Sentry Page Protection

Teamwork Station 7


As a group, discuss the following:
​
'A countries politicians should never earn more than it's physician associates'​
​​
How to succeed in the teamwork station
  1. Refer to colleagues by their name – At the start of the session, take a minute to remember each (or as many as possible) of your colleagues names. Referring to your colleague by their preferred name will not only build rapport and respect, but will also demonstrate a professional approach to examiners and interviewers.
  2. Demonstrate ‘active listening’ – The best candidates will not only offer good suggestions, but will also acknowledge suitable input from others eg. ‘That’s a really good point Simon and I can see that working very well, especially if……’
  3. Think before you speak – It is common for students to feel pressure to offer input and thus speak before considering what they are suggesting. Before offering input, ask yourself ‘Will this point add to what has already been said?’ and ‘Would I approve if another student mentioned this point? If the answer to either question is no, take a deep breath…and think of your next point
  4. Remember you are in an interview – In contrast to other interview stations, the interviewers often take a back seat in these stations in an attempt to offer candidates a false sense of relaxation. It is essential that you do not lower your guard and act in a way that you would not deem suitable for a medical student or medical professional. Interviewers are often paying closer attention to verbal and non-verbal behaviour in these stations than they are in one-to-one MMI settings.
  5. Avoid confrontation – However much you disagree with a point made by a colleague, it is essential to avoid confrontation in the team interview task. You are welcome to offer opposing input, however ensure that you avoid raising your voice or aggressive posturing as this will reflect badly on you.
    ​
Arguments in favour
  1. Politicians should be motivated by 'positive change' rather than financial benefit, and applying such a 'cap' would be one way of filtering politicians with financial motives.
  2. Many would argue that the contribution to society by physician associates is significantly more than politicians; hence why should politicians earn more money than physician associates?
  3. By reducing the salaries for politicians, this will allow more money to be invested in healthcare and other important sectors.

Arguments in opposition
  1. The statement is arguably vague; there is a wide spectrum of salaries for physician associates with significant difference between the salaries of junior physician associates and more senior PAs. Should politicians salaries be compared to that of junior or senior PAs?
  2. Restricting politicians' income may result in greater corruption with politicians attempting to make money from other sources.
  3. Alternatively, politicians may artificially increase the salaries for PAs so as to indirectly increase their salaries.
  4. It is important to have the best politicians possible and restricting income may deter suitable candidates.​
    ​