Looking at physician interview questions and answers can make all the difference when you’re preparing for your own. After going through medical school and residency, it’s easy to feel like you’ve gotten the hang of interviews. After all, you studied for your medical school interview and learned how to answer the “strengths and weaknesses” question during your residency. But the truth is that every physician interview is different, and you need to get ready for a new set of questions and figure out how to add new information to answers you already gave. If you’re going on an interview for a job as a doctor in a hospital, a private organization, or another medical setting, you should get ready. This blog will help you do that. We give you 30 normal questions that doctors are asked during interviews, some example answers to those questions, and some tips on how to get ready.
Landing your dream job as a physician requires more than just stellar credentials and experience Acing your interview is crucial, and that means being prepared to ask insightful questions that demonstrate your genuine interest in the position and the organization This guide will equip you with the knowledge and questions you need to make the most of your physician job interview.
What to Expect in a Physician Job Interview
Before diving into specific questions, let’s understand the overall interview landscape. Whether you’re joining a small medical group or a large health system, finding the right fit is paramount. Sheila Sampatacos, a seasoned recruiter with Provider Solutions & Development (PS&D), emphasizes the importance of aligning your personality with the organization’s culture.
Get Interview-Ready:
Preparation is key to a successful interview. Here are some steps to take:
- Self-reflection: Identify your strengths, weaknesses, and ideal work environment. Are you introverted or extroverted? Do you prefer large hospital systems or smaller, family-oriented settings?
- Target your ideal patient population: Consider the demographics, socioeconomic status, age, and medical needs of the patients you want to serve.
- Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses: If you struggle with closing charts, for instance, seek a position with administrative support.
What to Ask in a Physician Job Interview:
Use this interview as an opportunity to learn about the position, the organization, and the overall culture Here are some key questions to ask
- Location and size: Where is the position located? What is the size of the hospital/clinic?
- Position details: Why is this position open? What is the culture like?
- Support staff: How is the retention of clinic support staff?
- Patient population: What is the patient population like?
- Referrals and marketing: Where will my referrals come from? How will I be supported in growing my practice?
- Professional growth: Are there opportunities for professional growth?
- Schedule and contract: What will my schedule look like? What is the contract length?
- Malpractice coverage: What kind of malpractice coverage do you offer?
Tailor Your Questions to Your Needs:
Don’t hesitate to ask questions specific to your unique circumstances or requirements. For example, if you prioritize flexibility as a working parent inquire about the organization’s policies and support for working parents.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Pay attention to the questions the interviewer asks you. If they don’t ask about your values, career goals, or work-life balance, it could mean that they don’t care about the health and happiness of their employees. Also, be wary of interviewers who can’t remember their last vacation; this could mean that the company has a culture of too much work and burnout.
Don’t Settle:
Remember, there will always be physician jobs available. Don’t rush into a position that doesn’t align with your values and aspirations. Prioritize your well-being and seek an organization that truly values its employees.
Acing your physician job interview requires preparation, insightful questions, and a clear understanding of your priorities. By following the tips and questions outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to find the perfect fit and embark on a fulfilling career as a physician.
Additional Resources:
- Provider Solutions & Development: https://psdconnect.org/
- JAMA Career Center: https://careers.jamanetwork.com/
- BeMo Academic Consulting: https://bemoacademicconsulting.com/
How do you handle stressful, pressure-filled situations?
Sample answer: As an athlete, I have learned to remain calm and focus on solutions during stressful situations. Tennis has been a part of my life since I was a little girl. My coach always made sure I knew that if I got upset because I thought I was losing, I would definitely lose the match. This was something I finally got in medical school, even though it took me a long time to figure out what he meant. One of my friends told me about a midterm quiz that was coming up in a few days while we were out at a coffee shop. The quiz was a big part of my grade, and I had forgotten about it, so I began to worry.
Because I wasn’t studying, I was so stressed that I didn’t study for two days. Instead, I thought about how stressed I was. Unfortunately, I got a C- on that quiz, but my teacher kindly allowed me to make up the grade. Then I realized that I would have gotten a much better grade on the test and not had to do as much extra work if I had paid attention to studying instead of thinking about how stressed I was.
Now, instead of panicking, I remind myself to count to three, remain calm, and focus on finding solutions. If the situation cant be changed, then I focus on my response to the situation instead. That thing has helped me a lot on the tennis court, in school, during residency, and at work.
Why do you want to work with us?
Sample answer: I chose to apply for this position for two main reasons. The first is that I wholeheartedly believe in your vision and mission. We all take an oath as doctors to do no harm and save lives, but I think that the X hospital’s dedication to dignity and respect is admirable. This is something that is often missing in the care that some doctors give.
The second is that this is the only hospital in the city with a free clinic. I really think that a simple check-up or a quick trip to the doctor can keep you from getting a lot of illnesses and problems. Still, these small problems can quickly get worse if you don’t have health insurance or the money to fix them. I hope to spend some time volunteering in the clinic in the future.
