CASPER

*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.

*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.

*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. 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.

*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. 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.

Describe a personal challenge

(Anorexia) -I raised in a Catholic family, but as I grew older my beliefs started to move away from my parents-I would often have to explain why I did not want to go to church or why I didn't believe certain things. There would be arguments-While I was learning and accepting other belief systems, I found myself that I was not being accepting and tolerable of my parent's beliefsI came to appreciate the values I have learned through the faith I grew up in and the opportunities it afforded me.-I also came to a compromise where I would go to mass with them for the big events because I knew it made them happy.-I think going through this allowed me be better equipped to talk to and interact with people who do not allign with my views.-"Faith (in something), Hope, and Love" is something all humans want and strive for.

What quality or personality trait is most important in a physician?

*Communication* -Communicating with your patients, colleagues, and other members of the healthcare team is the key to ensure positive health outcomes in patients - Being an effective communicator can show other qualities of a good doctor: curiosity, medical knowledge, empathy etc. - Asking patients the right questions, picking up on non-verbal communication -With other healthcare members on the team clearly and succinctly asking something to get done and explaining why you need something done can ensure there is no miscommunication

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

- A patient was got up from his bed and when I walked in I asked him what is the issue.He wanted to go to the room he slept in last night, but he does not remember he slept in the room he was currently in.-He became agitated with me and a few of the nurses came in to help me deescalate the situation.-I asked him if there is something we can do to rearrange the room or make him more comfortable, I also tried to jog his memory by showing him his personal belongings that was in his closet.-The nurse that worked with the patient the previous night tried to ask if he would remember her.-Eventually his old nurse got in contact with the doctor, who verified to the patient that it was his room. The nurse established a trust with the patient and gave him his night time medications and was able to put him back into bed-This was a stressful situation for not only the patient, but for me as well. The patient was getting visibly upset with me and it would have been hard to diffuse the situation on my own. Having multiple people there ensured not only my safety, but also the patients. We were able to talk him down and work out a solution with the patient.-I was very appreciative of the nursing staff's help because they are more experienced than me when it comes to deescalating patient's emotions, and I was able to learn techniques that they used just by watching and listening.-Healthy patient outcomes are based on how I as NA or a physician can work well with others. Understanding when to ask for help and when to provide it.

Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision

- I had a friend who would procrastinate and only study the weekend before an examShe did not go through any of the study materials and would ask me to borrow mine or would ask to join my study group and listen to our discussions when she would have little to none to contribute.-Because she was my friend I let her have my study notes the first few time she did it- when she continued to do it I told her that I will only come help her when she has gone through the material at least once.- She only got through 1/2 of the unit that was going to be tested before she started crying, her roommate had to comfort her and she texted me about what was going on.- I did not like putting her roommate in that difficult situation, but I also felt that I would be capitulating to the behavior.- I decided to help her because I felt bad for her roommate for having to be in the middle of it, but after I helped her I told her that this cannot continue because I feel used and she was not putting any effort.- I think I took away how to stand up for myself, but also trying to be sympathetic of the situation and seeing the nuance in making a decision.

Imagine that you diagnose an elderly patient with a life threatening condition that requires overnight observation. The patient refuses to be treated.However, the patient's son tells you that the patient has dementia and is incapable of understanding the diagnosis or making medical decisions. The son wants you to admit the patient to the hospital against the patient's wishes.What do you do?

- I would conduct orientation exam with the patient and determine whether they have the capacity to make decisions- patients have the right to refuse but generally only if they are A+O x4 a(1) person, (2) place, (3) time, and (4) situation.and are stable psychiatrically-patient may need a POA (power of attorney) since incapable of making decisions

*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. 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 a crucial time with his wife and newborn for career progression that would provide financial security for his family in the long term. I would suggest he weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each option, both short-term and long-term.

*Maintaining a 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 personal life. The assumption is that work requires energy expenditure and life activities recharge one's energy. Sustaining a work-life balance is challenging in today's society because technology makes everyone and everything easily accessible. This allows work maters 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 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 being 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.

