take paternity leave? Why or why not? Before making a recommendation, I would first gather more information. I would find the company's HR policy on paternity leave and review it with my co-worker. Once we understood the policy, I would help my co-worker clarify his priorities in an accepting, non-judgmental way. Does he prioritize spending this time with his wife and child or securing a promotion to help him provide for them financially? Using the policy to inform us, I would support my co-worker in making a priority-based decision. 2. What strategies could you offer to help him make a decision that he feels comfortable with? I would encourage my co-worker to gather information on the company culture surrounding paternity leave from multiple perspectives—including HR, his boss, and other colleagues who've taken leave. I would suggest he weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each option, both short-term and long-term. 3. Maintaining a work-life balance can be challenging. Why do you think people struggle to find balance? Sustaining work-life balance is challenging in today's society because technology makes everyone easily accessible. This allows work matters to intrude on non-work time. Employers sometimes demand too much from their employees, and employees may struggle to define their work-life boundaries. Additionally, everyone's ideal work-life balance is unique—some may feel balanced during 60-hour workweeks, while others would be overwhelmed. Maintaining work-life balance is in everyone's best interest because it improves productivity and overall health.

You are a member of a study group and you observe members of your group having a heated conversation. Mike and John are confronting Sarah about her inconsistent contribution to the study group. Mike and John are upset that Sarah did not contribute to the study session today and accuse her of not being prepared. Sarah defends herself by saying that she has been busy writing an important paper. Mike and John inform her that they also had the same paper due and, despite that, were able to show up prepared for the session. They then accuse her of regularly coming to tutorials unprepared, suggesting that she's only learning from the information that they have provided during the study sessions. Sarah informs them that she has been under a lot of stress and that they are not being fair to her. She prepares to leave due to their "negativity". 1. You are a member of the study group and have not participated in the interaction so far, but now the group is looking to you. How would you diffuse this situation? 2. Do you agree with the two students who are upset with Sarah? Why or why not? 3. What suggestions can you make to help the group function better going forward?

1. You are a member of the study group and have not participated in the interaction so far, but now the group is looking to you. How would you diffuse this situation? This is a difficult situation to be placed in, and one that requires some conflict resolution as well as a non-judgmental approach toward all my colleagues. As a member of the group, my primary concern is diffusing the tension while maintaining collegiality within the group and moving toward successful completion of our coursework. There is a clear difference in perspectives and its important to mediate the conversation. The most important first step is to actively listen to both sides to promote understanding, so I would ask probing questions to understand why the different parties feel the way they do, and to more fully understand everyone's perspectives and priorities. For everyone to be able to voice their concerns, they must feel that they are in a safe, fair, and accepting space. I would validate Mike and John's feelings with regards to their frustrations about feeling that Sarah doesn't come prepared; but I would also validate Sarah's feelings around being occupied with other material. Sarah has also indicated that she has been under a lot of stress, so I would speak privately with her, in order to determine whether she was dealing with a personal matter or emergency. I would help her identify any barriers which may be impeding her ability to prepare for these sessions. Based on the information provided, I would refer her to campus resources for support, if appropriate (e.g., academic counsellor, mental wellness office, accessibility services, etc.). After speaking with all parties, I would help reset group expectations by reaffirming our goals, expectations, and roles within the group, while also fostering a collegial environment by demonstrating respect and understanding. After everyone's expectations are established, I would follow up with my colleagues at our next study session to ensure we are all on track. As well, I would again speak with Sarah privately to check in on her overall wellbeing. 2. Do you agree with the two students who are upset with Sarah? Why or why not? As mentioned above, I can understand where the two male students' frustrations are stemming from. Their feelings need to be validated, but, as stated above, both the perspectives of Sarah and the male students needs to be explored and shared with each other. Once that is done, common ground needs to be established regarding expectations. If Sarah has indeed not been preparing for the sessions, and this was not due to extenuating circumstances, then I would agree with the two male students' feelings, because, as a member of the group, everyone needs to contribute equally. However, it is important to obtain Sarah's perspective and to help her overcome barriers which are hindering her contribution. While I understand the other students' frustrations, they may be upset over something completely out of Sarah's control. 3. What suggestions can you make to help the group function better going forward? As mentioned above, airing of grievances is important followed by establishing clear expectations. Allowing all parties to air grievances, and making space for other members to defend themselves, gives everyone an equal opportunity to share their perspective. Setting expectations allows everyone to be aware of minimum requirements to be part of the group. Such expectations can be determined collectively, with everyone offering input on their perceived "best practices" for group membership. Finally, for the betterment of the group's experience, exploring barriers which are hindering group members from participating is in everyone's favor and should be pursued as a group. Once barriers are identified, then strategies to overcome these barriers can be implemented, allowing all group members to be contributing members. If at any time I felt as though professional support or advice would be beneficial to this process, I would reach out to our professor, TA, or other authority, to see what advice they might have for ensuring group cohesion.

Yes or no/policy questions

1. acknowledge both sides of the story 2. provide examples of why both sides of the story can be backed up 3. provide your stance or offer an alternative solution that can cause more benefit and less harm Formula: This is a difficult situation, which has pros and cons. The pros include , which can ultimately cause . The cons include , which can ultimately cause . I suggest because this will have a broader benefit, minimizing harm.

General question/ethical formula

1. problem identification - nonjudgemental 2. gather info - nonjudgemental approach to get clarification through personal conversation 3. offer solutions - if/then 4. summary - by doing this/I would be able to do this Formula: Although this is the situation, I want to collect all the facts before making a decision. To clarify the situation, I will have a private, non-judgemental conversation with xyz. If all is well then I will continue to xyz If all is not completely well then I will moderately adjust my actions accordingly If all is completely not well then I will take an extreme approach By getting clarification through private conversations and addressing the situation according to the facts, I will be able to handle it in the most appropriate, just, and respectful manner. The primary problem is . The secondary problem is . I completely understand that there are different sides to this situation, so I need to find the correct way to address the situation. I will gather facts in a private manner and at an appropriate time. As my relation to this person, I care about their wellbeing and will help find solutions to resolve some of their issues. I would decide to . Maybe there is something we do not know about that is contributing to the problem? Allowing us to gather all the facts will help us fully understand how to best support the situation in a respectful and efficient manner.

