Interview Preparation
SJQs assess professionalism, ethical reasoning, decision-making, and empathy. Learn how to approach complex, real-world scenarios with safety and clarity.
SJQs are increasingly common in medical school interviews. Unlike factual questions, they do not test medical knowledge; instead, they evaluate how you would respond to complex, real-world scenarios as a future doctor.
Medical schools use these questions because doctors frequently face situations where there is no single "right" answer. The best approach depends on prioritising patient safety, ethical principles, and effective communication.
The priority must always be the safety of your patient, other staff, and yourself. Never take a risk in an interview scenario, even if in real life you might consider a low-probability gamble.
Demonstrating a commitment to safety shows maturity and awareness of the responsibilities of a doctor.
You read a scenario and are asked how you would respond or rank potential actions.
Example: "You notice a colleague consistently arriving late to clinic. What would you do?"
Presented as a live discussion during the interview.
Example: "A patient refuses life-saving treatment. How would you handle this?"
Questions that test moral reasoning and professional principles.
Example: "You witness a senior doctor behaving unprofessionally. What would you do?"
You are assisting in surgery when you notice that your senior surgical colleague has turned up to work smelling of alcohol and visibly shaking. You are responsible for supporting them during the procedure.
Proceeding under these circumstances is unsafe
Protect yourself and other team members
Escalate the situation appropriately
Irrespective of whether your colleague listens to you and stops, you must always escalate. This is for two reasons:
Recognise the primary concerns in any scenario:
Always prioritise safety first, even if a scenario seems low risk.
Your response should balance these factors:
A clear structure is essential in verbal SJQs:
Ignoring safety – never compromise patient, staff, or personal safety
Delaying escalation – always escalate serious concerns; it may save lives
Focusing on the colleague rather than patient welfare
Jumping to conclusions – consider all stakeholders and consequences
Overcomplicating responses – clarity and structure matter most
A junior doctor is drowsy and confused while preparing medications on the ward.
Notice that safety is always the first step, followed by professional escalation and empathetic handling.
Safety first – patient, staff, and personal safety are always the top priority
Always escalate serious concerns, both to protect patients and to help colleagues
Structured approach – acknowledge → assess → act → escalate → reflect
Empathy and professionalism – balance compassion with firm, appropriate action
Clarity over perfection – clear, logical responses are valued more than a 'perfect' answer
SJQs test your ability to think like a doctor before you have medical knowledge. Demonstrating safe, thoughtful, and empathetic decision-making is exactly what interviewers are looking for.
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