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*Would you recommend he take paternity leave? Why or why not?*

-Before making a recommendation, I would first gather information such as finding the company's HR policy on paternity leave and reviewing it with my co-worker. Once we understand the policy, I would help my co-worker clarify his priorities in an accepting, non-judgemental way. Does he prioritize spending his time with his wife and newborn or securing a possible promotion to help provide for his family financially? 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. Using the policy to inform us, I would support my co-worker in making a priority-based decision.

Describe a disappointment from your life/failure

-Growing up I wanted to play professional basketball- When I tried out for the high school Varsity team my junior year I got cut during the second round of cuts-I was devastated I blamed others for having connections, I blamed myself for not having the physical attributes.-I came to accept that I have weaknesses that otherwise I may not been aware of which lead me to better at reflecting on myself in other situations.-Even though I was not good enough to make the school team did not stop me from continuing playing the sport I loved (Rec Leagues, Pick up Games etc.) throughout high school and college-Opened the door for my interest in medicine

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

-You respect the pt's wishes and protect his privacy -Medical providers should not impose their personal belief or judgement on their patients -However, you can *encourage patient to openly talk about it with partner/family/friends* -provide information of risks to their partner but *ultimately its the patient's decision*

You and your friend Sarah are walking down the street on your way home from a tough day of classes. Sarah is complaining angrily to you about a particular professor and his teaching methodology. Furthermore, Sarah is threatening to submit a formal complaint about the professor to the university administration to initiate disciplinary action for his teaching style. You happen to enjoy the professor's way of teaching.

1. Given your opinion about the professor, how will you counsel Sarah about her desire to submit a complaint to the university administration? 2. If Sarah's submission of the complaint would lead to a permanent blemish on the professor's record, would you change your answer to question 1? Why or why not? 3. Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision.

Typical Steps to answer CASPer questions: 7 steps

1. REMAIN OBJECTIVE, NON-JUDGEMENTAL, NON-CONFRONTATIONAL, DO NOT JUMP INTO CONCLUSIONS 2. Private conversation with ML to gather all the facts, NON-ACCUSATORY or RUDE MANNER' 3. Concern for wellbeing and safety of all involved 4. I will act accordingly based on the evidence 5. No further action OR I'm obligated to report to authorities 6. The decision I make will solely be based on the evidence and my expertise, and not based on personal backgrounds/assumptions 7. Consult colleagues, supervisor, literature, and those involved

You are waiting in line to purchase some beer at a concert and the person next to you starts chatting and mentions that she forgot her identification. She asks if you could buy liquor for her and her friend. You think they may be underage.

1. What are some of the ethical considerations that need to be taken into account in this situation? 2. What is your decision? What circumstances would change your decision? 3. What if you knew the individual personally, and knew her age. Would that affect your decision?

You have a co-worker who is clinically diagnosed with depression. She calls in sick and unable to get out of bed very often. 6 months into the year, she has been away from work a total of 10 weeks. This is a small company with few employees, resulting in less productivity in the workplace. Moreover, she has become difficult to work with, as she is very sensitive and unable to accept any criticism.

1. What is going through your mind? 2. If you were the boss, what would you do? 3. Tell us about a time you had to support a friend or colleague during difficult times?

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?

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 neighbourhood. 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"?

*2. If you were the boss, what would you do?*

Although what she is going through is an extremely private matter, as her boss, it is important for me to reach out to her and find out how she is coping, as well find out how best the company can support her and ensure she feels like a valued member of the team as she navigates her recovery. In my information gathering process, I would request a doctor's note confirming the diagnosis of depression (similar to what is required for other ailments). The purpose of requesting the note would be to verify her claim in order to ensure I would be able to use the rights I may have through company policy to offer sick leave. I would ask if she has access to the resources she needs for recovery, for instance, has she been able to get medical help through the company's health insurance? If so, that is great, if not, it will be my responsibility to ensure she has the support she needs. During this discussion, should I learn that she has all the support she needs but is going through the journey of recovery, I would offer her the opportunity to take some paid sick leave, to allow her to pursue recovery without the additional stress of work. That would enable her to focus on recovery, but also enable me to find a temporary employee to cover her position in her absence to ensure that company goals and objectives are still achieved. When she is feels strong enough to return to work, I would ensure her job is available for her. It is important to realize that mental illness should be treated in the same way as we would a physical illness. For instance, if someone had been in a car accident and requires a few months to recover, they would be granted that opportunity, so this employee struggling with depression or similar illnesses should be granted the same opportunity.