Empathy question

1. show empathy for the situation 2. personal example that you can use to illustrate these points 3. what you learned from your personal experience 4. relate it to the future Formula: The difficult impact of the situation on their wellbeing/autonomy/safety/quality of life. I have personally experienced/witnessed similar difficulties with my family/friends/community and it impacted their lives by xyz. I learned the importance of physical/mental wellbeing I will apply this lesson to the future by thoughtfully approaching these situations, prioritizing respect for autonomy, health, and safety. Fill in the blanks: This situation can negatively impact their overall quality of life, compromising their wellbeing, safety, and autonomy. I have personally witnessed similar difficulties with my loved ones and it impacted their lives by preventing them from accessing living necessities and engaging in activities that brought them joy and promoted wellbeing, like going to the gym. Public transport was limited where they lived, which left them dependent on others who often were busy. Thus, the outlined situation could have a large negative impact on their overall wellbeing. It is crucial to recognize what is important to them and find ways to help them continue to do those activities while promoting autonomy and wellness, even in these situations.

Personal questions

1. summary of what you are going to address (Ex: who you are based off what people have said) 2. an example - the problem you solved, your intervention, the result, the lesson learned (importance of listening, perspective gathering, team-based problem solving) 3. future application (I will strive to be a leader who first addressed changes to my own behavior to have the capacity to help others address theirs). Formula: A summary of what you are going to address/repeat of the sentence and how it pertains to you. An example of the problem you solved by xyz My intervention caused xyz which was beneficial to all parties involved. This resulted in xyz I learned that the importance of xyz (listening, perspective gathering, team-based problem solving) will benefit individuals and the community by xyz. In the future, I will continue to strive to be a leader who recognizes/addresses my own behavior to have the capacity to help others, appropriately. Fill in the blank: Repeat sentence and a summary of example to follow. What u did. Why did u do this. What was its importance. How does this impact your future. Repeat sentence and summarize an example that you are going to address to answer this question. My intervention of was beneficial to . This resulted in . I learned that the importance of xyz (listening, perspective gathering, team-based problem solving) will benefit individuals and the community by xyz. In the future, I will continue to strive to be a leader who recognizes/addresses my own behavior to have the capacity to help others, appropriately What type of xyz are you/are you a leader or a follower? Ans: People have told me that I am a leader. What is a difficulty you have overcome? A difficulty I've overcome was talking to my grandmother on her deathbed and comforting my entire family, especially my mom because she was most closest to her. I spent every day for a week with my mom, allowing her to vent and cry. She lives alone and I wanted to make sure she had someone to talk to and was taking care of herself, both physically and mentally. Being my family's support system during difficult times was important to everyone's wellbeing. I will continue to cherish my grandmother's life, and support my loved ones throughout difficult times by promoting love, empathy, and strength.

A time when you problem solved.

A. As an administrative coordinator working at a healthcare management company, I was tasked with a special project to improve my team's efficiency. I worked with the head programmer and vice president of my department to develop a new workflow, by re-organizing our database and updating the search capabilities. I was able to test the new search functions and found that the new process increased our efficiency by 5%. B. As a medical billing assistant at a new healthcare start-up, I conducted monthly audits of unbilled claims and help reduce the backlog from over 8 months down to a month. To accomplish this, I developed a streamlined process that reviewed each claim, corrected patient accounts by either contacting the medical provider or patient directly, and contacted health insurance company representatives. WIth billing medical claims, any small inaccuracy ended with a denial of coverage. I was able to find the most common inaccuracies and address it in the process I developed and included in the job manual for new employees.

A time when you were empathetic

A. I was working as an EMT and transporting a distraught father and his three young children after a traffic accident, where no one was seriously hurt. The father sat in the front passenger seat next to me and was becoming increasingly agitated at the routine questions my partner was asking for the patient care report. While we were on the freeway, he started demanding to be let off with his children, taking this seatbelt off and turning around to threaten my partner. I was able to keep my composure and tell him that while he had the right to leave, it was my duty to ensure their safety by finding a safe place to park and let them off. While I was exiting the freeway, I listened to his fears about his insurance, de-escalating the situation. I believe it was my active listening skills and empathy about his situation that convinced him that it was best to make sure his children were safe by agreeing again to be taken to the hospital. C. When I remembered a family member's name, they asked me to weigh in on the doctor's words. By listening to them and taking the time to get to know them as people, they felt more appreciated, building trust.

A time when you exhibited good communication.

A. When I was on the Philantrophy Committee and in charge of my sorority's yearly philantropy event, one of my members informed me a couple of days before an important deadline that she would not be able to complete her task in time. She had a presentation for a campus research conference that week. Although none of the other team members approached me, I knew a couple of the other girls were also presenting at that conference. I discretely approached them and asked if they also needed help in meeting their deadlines. After determining that another student was eager for help, I was able to reassign their tasks to those who were able to spare the time. By communicating with my team members, I felt like we were able to make key deadlines that allowed our philantropy event to run smoothly. I was even able to watch my friend present her research project later that week.

One member of your student group, Sue, is showing up unprepared and not contributing. She blames this shortcoming on a paper she had to write, but the other members argue that they were responsible for the same paper yet still managed to show up prepared. Two other members begin confronting Sue about the problem. Question 1: You are a member of the study group and have not participated in the interaction so far, but now the group is looking to you. How would you defuse this situation?

