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Physician Interview Questions

From hospitals to private practices, choosing the right physician is a life-and-death situation — sometimes quite literally. Practicing medicine is a team sport. Patient outcomes, patient perception, practice reputation, and team dynamics all matter. One wrong hire can throw off the dynamics and wreak havoc on the system.

The physician interview process is stringent and rightly so. Healthcare employers need to hire well to ensure the health of their practices (and patients).

Every healthcare organization will handle the interview process for their doctors differently. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the specific process followed by the practice, hospital, or institution you are interviewing for.

Key Takeaways:

  • Physician candidates should review the job description to help come up with examples of how you used your skills and qualifications from your past experiences to help you answer questions during an interview.

  • Interviewers should research the candidate to help gather additional information on the candidate's expertise and professional interests.

Looking for a job? These position are hiring now near you:

  1. Physician
  2. Family Practice Physician
  3. Staff Physician
  4. Attending Physician
  5. Medical Staff Physician

15 Common Physician Interview Questions and Example Answers

  1. Tell me about yourself. This is in no way unique to the physician interview process. But it is one you will likely encounter.

    Your resume tells them about your education and professional accomplishments; they liked what they read enough to invite you to interview. Hearing it directly from you can help paint a more complete picture.

    Employers want to hear about your:

    • Background.

    • Training and experience. Are your previous employers well-recognized? Were the programs you entered prestigious?

    • Goals. Do they align with the organization and the position you’re interviewing for?

    Example Answer:

    “I graduated from Harvard Medical School six years ago and completed my residency at Johns Hopkins three years later. The last three years have been spent working in private practice. I don’t believe we ever stop learning as doctors and I continue to develop myself professionally to ensure that I stay at the forefront of the medical profession.

    “It is my goal to provide excellent care to all of my patients no matter what. I possess excellent interpersonal skills; my patients and peers comment on my bedside manner regularly. You will find that I am a hard-working, determined doctor who doesn’t crumble under the pressure and stresses this job can bring.”

  2. Why did you choose to become a physician? You will almost definitely be asked why you want to be a doctor during the interview process. There is no wrong answer to this question — well, except one. You do not want to say you went into medicine for the money.

    Answer this question honestly. The hiring manager will be able to tell if you aren’t being truthful. Show your passion here. Has becoming a doctor been a lifelong dream of yours? Did something happen to someone you loved that inspired you?

    Example Answer:

    “I watched my younger sister suffer as a child. She was ill. Her life was spent in and out of hospitals seeing doctor after doctor. No one could ever give my family an answer. Until we met Dr. Ramirez. She didn’t give up on us. I watched her work tirelessly, doing everything in her power to find us the answers we so desperately needed.

    “I know that my sister’s outcome is not always possible, that we can’t always find the answers. But, Dr. Ramirez’s compassion and drive inspired me. I wanted to be the one to find the answers for other families, to help those who need it, and provide quality healthcare to all of my patients.”

  3. Why should we hire you? When answering this question, you want to highlight your unique qualities, skills, and experiences. The interviewer is looking to see how you sell yourself and what sets you apart from the other candidates.

    Example Answer:

    "I bring a solid foundation of medical knowledge and clinical expertise to the table. I have successfully completed my medical education and training which has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and medical conditions.

    "I am dedicated to providing high quality patient care and I am passionate about building a strong doctor-patient relationship and actively listening to patients concerns and developing a personalized treatment plan for them. I believe my knowledge, experience, and my dedication to patient care makes me an ideal candidate for your practice."

  4. Where do you see yourself in five to ten years? Interviewers like to ask this question to get an understanding of what your long-term goals are. They also want to get an understanding of where their company falls into those goals. Your answer should show your aspirations while also demonstrating your commitment to continuous learning and the position you are interviewing for.

    Example Answer:

    "In five to ten years I hope to make a meaningful impact in the field of medicine. I believe with continuous learning and acquiring advanced training and specialization, I can become a subject matter expert and contribute to advancements and research in my chosen specialty.

    "I am passionate about improving healthcare systems and processes to enhance patient outcomes. I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead, including your practice's involvement for continuous learning and advancement and hope that I would make an excellent addition to your team to contribute to your success."

  5. Why did you choose to specialize in [specialty]? Similar to the question above, this is a question that does not necessarily have a wrong answer. You need to answer this truthfully, so be sure you know your true reason.

    The answer here can be simple or a complicated anecdote that gives the hiring manager insight into your personality. So long as you are clear and concise, and responding with honesty, you can’t go wrong.

    Example Answer:

    “I went into pediatrics because I love working with children. There may be some additional dynamics to consider with parents and patients that can’t always respond to your questions, but I find pediatric medicine to be fulfilling in a way no other specialty could be for me.”

  6. How much time do you spend with each patient? This is a bit of a loaded question. They want to know that you care about your patients but that you are aware that to run a practice or hospital smoothly, time management is a necessary evil.

