Top interview questions to expect

1. Tell me how you handled a challenging patient encounter and the outcome.

2. Describe a time when you had to communicate complex medical information to a patient or family member.

3. How do you prioritize and manage your workload in a fast-paced healthcare setting?

4. Give me an example of a time when you collaborated effectively with other healthcare professionals to provide patient care.

5. How do you respond when receiving negative feedback from a patient or supervisor?

6. What steps do you take to stay updated on the latest medical advancements and guidelines?

7. Describe a situation where you had to make a difficult decision that impacted patient care.

Answering interview questions with STAR structure

The STAR framework is a commonly used method for answering behavioral interview questions effectively. It stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This structure allows you to provide a clear and concise response that highlights your skills, abilities, and experiences.

To use the STAR framework:

1. Situation: Briefly describe the context or situation in which the event occurred.

2. Task: Explain the specific task or goal you had to accomplish.

3. Action: Detail the specific actions you took to address the situation and achieve your goal.

4. Result: Describe the positive outcome or result that was achieved as a consequence of your actions.

Sample answers to above interview questions

1. Question: Tell me how you handled a challenging patient encounter and the outcome.

Answer:

“I recall an instance where I encountered a patient who was experiencing severe abdominal pain. After carefully listening to their symptoms and conducting a thorough physical examination, I suspected appendicitis. I promptly ordered the necessary tests to confirm the diagnosis and consulted with a surgeon to discuss the appropriate course of treatment. Despite the patient’s initial apprehension about surgery, I was able to explain the procedure and answer their questions clearly and empathetically. As a result, the patient underwent successful surgery and made a full recovery.”

STAR Explanation:

– Situation: Patient presenting with severe abdominal pain, suspected appendicitis.

– Task: Diagnose the patient and determine the appropriate treatment.

– Action: Conducted a thorough examination, ordered tests, consulted with a surgeon, and explained the situation to the patient.

– Result: Patient underwent successful surgery and recovered fully.

2. Question: Describe a time when you had to communicate complex medical information to a patient or family member.

Answer:

“During my time as a Physician Assistant, I encountered a patient with a complex medical condition who struggled to comprehend their diagnosis. To address this, I utilized a patient-centered approach, actively listening to their concerns and adjusting my communication style to their level of understanding. I used simple analogies, diagrams, and visual aids to explain the condition, treatment options, and potential outcomes. As a result, the patient gained a clear understanding of their situation, enabling them to make informed decisions about their care.”

STAR Explanation:

– Situation: Patient struggling to understand their complex medical condition.

– Task: Communicate the diagnosis, treatment options, and potential outcomes effectively.

– Action: Adjusted communication style, used patient-centered approach, and employed visual aids.

– Result: Patient gained clear understanding and was able to make informed decisions.

3. Question: How do you prioritize and manage your workload in a fast-paced healthcare setting?

Answer:

“In a fast-paced healthcare setting, I prioritize and manage my workload by utilizing effective time management strategies. I begin each day by creating a to-do list, prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance. I allocate specific time slots for patient care, administrative duties, and continuing education. I also utilize electronic health records efficiently to streamline documentation and communication. By staying organized and focused, I am able to manage my workload effectively and provide high-quality care to my patients.”

STAR Explanation:

– Situation: Fast-paced healthcare setting with numerous tasks and responsibilities.

– Task: Prioritize and manage workload effectively.

– Action: Create to-do list, allocate time slots, utilize electronic health records efficiently.

– Result: Effective management of workload and provision of high-quality patient care.

4. Question: Give me an example of a time when you collaborated effectively with other healthcare professionals to provide patient care.

Answer:

“In a recent case, I collaborated closely with a team of healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care to a patient with multiple chronic conditions. I worked with the patient’s primary care physician, specialists, and nurses to develop a coordinated treatment plan that addressed all aspects of their care. We communicated regularly, shared patient information securely, and held interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss progress and make adjustments as needed. Through this collaborative approach, we were able to optimize the patient’s care and achieve positive outcomes.”

STAR Explanation:

– Situation: Patient with multiple chronic conditions requiring coordinated care.

– Task: Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to develop and implement a comprehensive treatment plan.

– Action: Communicated regularly, shared patient information securely, held interdisciplinary team meetings.

– Result: Optimized patient care and achieved positive outcomes.

5. Question: How do you respond when receiving negative feedback from a patient or supervisor?

Answer:

“When receiving negative feedback, I approach it as an opportunity for growth and improvement. I actively listen to the feedback, seeking to understand the other person’s perspective. I refrain from becoming defensive and instead express appreciation for the feedback. I then take time to reflect on the feedback and identify areas where I can make improvements. If appropriate, I discuss the feedback with my supervisor or colleagues to gain additional insights and support. By responding positively and constructively to negative feedback, I am able to enhance my skills and provide better care to my patients.”

STAR Explanation:

– Situation: Receiving negative feedback from a patient or supervisor.

– Task: Respond constructively and professionally.

– Action: Actively listen, avoid defensiveness, reflect on feedback, discuss with supervisor/colleagues.

– Result: Enhanced skills and improved patient care.

6. Question: What steps do you take to stay updated on the latest medical advancements and guidelines?

Answer:

“To stay updated on the latest medical advancements and guidelines, I employ a multi-faceted approach. I regularly attend continuing medical education (CME) conferences, webinars, and online courses. I also subscribe to medical journals and newsletters to keep abreast of new research findings. Additionally, I actively participate in professional organizations and networking groups, where I engage in discussions with peers and experts in the field. By continuously updating my knowledge and skills, I am able to provide my patients with the most current and evidence-based care.”

STAR Explanation:

– Situation: Need to stay updated on latest medical advancements and guidelines.

– Task: Develop and implement a strategy for continuous learning.

– Action: Attend CME conferences, webinars, and online courses; subscribe to medical journals and newsletters; participate in professional organizations.

– Result: Up-to-date knowledge and skills, provision of evidence-based care.

7. Question: Describe a situation where you had to make a difficult decision that impacted patient care.

Answer:

“In my practice, I encountered a patient with a complex medical condition who had multiple treatment options available. After carefully considering the patient’s medical history, current condition, and personal preferences, we had to make a difficult decision regarding the best course of treatment. I engaged in shared decision-making with the patient, providing them with comprehensive information about each option and involving them in the decision-making process. Ultimately, we opted for a conservative approach, which allowed the patient to avoid invasive surgery and potential complications. By prioritizing patient autonomy and open communication, we were able to make an informed decision that aligned with the patient’s values and goals.”

STAR Explanation:

– Situation: Faced with a difficult decision regarding a patient’s treatment.

– Task: Make an informed decision that prioritized patient autonomy and well-being.

– Action: Engaged in shared decision-making, provided comprehensive information, involved patient in decision-making process.

– Result: Informed decision aligned with patient’s values and goals, avoided invasive surgery and potential complications.