ALWAYS BE SEARCHING... Part of what makes ethical dilemma questions tricky is their missing information. They don't usually give you everything you need to know to make a clear decision. In this case, you don't know anything about Sue's life or responsibilities beyond her apparent lack of group work and her questionable excuse. That's why you should always be searching. At first, you need to give her the benefit of the doubt and ask tactful, non-accusatory questions that might reveal whether she's withholding important information from the group. Maybe something like, "Is there anything going on outside of class that's causing a distraction? Is there any way we could help?" Keep your questions general, and voice them from a position of concern. Perhaps one of Sue's close family members passed away, or maybe she's stuck in an abusive relationship. Those might sound like extreme scenarios, but you can't make any assumptions. For all you know, there's a deep, terrible root to the much smaller problem in front of you. USE IF/THEN CONDITIONAL STATEMENTS... It's good to use conditional statements in your CASPer answers. For example: "If the group discovered a serious personal issue in Sue's life, I would offer to help Sue find support on campus and suggest talking to the professor as a group to explain the situation." "If Sue hesitated to give us a valid excuse, but seemed troubled, I would try to talk to her in private after the group meeting in case she was too embarrassed or afraid to speak in front of the group." "If it appears that Sue is simply neglecting her duties, I would try to re-establish a set of expectations for the group and have everyone sign off on them." "If Sue didn't correct her actions over the next few meetings, I would inform the professor about the situation and ask for his or her guidance." These conditional statements are like a cheat code for ethical dilemmas, because they let you create your own criteria for answering the question, while also showing yourself as someone who can think ahead and anticipate different outcomes. APPEAL TO A HIGHER AUTHORITY... In some ethical dilemmas, you can escape or skirt the decision-making process by calling upon some higher authority. There's a reason why we have laws as a society and why we have bosses in the workplace. We need strict rules and arbiters of the system so that we can navigate these grey ethical areas that present themselves. Sure, you want to explore all other options first. But in some cases, you won't be left with that many choices. It's important to know about the legal issues that apply to you as a student, a potential doctor, or a resident of your city/state. In some situations, you'll be limited by confidentiality, or oppositely, you'll be obligated to report a serious safety concern. Don't use these higher authorities as a cop-out, but definitely call upon them when appropriate.

A time when you were collaborative.

As an EMT working in an underserved community, my partner and I developed efficient partnership in order to handle the high call volume. Since he was training to be a firefighter and very physically fit, he would take point on the heavy lifting of patients. Since I was interested in learning more about patient care, I would take point in the patient assessments. Together, we were able to respond to over 20 calls on some days. The medics we worked with would compliment the synergy and teamwork we had.

Name a time when you had a problem within a team.

As a new EMT working in an underserved community, my (also new) partner would rush into dangerous situations. I was very uncomfortable with it, as it was against protocol and I worried about our safety. After he rushed into a stabbing without police backup, I spoke with him afterward and told him how I felt. As partners, our duties included making sure each other was safe. After that, we had a more collaborative partnership and made sure we were as safe as we could be.

From time to time, we deal with conflict in some form. Briefly describe a time when you experienced conflict. How did you react?

As an ER technician, I have encountered numerous patients and family members who are upset. One time, during COVID-19, a family member was extremely distraught, yelling and crying about our strict no-visitor policy. Since I was the screener at that time, it was my responsibility to enforce the rule. I felt pressured to let them in, but I stayed calm and understanding. I went into "active listening mode," and empathized with their frustration. They appreciated my empathy, which allowed me to explain to them that the strict policies were for their and our patient's safety. I gave them the nurses line so they could call in for updates, which they greatly appreciated.

What responsibility, if any do current generations have for future generations? Explain your answer.

As we rely on this planet for our resources and shelter, we have the responsibility to maintain this earth for our future generations. As we provide education, groceries, and homes for our children to grow up with, we should provide a livable earth for all future children. Our earth also has intrinsic value and we must preserve it.

Imagine that you witness your attending doing something that in your opinion does not fit the standard of care. How would you react?

Ask them about it in a non confrontational way, and likely there was some reason I was not aware of that they did something differently. If there is not something I was not aware of and they really did something outside the standard of care, I would approach my superior about this and just let them know what happened. This would allow them to do more investigation and take appropriate action such as having the attending do extra training in that area?

From time to time, we are all faced with conflict in some form. With experience, we learn to deal with different forms of conflict. Question 1: Describe a time when you had to deal with conflict and how you coped with it? Question 2: How might you handle a similar situation differently should it arise again? Question 3: What would be your strategy if you were faced with a conflict that cannot be resolved?

BE PREPARED TO SHARE PERSONAL STORIES... Before the CASPer, re-read your primary and secondary essays. Take a mental note of the different "genres" of questions you might be asked: A time you failed A time you had a serious disagreement A time you worked with others unlike yourself A time you navigated a personal crisis (yours or someone else's) A time you received unfair treatment or criticism You might not have a pre-written answer for all of these, or you might have one example that works for all of them. Either way, it's good to take inventory of your word bank of answers, so that you can quickly recall and utilize those stories when needed. You can't copy/paste, so make sure to learn them well enough to paraphrase. FOCUS MOSTLY ON THE LESSONS INVOLVED... Since you have limited time, try to move through your presentation of the problem as quickly as possible. If you want to include a few extenuating circumstances, that's fine, but don't editorialize things too much. Just state what happened and own up to any mistakes you made along the way. The schools care more about how you processed the event and learned from it moving forward. The prompt uses hypothetical language (What would be your strategy if...), but that doesn't mean you can't answer it with real events and evidence. If you've already applied the lessons from your conflict/failure to other facets of your life, then sharing those examples is probably your most compelling answer. AVOID RED FLAGS... Medical schools want candidates who seem stable, level-headed, and objective enough to own up to their shortcomings. Oppositely, they do not want students who seem volatile, resentful, or clouded by bias. Please please please do not choose stories about dealing with anxiety, or stories about your inability to handle stress. Also avoid anything that's too fresh, like a recent fight with a roommate or a recent unfair policy at work. You need distance from the event to write about it properly. Don't choose something if you're still harboring any negativity about the situation, since that's likely to come out in your essays. When possible, avoid focusing on internal conflicts (doubt, depression, fear, etc.) and instead utilize stories that primarily hinge on external conflicts (deadlines, unexpected obstacles, etc.). You want to show yourself navigating your environment and circumstances, rather than navigating your own inner battles.

