When Careers Hang in the Balance: Interviewing Healthcare Professionals Suspected of DiversionWhen Careers Hang in the Balance: Interviewing Healthcare Professionals Suspected of Diversion
Drug Diversion Insights with Terri Vidals
Dave Thompson shares his expertise on conducting sensitive interviews with healthcare professionals suspected of drug diversion, highlighting the importance of empathy, transparency, and understanding behavioural cues.
52:46•21 Jan 2026
Mastering High-Stakes Interviews in Healthcare
Episode Overview
- Traditional pressure-based interview techniques often backfire.
- A trauma-informed, transparent approach leads to more truthful admissions.
- Building rapport is crucial for effective interviews.
- Empathy helps uncover the truth without crossing ethical lines.
- Understanding behavioural cues can prevent misinterpretation.
“"Empathy and rapport are foundational for an effective interview."”
How do you conduct a high-stakes interview without causing irreversible damage to someone's career? This episode of 'Drug Diversion Insights with Terri Vidals' tackles this delicate topic with guest Dave Thompson, President of Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates. With decades of experience in diversion investigations, Dave shares his expertise on how to handle interviews with healthcare professionals suspected of drug diversion. The conversation dives into the pitfalls of traditional pressure-based interview techniques and the benefits of a trauma-informed, transparent approach.
You'll learn about the importance of building rapport, understanding behavioural cues, and why empathy can be a game-changer when it comes to getting truthful admissions. Dave also sheds light on the challenges of interviewing subject matter experts and how to effectively prepare for these interactions. The episode is packed with practical advice and real-world examples, making it a must-listen for anyone involved in healthcare investigations or interested in the nuances of interviewing.
So, how do you ensure that your interview uncovers the truth without crossing ethical lines? Tune in to find out.

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