The NHS is a high-pressure environment. Long shifts, high patient volumes, emotional encounters, and staffing challenges are realities of the job. The panel will assess your awareness of these pressures and your ability to manage them sustainably. GMC Good Medical Practice 2024 includes new guidance on the responsibility of doctors to look after their own health, and Domain 3 emphasises the importance of a supportive workplace culture.
How to Answer “How Do You Handle Pressure?”
This is a common interview question that many candidates answer poorly, either by claiming to thrive under pressure (which sounds dismissive) or by saying they never feel stressed (which sounds unaware). A strong answer has three components:
1. Practical strategies for managing clinical pressure: “When I have multiple competing demands, I prioritise using a clinical urgency framework — identifying which patients need immediate attention, which can safely wait, and which tasks can be delegated to appropriately trained colleagues. I communicate my priorities clearly to the nursing team so everyone is aware of the plan.”
2. Personal wellbeing strategies: “Outside of work, I maintain my resilience through regular physical exercise, spending time with family and friends, and pursuing hobbies that give me a mental break from clinical work. I am mindful of the importance of rest and recovery, particularly after a run of night shifts.”
3. Awareness of support systems: “I am aware of the support services available to doctors, including the trust’s occupational health service, the BMA wellbeing support service (which provides free confidential counselling), the NHS Practitioner Health Programme (which supports doctors with mental health or addiction issues), and peer support networks. I would not hesitate to access these services if I felt I needed support, and I would encourage colleagues to do the same.”
Recognising Burnout — In Yourself and Others
Burnout is a recognised occupational phenomenon characterised by emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation (cynicism toward patients or work), and a reduced sense of personal accomplishment. The GMC’s own research has shown that burnout is prevalent among UK doctors at all levels. In your interview answer, demonstrating awareness of burnout and the importance of seeking support early is a sign of professional maturity, not weakness. If the panel asks about resilience, acknowledging that the NHS can be challenging while demonstrating that you have healthy, sustainable coping mechanisms is the ideal approach.