Residency interview answer guide
Respecting a patient's pronouns: a residency interview answer guide
AAMC includes this scenario in its professionalism examples. Keep your answer focused on respectful communication, the patient's stated preference and an appropriate response within the team, not speculation about the colleague's intent.
How to approach it
- 1
Use the information given
The scenario says the patient has expressed a preference and a colleague keeps using different pronouns. Do not add assumptions about the patient's history or the colleague's motives. Explain how you would use the patient's stated name and pronouns in your own communication.
- 2
Describe a calm correction
Explain how you would briefly correct inaccurate language when appropriate and discuss the repeated pattern with the colleague. Keep the focus on respectful care rather than humiliating a teammate. Consider the patient's presence and avoid drawing unnecessary attention to private information.
- 3
Respond to a continuing pattern
If the behavior continues, explain how you would seek support from an appropriate supervisor and follow the institution's process. Do not invent a disciplinary policy or guarantee an outcome. Describe how you would continue respectful communication and check whether the patient needs support.
A fill-in outline, not a script
I would use the patient's stated [name and pronouns]. I would correct [language] calmly when appropriate and discuss the pattern with [colleague]. If it continued, I would involve [supervisor or local process]. I would keep the patient's privacy and care needs central throughout.
This is an illustrative outline. Replace every bracket with something true from your own experience. The AAMC advises applicants to prepare rather than rehearse, so you can answer the question you are actually asked.
What advisers and program directors say
AAMC's sample professionalism question describes a fellow resident repeatedly using pronouns different from a transgender patient's preference. The sample is preparation material, not proof that a particular program will ask it.
AAMC defines professionalism here to include professional responsibilities, ethical principles and sensitivity to a diverse patient population. Keep the answer tied to actions in care, not claims that you never make a communication mistake.
Mistakes to avoid
- Assuming a motive without evidence.
- Treating respectful language as optional.
- Turning the patient into a teaching exhibit.
- Claiming a universal institutional rule or punishment.
Check your answer
- Have you separated the observed behavior from assumed intent?
- Is the patient's privacy protected?
- Can you explain what you would do if a brief correction did not help?
Follow-up questions to expect
- What if the colleague is senior?
- What if the patient is present during the correction?
- What would you do if you used the wrong pronoun yourself?
Common questions
Should I debate the colleague's beliefs?
The scenario concerns conduct in patient care. Explain the communication needed and the next step if the pattern continues, rather than making your answer an argument about beliefs.
How should I discuss my own mistake?
Acknowledge and correct it without making the patient responsible for reassuring you. Explain how you would use the stated preference correctly going forward.
Is this a behavioral or situational question?
The wording asks what you would do, so it is situational. If asked for a real experience, use only an event you actually encountered and protect privacy.
Related guides
Sources
- AAMC, Developing Structured Residency and Fellowship Interviews
- AAMC, Preparing for Your Interview(s)
This page is general editorial guidance based on the sources above. It is not a prediction of any program's questions or a statement of its current policies.