When selecting individuals for professional school, what do you think is more important: academic performance and standardized test scores or their ability to demonstrate professional-type behaviors across a variety of settings?

Both academic and professional-type behaviors are important for professional school. Academic performance demonstrates student's ability to handle the rigors of graduate-level learning. Since most, if not all, graduate schools and the professions they train for requires networking and collaboration, professional-type behaviors are also very important. Academic performance and standardized test scores have been demonstrated to discriminate against lower-socioeconomic groups, while not always indicating future professional performance. I would argue that professional-type behaviors are more important when selecting individuals for professional school, given the short-comings of standardized test scores.

You work at a retail store. A customer wants to return an item for an $80.00 cash refund without a receipt, which is against the store policy. She pleads her case, explaining that she needs the money for her child's prescription. Your manager is unavailable, so as the most experienced employee, you must advise a younger salesperson and make the final decision. Question 1: What do you tell the other employee - go ahead and give the refund or abide by store policy? Justify your answer. Question 2: Assume you advise the newer employee not to give the refund, but she does anyway. Do you report this to your supervisor? Why or why not? Question 3: If you were asked to establish a policy for a new store around refunds, what aspects would you take into consideration?

DON'T BE THE EXCEPTION TO THE RULE... As tempting as it is to make an exception for this poor mother who needs quick cash, it's not your place in this situation to override store policy. You have already offered the customer store credit and explained that she cannot get a refund without a receipt. Your hands are tied. The customer's story about her child might be compelling, but that doesn't make it true, and it's not a sufficient enough reason to break an established rule. Also, it could potentially be unwise to bend the rules in front of the younger employee, since it might set a bad example or precedent. There's always the small chance that the younger employee will report YOU to your boss. Moral of the story: there's not enough information here for you to safely break the rules. You could maybe use some if/then conditional statements to help justify why you'd give the refund, or help explain what you'd do to follow through and find a possible compromise. But remember that there can be a slippery slope when it comes to making exceptions, so you'll need to cover your bases well. SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO BE A TATTLE-TALE... If the younger employee chooses to give the refund against your advice, you immediately become obligated to take action. In some other settings, like a group project or a student organization, it would be best to confront the student/colleague first before reporting him or her to your supervisor. However, in this scenario, you're clearly in a place of employment, and you've likely signed a contract to abide by certain company policies. By not reporting the broken rule, you become an accomplice, and if the transgression is discovered, you might be viewed as equally culpable. For the sake of civility, you should definitely tell the younger employee about your plans to inform your boss about the break in policy. That way she won't be surprised or feel deceived. It will also give her the chance to reach out to your boss on her own. BE FORWARD THINKING... If you felt frustrated or limited by the first two questions, you can take some solace in the third one, which lets you to create new policy surrounding refunds. Rather than dwell too much on the unfortunate incident with the present customer, focus more on how this situation could be avoided moving forward. One possible option would be to establish a better tracking system, so that a particular product could be confirmed as bought in a specific store's location at a certain date and time. At the very least, that information would help you corroborate a customer's story about when and where the item was purchased. It would also be wise to seek your supervisor's counsel and inquire about what circumstances would justify overriding the refund policy. If there are any stipulations or exceptions to the rule, you should take careful notes and share this information with other employees. That way, if you need to make a judgment call in the future, the staff will be better prepared. If customers are allowed to pay in cash, it will be much harder to establish a consistent and fair policy. It might be smart to limit cash purchases to items under $20 dollars, since that's the largest refund the employees are allowed to give in the current scenario. For larger purchases, you could limit customers to traceable payment methods.

Why is diversity important?

Diversity and inclusion are important, especially in healthcare, as our patients come from all walks of life and we need to address our own biases to ensure that all patients get the best treatment. A diverse team lends different perspectives, allows everyone on the team to feel included and welcome. It is not only racial, as it also encompasses sexual orientation, gender, religion, physical differences and more. A diverse team will also lead to cultural competence, which is important for providing quality care.

Why is it important to have a diverse workplace?

Diversity and inclusion are important, especially in healthcare, as our patients come from all walks of life and we need to address our own biases to ensure that all patients get the best treatment. A diverse team lends different perspectives, allows everyone on the team to feel included and welcome. It is not only racial, as it also encompasses sexual orientation, gender, religion, physical differences and more. A diverse team will also lead to cultural competence, which is important for providing quality care.

Physician assisted suicide: the facts

Doctor provides the medications but the patient must administer it themselves, they chooses if and when to administer it. Euthanasia is a third party administering it and is illegal. Different from withdrawing/refusing life saving treatment. Competent people should be able to determine the timing and manner in which they die.

How can widespread social media use and data collection benefit our society?

During COVID-19, the government and other health groups used social media platforms to disseminate information to help the public stay safe. By spreading verified facts about masks and social-distancing, authorities combat the spread of misinformation and help "lower the curve" of infections. It is my hope that in the future, authorities continue to utilize this important and powerful messaging tool to keep the public informed of the truth and safe.

How can you advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace?