*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.

*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.

*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.

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?

Balance multiple perspectives and priorities while resolving conflict -consider alternative possibilities before jumping to conclusions and false accusations

*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.

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?

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.

*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.

*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.

*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.

*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.

*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.

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. 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. 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. 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.

*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. 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.

*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.

*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. 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. 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.

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. 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. Tell us about a time you had to support a friend or colleague during difficult times?*

My friend's mother was diagnosed with cancer and underwent surgery followed by months of chemotherapy. This was a difficult time for my friend and her family. Though I could not do anything to change the diagnosis, I did everything I could to support my friend and her family. I would make meals once a week that I delivered to their home, go to hospital visits with them whenever I could, and I invited my friend out to fun events occasionally to help her find the opportunity to relax. Eventually, her mother recovered and is now doing well and my bond with my friend is stronger than ever. This situation taught me the value of supporting others during difficult times, and the big impact of small acts of kindness. These are lessons I will use to continue to serve my community.

*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.

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.

Patient autonomy = co-worker has all the right to make his own decisions concerning his life and health -- provide the best information for the co-worker to come up with the informed decision

Think of a time when you had to make a sacrifice in order to accomplish a goal.

Q1. Briefly describe the situation and the sacrifice you made. Q2. Do you regret your decision to make the sacrifice? Why or why not? Q3. Did you learn anything from this situation that can be applied to your desired career? Explain your response.

An applicant's GPA and MCAT score are the most important factors in gaining admission into medical school.

Q1. Briefly discuss your opinion regarding this statement. Q2. Which other factors, if any, are important when applying to medical school? Q3. Some people suggest that an applicant's GPA and MCAT should be assigned less weight in a medical school application because doctors require excellent soft skills (communication, empathy, etc.). How do you feel about this statement?

A doctor is managing a 70-year old gentleman with severe dementia, and she has been in direct communication with the patient's family. The doctor is becoming frustrated with the family for not helping to remind the patient to take his prescription medication, which will help alleviate his symptoms. The family is upset with the doctor for being irritated with them because, as they see it, they do all they can for their father, given their other professional and personal responsibilities.

Q1. How could this situation have been avoided? Q2.What are the steps of conflict resolution? Q3. When does a doctor ask for help in a situation like this? Who can she turn to?

A family member is acting as an interpreter as you get consent for a procedure for your patient. You are suspicious that the interpreter is not fully translating what you are saying with respect to the risks involved.

Q1. How would you ensure that your patient is able to give informed consent? Q2. What potential issues could arise if a family member is acting as a communicator? Q3. How would this situation proceed if a paid translator, who has no relation to the family, were used?

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?

*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.

*1. What is going through your mind?*

This is a sensitive situation to handle, as clinical depression is an illness that requires attention, support and the proper means to get to a better place. However, on the contrary, with a co-worker that is constantly missing in an already small company, there will be greater pressure on other employees to ensure productivity remains the same with her in absentia. In this instance, I acknowledge the co-worker needs help and support, but the company will need to take necessary steps to ensure there is no burnout or frustration that carries over in the rest of the team.

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?

Weigh a potential ethical breach against giving someone the benefit of the doubt -act professionally and compassionately

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.

Weighing two conflicting priorities: company policy and customer well-being -try to pursue a win-win solution via consequences and big-picture outcomes

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. 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.

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?

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.

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?

person's well-being vs. workplace policy -exhibit empathy, prioritize health, take professionalism and rules seriously