    Example Answer:

    “I spend as much time as needed with each patient. While I do understand there is a schedule to keep and I do my best to limit my interactions when patients are waiting, I want to give my full attention to each patient I see.”

  7. Describe how you communicate complicated medical information to patients in your care. The majority of your patients will not understand the often complicated medical jargon that physicians use in their day-to-day.

    Employers want insight into how you handle communicating complex medical information so that your patients can easily understand it.

    If you have previous experience, use it in your response. Anecdotes from your professional experience can help to display that you truly understand what is being asked and you possess the skills and knowledge they are looking for.

    Example Answer:

    “When I consult with patients, especially when presenting difficult diagnoses, I always suggest that have someone there to support them. Having a friend or family member present can help the patient to retain and process the information. They will sometimes ask questions the patient may not have thought of at the moment.

    “In addition to this, I do try to simplify the information being given as much as possible. I understand that medical procedures and diagnoses often sound like another language to patients and I strive to speak in terms that my patient will understand better.”

  8. What are your salary expectations? We are often taught not to bring this up during the early interview process. It is, however, a commonly asked question in the medical industry.

    You, of course, want to be careful how you respond. If you state a salary that is too high, it may eliminate you as a candidate for the position. On the other hand, if you respond with a salary that is too low, you may devalue yourself.

    So, try not to give a monetary answer or specific figure.

    Example Answer:

    “I am looking to receive a competitive salary that reflects my expertise, experience, and expected workload.”

  9. How would you handle a patient that challenges your professional opinion with the information they found online? This is a problem the healthcare industry is seeing more and more of these days.

    Patients are no longer passive recipients of health-related information. Instead, they actively seek out medical information on their own through the internet. With medical information — and misinformation — available at your fingertips, patients think they have all the answers.

    Most doctors find this practice to be an irritation and inconvenience. But, you do not want to respond to this question by telling the interviewer you would simply point to a sign claiming “do not confuse your Google search with my medical degree,” tempting as it may be.

    You won’t be able to stop your patients from seeking out the information themselves. So, your response should give insight into your process of handling this situation. You should be helping them to understand the facts that they are presenting and direct them towards reliable medical sources for their information.

    Example Answer:

    “I’ve found that at least half of my patients come equipped with their information off the internet these days. It’s not uncommon for that information to contradict what I’m telling them. I do my best to show empathy in these situations and discuss the information they’re presenting. If I understand what it is they believe, I can help them to see why I disagree and explain what I see as the best course of action.”

  10. What type of rapport do you establish with your patients? Building rapport and having a positive relationship with your patients is very important when you are a physician. That's why interviewers will ask about your process.

    Your answer should highlight the qualities and approaches you employ to establish a strong rapport with patients. Make sure you emphasize your patient-centered mindset and commitment to compassionate care.

    Example Answer:

    I recognize the important of actively listening to patients and giving them my full attention during our interactions. This allows me to get a better understanding of their concerns, needs, and goals. I make sure to give all my patients empathy and compassion because I understand this can be a vulnerable time for them.

    "I believe in using clear communication and I try to use jargon free language when explaining medical concepts, diagnoses, and treatments. Doing this helps me build trust with my patients and it allows me to be a better physician towards them.

  11. How do you stay up-to-date on current events in the medical and healthcare industries? Being up-to-date on current events is important in any industry, but especially important when you are in the medical and healthcare industry. Your answer should demonstrated your proactive approach to staying informed with current events. You should also emphasize your commitment to ongoing learning.

    Example Answer:

    "I make sure I regularly read reputable medical journals and publications to help me to stay informed about the latest research or clinical trials. Another thing I like to do is to attend medical conferences, seminars, and workshops to help me stay informed about any of the latest development in the field.

    "I believe to be a successful physician, it's my responsibility to stay current about current events and keep improving my skills. It is my commitment to remain knowledgeable to help me deliver the best possible care for my patients."

  12. How do you collaborate with other physicians and nurses? Collaboration is a big part of being a physician. Your answer should emphasize your communication, teamwork, and collaboration skills. To help you answer, you can use examples from your past.

    Example Answer:

    "I believe fostering effective teamwork and collaboration is the best way to to get the best possible outcome for a patient. When collaborating with another physician or nurse, I make sure to prioritize open and respectful communication and actively listen to respect their perspectives and ideas.

    "I actively engage in team based discussions, case conferences, and collaborative meeting to share information and exchange ideas to develop patient care plans."

  13. Have you ever made a misdiagnosis? If so, how did you resolve it? Medicine is a complex and ever-evolving field, and misdiagnosis can happen. Interviewers will ask about this to get an understanding of how you handle the situation by how you reflect, adapt, and provide the highest standard of care to your patients.

    Your answer should emphasize your commitment to patient safety, open communication, continuous learning, and quality improvement.

