Ethics and professionalism: NHS Interview Questions for International Doctors

Good Medical Practice, a mistake you made, whether it is ever right to break the rules, and scenarios about colleagues and confidentiality. Panels test whether you know the GMC's standards and would act safely.

Updated 26 October 2026

How to answer

Name the principles of Good Medical Practice and apply them. Own a real mistake and say what you did and learned. Know the duty of candour and the NHS values. For colleagues, patient safety first, then report through the right route.

Frameworks: ETHICS for dilemmas; STARR for the mistake

  • ETHICS Establish the facts and capacity, Think through the four pillars and name the tension, Hear the other side fairly, Identify two or three options, Choose a patient centred action with the next step, Safeguard and document. Full guide →
  1. Asked in most interviewsUsually asked by the medical directorETHICS

    What are the main principles of the GMC's Good Medical Practice, and how do they guide you?

    Knowledge, skills and performance; safety and quality; communication, partnership and teamwork; maintaining trust. Say what each means in daily practice and give one example of a decision the guidance shaped.

  2. Asked in most interviewsUsually asked by the clinical director or clinical leadETHICS

    Describe a clinical scenario where you made a mistake. What did you do about it?

    Own a real mistake, say what you did at the time including telling the patient and your senior, what you learned, and what changed. The worst answer has no mistake in it.

  3. Asked in most interviewsUsually asked by the HR or people directorETHICS

    Is it ever justifiable to bend or break the rules at work? Have you ever done so?

    Rarely, and only to protect a patient when the rule clearly fails them, with transparency afterwards. Give an example if you have one, or say honestly that you have not. Panels are testing judgement and honesty, not rebellion.

  4. Often askedUsually asked by the medical directorETHICS

    A colleague arrives at work smelling of alcohol. What do you do?

    Patient safety first: they must not see patients. Say so kindly, keep them away from the clinical area, and tell a senior. Support the colleague and keep it confidential. Know that the GMC expects you to act.

  5. Often askedUsually asked by the consultant colleague in the specialtyETHICS

    A patient refuses a treatment you believe they need. How do you approach it?

    Confirm capacity, make sure the refusal is informed, explore the reasons, offer alternatives, involve a senior, document carefully and respect the decision while leaving the door open.

  6. Often askedUsually asked by the clinical director or clinical leadETHICS

    A patient asks you not to tell their family about their diagnosis. What do you do?

    Respect the patient's right to confidentiality: the information is theirs. Explore why, address their concerns, and explain to the family that you need the patient's permission. Say what changes if the patient lacks capacity.

  7. Often askedUsually asked by the medical directorETHICS

    What do you understand by the duty of candour?

    Being open and honest with patients when something has gone wrong: telling them, apologising, explaining what happened and what will be done. It is a legal duty for organisations and a professional duty for doctors. Give an example if you have one.

  8. Often askedUsually asked by the HR or people directorETHICS

    Why is it important for doctors to show empathy and sensitivity?

    Because patients tell empathetic doctors more, trust them more and follow their advice more, and because care without it harms. Give one example from your practice where empathy changed an outcome.

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