First, I would make sure to identify my biases and work on them. I would call out acts of discrimination when I see it in the workplace. I would also advocate for a diversity committee or workshop to make sure we can develop long term solutions to building a more inclusive workplace. If I was in a leadership position, I would make sure our hiring practices were fair to all applicants. If our applicant pool is not representative of the population, I would also propose outreach measures to reach diverse, qualified individuals.

Why is equity important?

Equality is important because everyone deserves fair treatment and opportunities. Discrimination against the color of your skin, socioeconomic circumstances, or where you live has far-reaching effects that lead to early death and poorer quality of life. Health is influenced by more than the interactions between a clinician and a patient. We must be cognizant and address the health inequities caused by social determinants, such as socioeconomic disparities, lack of green spaces, food deserts, access to health services, and poor education and literacy. Through education, outreach, and community activism, we can influence the well-being of neighborhoods. <revise>

Maintaining work-life balance can be challenging. Why do you think people struggle to find a balance?

For many work and life are equally as important, thus the difficulty of maintaining a balance. Many times work is not confined to the office and can reach into our personal lives, which prevents set boundaries. On the other hand, life includes children and family, which also cannot be confined to a specific time or location. With smartphones, our employers can reach us via email or a phone call and expect a quick reply, even when we are home or elsewhere. Similarly, we need to be able to reach our families, especially in case of emergencies, even when we are at work.

How do you manage stress in your life?

For me, stress is combated through organization. When I am stressed, I know it is because I have not simplified whatever is worrying me. I am constantly making lists and keep a detailed planner/journal. If the situation calls for it, I also meditate, especially for events like an interview or tough work day. In addition, I have learned that sometimes all it takes is one night's rest and whatever is causing me stress seems less overwhelming.

Recall a group situation when the group did not do what you wanted.

Genetics group not splitting up work like I wanted them to and taking a lot longer than I wanted. Decided that everyone does the research and then come back together and discuss.

Describe one time when your boss had to confront you about an issue with your work.

Had new student at Kumon, very young about 3 years old. Usually work with older students and use a I say you say method. My boss told me I was doing it incorrectly with the student, only had to have him repeat after me. I did not know about this before.

What motivates you (in general)?

I am motivated by making a difference and helping others. It is part of the reason I am pursuing a career as a PA—I know I will enjoy serving others, especially the disadvantaged. It is why I enjoy community service in all settings and why I chose to become an instructor—to help students achieve their goals. I also value other's opinion of me and strive to be friendly, agreeable, and compassionate. Also, I love working under pressure, which is why I chose to be an EMT and work in underserved communities. Being in the ER has also been fulfilling for me, being able to help others, and having to think on my feet.

What would make you a good PA?

I believe a solid education and good clinical experiences will help me be a good PA. A solid education will include honing my critical thinking skills so I can make good clinical decisions for my patients. Clinical experiences during PA school will also assist my learning, so I can see first hand what PAs do and practice. Clinical experiences will also allow me to network and learn from other PAs.

What type of feedback do you like to receive?

I believe good feedback involves both positive and negative reinforcement. Although I appreciate it when others point out things I have done well, I also like to know what I could improve on so I could perform better next time.

What makes effective teams?

I believe team members should be communicative and dependable. Each member should uphold their responsibilities and communicate any problems. Through communication and dependability, trust can be built, which creates effective teams. <example in the ER>

Working with difficult people.

I believe the difficulty is in the relationship, not simply the person. There were a couple of patients who would frequently show up in the ED that would frustrate many of the clinicians. Whenever I would work with these patients, I would check my frustration and bias before going into the room. Once I'm in there with the patient, I have a clear agenda and set boundaries with them. I always take the time to listen to their concerns and empathize with their situation. These strategies have helped me many times and my conversations with them have usually been positive and fruitful. I usually get along with most of my coworkers and bosses. When I was working as a student on the campus library, I had a difficult time while working with another student worker. His unfriendly behavior was lowering my overall job satisfaction and performance. I pulled him aside one day after work and told him how his behavior was making me feel. Surprisingly, he apologizes, saying that he was overwhelmed with schoolwork, which was affecting his behavior at work. After that, he was friendlier and I was more understanding.

Why DO?

I chose DO because I wanted a career where I would be passionate about my work and enjoy for the rest of my life. I love helping others and solving problems, which drew me to the healthcare sector. However, the DO profession stood out to me because of its emphasis on helping the underserved, job flexibility, potential for lateral mobility between specialties, astounding job growth, and medical education model. In addition, I love the collaborative aspect of this job and knew I would enjoy the partnership with a supervising physician.

What do you anticipate to be some of the biggest challenges in pursuing a career as a PA?

I chose PA because I knew I would love this job and I am excited to tackle any challenge to pursue this career. I understand the academic rigors of PA programs will be challenging, but I look forward to learning as much as I could about medicine. I understand programs are difficult because they are preparing us to make clinical decisions that will affect the lives of others.

What motivates you to become a MD/DO?

I chose this profession because of it's humanitarianism, as I am motivated by making a difference and serving others. In addition, this career will allow me to increase access to quality medical care to underserved areas, like the areas I grew up in. I believe that health is a human right, and wish to increase the well-being of my community so everyone, including the marginalized, can enjoy healthy, happy lives. In addition, knowing that I will enjoy good job prospects

Think of a time when you had to make a sacrifice in order to accomplish a goal. Do you regret your decision to make this sacrifice? Why or why not?

I decided to take the offer, as the larger hospital had PAs whom I could work closely with and the current hospital did not. I was pre-PA, so this opportunity allowed me to network and learn more about the field I was pursuing, which was worth it in the end. Although I had to work the night shift for 6 more months, I believe the benefits outweighed the costs.

What makes you mad?