    Example Answer:

    "When I realize there was a potential misdiagnosis, I immediately re-evaluate the patient's condition, symptoms, and medical history. I may also collaborate with other healthcare professionals like specialists to gain a different perspective.

    "I make sure to have open communication with the patient during this process. If it is necessary, I will recommend additional diagnostic tests or procedure to gather more information to make a correct diagnosis. Once there is a correct diagnosis for the patient, I make sure to alter my patient care plan accordantly."

  14. Can you tell me about a time when you disagreed with another physician? How did you handle it? This question will be asked to get an understanding of your ability to engage in constructive discussion, maintain professionalism, and prioritize patient well-being. Your answer should emphasize your commitment to open-mindedness, collaboration, and the importance of reaching a consensus on patient well-being.

    Example Answer:

    "In my previous role, I was involved in the care of a patient with a complex medical condition. My colleague and I were presented with a treatment decision that had multiple possible approaches and we had different viewpoints.

    "Through communication, discussions, and seeking additional input we were able to find some middle ground that satisfied both perspectives. We did this to ensure the best possible care for the patient."

  15. Have you ever had any malpractice suits? It's crucial to address the topic of malpractice suits with honesty, professionalism, and focus on patient safety. Your answer should emphasize your commitment to delivering high-quality care and adherence to ethical guidelines.

    Example Answer:

    "I have not faced any malpractice suits during my career. While I haven't, I still understand the importance of learning from adverse events and striving for continuous improvement in patient care. If there was ever a situation where a patient felt dissatisfied or experiences an adverse outcome, I would approach it with empathy and compassion.

    "I would make sure that I have open communication with the patient, their family, and any other healthcare professionals who were involved to address their concerns. I am dedicated to upholding the highest standards of patient care, professionalism, and ethical conduct throughout my medical career."

25 Additional Physician Interview Questions for Employers

  • What would you consider your most difficult case, and how did you handle it?

  • What do you think the nursing and ancillary support staff would say about you?

  • What aspects of practicing medicine do you find most challenging? Why?

  • How do you keep current with your medical training and licensing?

  • What is your process for evaluating and treating patients?

  • What is your experience level with using electronic medical records on the job?

  • What is your process for delegating tasks with nurses under your supervision?

  • What changes or improvements do you feel you can bring to our practice?

  • What other practices are you investigating?

  • Give me a specific example of a time when you had to conform to a policy with which you did not agree.

  • What do you do if you disagree with a patient?

  • What are your goals and objectives?

  • Do you have any unique or special skills others in your field may not offer?

  • What motivates you to succeed?

  • How do you prevent committing medical malpractice?

  • Why are you leaving your current job?

  • What do you know about our organization and the patients in our care?

  • What is one goal you would like to accomplish in the next year?

  • What do you hope to accomplish in this role?

  • How do you approach discussing unpleasant topics with patients and their families?

  • Do you have any experience in physician leadership?

  • How do you ensure effective communication across medical departments?

  • What is your approach to dealing with upset or aggressive patients?

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How to Prepare for a Physician Interview

As a Candidate:

  • Review the job description. While reviewing the job description, make a note of the skills and qualifications that are required for the position. This will help you come up with examples from your experiences to help you answer the questions they will ask.

  • Stay updated on healthcare trends. Make sure you are current with the latest trends and advancement in the medical field. You may be asked questions about it, especially about any news relating to the field you are interviewing for.

  • Create a list to ask the interviewer. You should be asking the interviewer questions relating to the position and the work environment. Asking questions will show your engagement and interest in the position.

As an Interviewer:

  • Create interview questions. You should create a list of common interview questions along with physician behavioral interview questions. These questions should be tailored to the position to help you determine the candidates skills and qualifications to help find your ideal candidate.

  • Research the candidate. Researching the candidate can help you gather additional information on them. This information can help provide insight into their expertise and professional interest.

  • Prepare to answer questions. The candidate should be asking questions about the position and the practice. The types of questions and how many they ask will help you determine how interested the candidate is in the position.

Questions You Should Ask During Your Physician Interview

Asking questions during the interview process helps to show the employers that you are invested in this position and you’ve done your research. But, for doctors, it can also help you to determine if the practice, hospital, or health organization is the right fit for you.

By asking questions, you can determine the culture, performance expectations, expected workload, and more. This information will help you to make an informed decision about the best position for you.

You should ask questions like:

  • What will my schedule look like? What is the volume of patients I can expect to see?

  • What are the ultimate goals for this medical institution?

  • What kind of malpractice coverage is offered?

  • What is required in terms of call hours?

  • What are my non-clinical duties?

  • How would you describe your organizational culture?

  • What kinds of opportunities are available for physicians?

  • Do you encourage attendance at annual specialty conferences?

  • Do other physicians in the area refer patients to the group?

  • Do you plan to add additional physicians beyond this point?

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