I don't get angry often, but injustice is one thing that does make me angry. If I believe something is unfair, I will get angry. In that situation, I assess whether or not I can make a difference, and if I can, I try to facilitate change. If I can't, I try to accept the situation and reframe it or use it as an opportunity to learn a lesson about how I will not do things or treat others.

Q1: Recall a situation where someone else's work or excellence benefited you, either undeservedly or disproportionately.

I had to do a powerpoint presentation at the end of my summer studentship. However, it took me many months to figure out the protocol therefore I did not have very strong results. My post-doctoral fellow was kind enough to let me borrow some images from her work for the background information and expected results.

What did you learn from this situation that can be applied to your future career?

I learned that I am capable of sacrificing short term discomfort in order to achieve my goals, especially if I deem that goal to be worth it. I would sometimes had to work my day and night jobs back to back. I know as a new PA, I will not have the luxury of choosing my work schedule, but I know I could tough it out to gain the experience I need.

What makes you happy?

I like helping others and making a difference. Hence I have enjoyed all my community service projects. I also enjoy setting goals and achieving them.

Why do you want to pursue a job in the medical field?

I like patients, I love medicine, I also think I would be very good at it. Wish to restore confidence and normalcy in patients' lives, whether its a runny nose or digestion problems.

Have you ever been at odds with a coworker? How did you handle this?

I manage ordering for my lab at UT southwestern, one of the post-docs I work with comes to me asking questions constantly about orders. During meetings he used to put blame on me for orders not coming through on time.

Name a time in your life you had to persevere toward a goal.

I switched career paths four years ago and have persevered and juggled patient care jobs, additional classes, volunteering, and networking in a field where I had no connections to before. I have had to work 60 hour weeks while taking science courses like physiology and anatomy, which has strengthened my time management and organizational skills. I have connected to individuals from all walks of life as an EMT and ER technician in underserved communities. Although these 4 years have been tough, I have loved the process and believe I have improved my character and abilities through perseverance.

Discuss the importance of truth telling and honesty in medicine.

I think truth telling is extremely important in medicine. This can be in many different contexts. If a patient is doing well, I believe that they should know that. Also, being honest with patients about their habits and how they can affect their health (smoking, poor diet) Telling the truth, even when it is hard, is important in medicine. If you make a mistake, you need to tell the patient that and apologize. I believe being fairly transparent with patients is a positive thing.

Name a time you failed at something.

I was not accepted in medical school the first time I applied. It was devastating and meant that I would have to delay my plans for one more year. However, I knew I had to take advantage of that year to make myself a better applicant and potential medical student. I utilized that time to gain more patient care experience, improve my GPA, volunteer, and network with other PAs. By the time of the next application cycle, I was optimistic and excited to try again. My first quarter at college was overwhelming. I was not prepared for the rigorous academics and moving far away from my family. I received a Ds that quarter because of my high school study habits which included late nights of cramming and procrastination. However, through the next year, I experimented with different study strategies and ended up on the Dean's honor list by the last quarter of freshman year. I also had to address my mental health and sought counseling for my depression and homesickness. This experience taught me to the value of organization, strategic planning, and protecting my mental health.

Describe a time when you came into conflict with an authority figure and how you dealt with it?

I was told to learn mouse surgery in order to improve our work in the lab. I practiced for a month and made no progress on it. I talked to my PI and asked to change my assignment, because I felt I haven't improved over so much time.

Professionalism.

I was working as an EMT and transporting a distraught father and his three young children after a traffic accident, where no one was seriously hurt. The father sat in the front passenger seat next to me and was becoming increasingly agitated at the routine questions my partner was asking for the patient care report. While we were on the freeway, he started demanding to be let off with his children, taking this seatbelt off and turning around to threaten my partner. I was able to keep my composure and tell him that while he had the right to leave, it was my duty to ensure their safety by finding a safe place to park and let them off. While I was exiting the freeway, I listened to his fears about his insurance, de-escalating the situation. I believe it was my active listening skills and empathy about his situation that convinced him that it was best to make sure his children were safe by agreeing again, to be taken to the hospital.

A time you received unfair treatment or criticism

I work as a tutor and there was a time when my supervisor was reprimanding a younger student for forgetting her work, I realized that the student had brought her work but my supervisor had misplaced it. I approached my supervisor and told her that the student had brought her work and had given it to my supervisor. This was exactly criticism but I am standing up for the student.

A time when you worked with others unlike yourself

I work in a lab with much older people. Immunology group - different writing style, format, etc

You are asked to put three items into a time capsule, which will be opened in 300 years. This time capsule is intended to reflect the areas of humanity that are going well, and those that need improvement, in the current year. What items would you put in the capsule? Explain your response.

I would place Falcon X, the new commercial rocket created by Space X and is the brainchild of Elon Musk. Many would argue that Falcon X is the pinnacle of space technology that we have today. Elon Musk is arguably the Newton or Leonardo Da Vinci of our time, as an inventor. I would also place a Pangolin scale or White Rhino Horn indicating the mass extinction and wildlife exploitation that is occurring at this time due to human activity and habitat destruction.

You are the manager of an office, where lunches have been missing from the common kitchen. Two of your team members, who sit near the lunchroom, have noticed the cleaning staff going in and out of the lunchroom at odd hours, they want you to confront them. What would you say to your team members?

I would recognize that I do not have all of the facts in this situation, and try to find more information before jumping to conclusions. I would interview them privately. If they have substantiated observations of wrong-doing by the cleaning staff, then I would have a private meeting with the cleaning staff manager informing them of what has been going on (without implicating anyone). Together, we can work to help the offenders rehabilitate their behavior.

What is your biggest weakness?

I've had to work on relaying information in a succinct manner and concentrating the delivery on what is most important. As an EMT giving reports to the ER nurse, I tended to include everything since I wanted to overcompensate for my inexperience. It was only when working more closely with clinicians as an ER technician, that I realized my inefficiency made it harder for others to determine what was important, as some clinicians would kindly ask me to summarize what I had said. I started to analyze the information passed on to me and convey only what was important.

You are the professor at a university, and a student approaches you asking for a "strong" letter of recommendation. The student was caught cheating last year, and a colleague told you that he "threw a tantrum." If you did write the letter, would you mention what your colleague had said about the student, why or why not?

If I did write the letter, I would rather use the facts and my personal observations of the student. I do not know exactly what transpired between their conversation, and I do not know if there was a miscommunication or possible exaggeration of the student's behavior. This letter will seriously impact the academic and possibly professional future of this student, I would hesitate to include information that I do not know firsthand of.

If you could choose any other career what would it be?

If I was not pursuing PA or anything healthcare related, I would love to be involved with animal and environmental conservation. I was an Ecology and Evolutionary Biology major in college, and I took many classes in conservation, marine life, and animal behavior. There are many species and habitats facing extinction, and I feel compelled to help and preserve the precious biodiversity we have. In many ways, it's similar to my desire to become a PA, I want to help those who are marginalized and underserved and protect their well-being.

Describe a situation you have had with a difficult patient.

In the pharmacy, we had a difficult patient who always came in stressed. Frequently, she would throw papers at new people who did not know that she didn't want the information papers that come with the prescriptions. When I dealt with her, I would usually listen to whatever present concern she had and try my best to fix it. I had no clue at the time what she was going through in her life, and did not want to think that she was just a mean person. When coworkers worked with her, I would usually warn them and let them know her preferences. After a while of listening to her issues and trying to start a conversation with her during the encounter, she started to be more polite in her dealings. I believe the fact that I treated her normally and did what I could for her helped build a mutual respect between us

From time to time, we deal with conflict in some form. Consider how the other person in the scenario acted. Do you think they handled the situation appropriately? Why or why not?

In times of crisis, such as your son being taken to the ER because of a heart attack, being emotional and distraught is understandable and warranted. With a crisis like fearing for your son's life, there is a large range of acceptable behaviors, as individuals process emotions differently.

Should it be the doctor or patients decision for physician assisted suicide

It should be both. On the patient's end, the should make sure this is what they really want. On the doctor's side, they need to make sure that it is medically futile for them to be alive any longer and make sure that they are comfortable with this decision and can live with themselves after. If the doctor is not comfortable with this, they should not be forced to do it

Think of a time where you made a sacrifice to accomplish a goal

Leaving scribing to try out a new field.

You are the professor at a university, and a student approaches you asking for a "strong" letter of recommendation. The student was caught cheating last year, and a colleague told you that he "threw a tantrum." What would you say to the student?

My biggest concern is my student's well-being, as well as the academic integrity of my office and the university. I would gather more information from the colleague and the student, privately and non-judgmentally before jumping to conclusions. If it turns out the student did cheat and act unprofessionally, but the student demonstrated maturity and learned from the situation, then I would agree to write the letter of recommendation. However, if the student still unprofessional when asked about the situation, then I would have to regretfully decline writing the letter of support.

Consider a time when you faced a difficult situation. What would you do differently if you experienced a similar situation again? Explain your answer.

Looking back I could have also requested security to help out instead of dealing with the situation on my own. Speaking with them took some time, in which patients and visitors had to wait outside in line to come in. Security or other people would have helped me resolve the situation much quicker.

Describe a time in your life when you had to tell someone a hard truth. What did you learn from the experience?

My entire life, my parents have had bad diets that they passed on to my brother and I. About a year ago, my mother had labs done to assess her A1C and the results came back that she was verging on being type 2 diabetic. She had been hearing it from her doctors for years, but never made any changes. I had to sit her down with my brother and let her know that we were scared for her and she needs to make a change. We needed our mom even though we're growing up and want her to live a happy healthy life. In the end, she knew she needed to make a change but had been ignoring it for so long. I learned form that that if someone is really important to me I need to let them know and sometimes that is all the push they need to make changes. My mother is now in better health and has worked with my father to lead a healthier life.

Time when you handled conflict

Officer not doing her job in her position, gave her many warnings, tried to see if there was anything we could help with. After many warnings, we discovered that the real issue was work and school was too much. After discussing, she decided it was too much responsibility and split her duties among officers

PPRDJ

Problem Perspective Responsibility Decision Justification 1. State the problem 2. Empathize for both sides (I completely understand the other member's frustrations, but there might be a valid reason why xyz is happening) 3. Gather information from the primary person that's causing the issue in a private manner and appropriate time. As this person's friend/classmate/etc I want to make sure everything is OK with xyz, and also help find some strategies to resolve some of the xyz issue. 4. I would (ration decision). Maybe there is something going on in her life that we don't know about? 5. Letting xyz explain their situation fully will help us understand how we can best support xyz's efforts. 1. Fill in the blanks, 2. if you have time make it more specific to the problem/add details: The primary problem is . The secondary problem is . I completely understand that there are different sides to this situation, so I need to find the exact reason why this is happening. I will gather facts in a private manner and at an appropriate time. As my relation to this person, I care about their wellbeing and will help find solutions to resolve some of their issues. I would decide to . Maybe there is something we do not know about that is contributing to the problem? Allowing us to gather all the facts will help us fully understand how to best support the situation in a respectful and efficient manner.

Other formulas

Problem How to Solve Benefits of it What - what is the issue So what - why it's important Now what - what's coming Reiterate the question/problem Gather Info Apply the info Consider the implications Explore other points of view

A time you navigated a personal crisis (yours or someone else's)

Problem with mom. Open conversation, not getting mad, letting go.

What does it mean to be a professional?

Professionals have a fiduciary duty towards those they serve. This means that professionals must act in good faith towards patients. Their decisions and actions must serve the welfare of their patients or clients. Members of a profession should have and obey a code of ethics which includes accountability, altruism, excellence, honor, and integrity.

Physician assisted suicide

Since this is such a hot topic in today's society it is important to look at both sides of the argument. On the pro side it can be helpful to eliminate unbearable pain that the terminal patient might be going through as well as giving individuals a choice and more freedom. However, on the con side it is unethical to allow someone to die before it is naturally time and violates the Hippocratic oath, devalues life. I think it depends in what state the patient is in. If they are begging for death and it is cruel to keep them alive, then I believe this is okay. If someone has an awful disease that will progress to where they are a shell of themselves, I can understand them wanting a good death. I think I would have to talk to the patient about what a good death means to them, and if that means they really truly do not want to live like that, I think it is okay. This would only work in the most severe of circumstances and would have to be carefully monitored.

What are some other ways in which widespread social media use, and the resulting data collection, could negatively impact our society?

Social media has the power to connect individuals and ideas from all around the world, but this also comes at a price. From promoting negative body images to our youth to disseminating false information like anti-vaccination propaganda, there are serious consequences to these platforms. Data collection can also be used against the public like China's media surveillance to subdue peaceful protests or collecting information on consumer behaviors to encourage sugary foods in youth.

Do you believe that one false or inappropriate post on social media can have a lasting effect on someone's career? Explain your response.

Social media is a powerful tool that can be used by professionals for educational, networking, and social purposes and requires careful consideration by the professional. Even posts shared on private accounts can be leaked or distributed online, preventing redaction or removal from the web. Thus, inappropriate or unethical posts and images can have a lasting effect on someone's career. As professionals, the public views our actions as representative of our profession, thus we must act accordingly.

What is the greatest challenge you have ever faced and what did you do to overcome it?

Studying for the MCAT and working at the same time.

Obstacle you overcome

Studying for the MCAT and working in research

What is your biggest strength?

The most common compliment or positive feedback I have received is on my cheerful attitude and friendliness. I really enjoy talking and working with others, which is part of the reason why I have chosen to pursue PA. Even when working long hours, I tend to be upbeat.

Describe a time you had an ethical dilemma and how you resolved it.

When I was a new tech working nights, we had a patient, Jane Doe, who come to the ER frequently and upset the nurses with her behavior. One time a physician ordered eye drops for her. The nurse I was working with was annoyed and ask me to just flush Jane's eyes out with water. I refused and politely asked her if she would be able to complete the order. To help out, I offered to complete the vitals for her other patients so she would be less stressed.

A time you worked with others unlike yourself

When I was volunteering at a monastery in Rome, it was an eye-opening experience cooking with the nuns and serving the homeless people of the city. We made pasta, and different breads, and prepared soup for them as well. We gave them supplies and bedding and prepped rooms for them as well if they needed to stay. There was also a piano where I would play some songs I remembered from high school. I had taken some Italian so I could converse with them very little, but many of them had little experience around an Asian American. They were really innocent in their questions and it was humbling to hear their stories of struggle and strife trying to live, for most of them, in a foreign country.

A time you received unfair treatment or criticism

When I was working as an EMT in Los Angeles, I was oftentimes the only female and always the only female Asian American. I quickly realized that the all-male firefighter crews that would respond to 911 calls with us would never speak to me and would only speak with my male partner. Even when I was completing the patient care, they would ask my partner about questions. I realized that this was just the culture of these crews and did my best to ignore my insecurities. While working here, I just tried my best, knowing that as the sole female or Asian American, I am representing these groups.

Think of a time when you had to make a sacrifice in order to accomplish a goal. Briefly describe the situation and the sacrifice you had to make.

When I was working as an ER technician at the local hospital on the night shift, I had the opportunity to switch to day shift. Getting day shift was something I was aiming for, as I had another day time job and had a very erratic sleep schedule which was impacting my physical and mental well-being. However, around the same time, I received a job offer for a position at a larger hospital, but it was for the night shift only. I decided to go for the new job since it would be a better opportunity.

How have you managed conflict with a superior in the past?

When I was working at the college campus library, a new manager's unfriendly behavior had a negative influence on my work, and I started losing motivation and job satisfaction. Eventually, I asked for a meeting and told her, in a calm and polite way, how I felt. To my surprise, she told me that she was struggling with her academic workload and not coping well. After that, she made an effort to be less critical, and I was more understanding.

Briefly describe a time when you hesitated or chose not to help someone. What were the reasons behind your dilemma?

While working as an ER technician during COVID-19, I was working as the screener when a young man rushed in and tried to get inside the ER. He was extremely agitated and distraught. I stopped him and he identified himself as the brother of a patient. When I looked up the patient, I saw that she was checked into another hospital and that she did not have any brother listed. When he asked, I refused to tell him where she was located and what her status was, citing HIPPA and patient's right to privacy. He became agitated, trying to look at my computer screen, disrupting the other patients waiting in line. I informed him he should try to contact the patient or other family members and security had to escort him out.

Consider a time when you faced a difficult situation. Do you prefer to deal with difficulty on your own or by involving other people? Explain your answer.

While working in the ER, difficult situations arise frequently, whether it is an elderly patient coding or agitated family member. Although some of these situations call for quick individual thinking, many times collaboration with many other clinicians and support staff results in the best care. By involving other people, our individual strengths combine to tackle multiple sides of a difficult situation.

When two or more people are experiencing conflict, what factors are most important to consider before trying to solve the issue? Explain your response.

With conflict, I believe communication and empathy are most important before solving the issue. I believe active listening and sharing your perspective will open up the dialogue to understanding what the other party is thinking and feeling. This allows for empathy, which establishes trust between both parties. By knowing and understanding the other side, both parties can establish a compromise that everyone agrees upon.