Log InSign Up

18 Physician Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

It's important to prepare for an interview in order to improve your chances of getting the job. Researching questions beforehand can help you give better answers during the interview. Most interviews will include questions about your personality, qualifications, experience and how well you would fit the job. In this article, we review examples of various physician interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions.

Physician Resume ExampleUse this template

or download as PDF

Common Physician Interview Questions

What made you want to become a physician?

There are many reasons why someone might want to become a physician. Some people are interested in the science of medicine and want to help people by finding new treatments for diseases. Others want to work with people and help them to improve their health. Still others want to work in a particular medical specialty, such as pediatrics or surgery.

The interviewer is trying to get a sense of why the physician became a doctor. This information can help the interviewer understand the physician's motivations and how they might approach their work. It also helps the interviewer to gauge the physician's commitment to their career.

Example: “There are many reasons why someone might want to become a physician. Some people are drawn to the challenge and intellectual stimulation of working in a complex and ever-changing field. Others are motivated by the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives, often in very tangible ways. And still others are attracted to the lifestyle that comes with being a doctor – the flexible hours, the ability to work independently, and the potential for high earnings.

Whatever the reason, becoming a physician is a demanding process that requires years of dedicated study and training. But for those who are up to the challenge, it can be an immensely rewarding career.”

What are the most important qualities that a physician should have?

The interviewer is asking this question to gain insight into the physician's professional values. It is important to know what qualities a physician values in order to understand how they approach patient care. For example, if a physician values bedside manner and communication skills, this may indicate that they are more likely to take the time to get to know their patients and build relationships with them. Alternatively, if a physician values clinical expertise and efficiency, this may indicate that they are more likely to focus on the medical aspects of care and may have less time for personal interactions. Understanding a physician's professional values can help patients choose a provider that is a good fit for their own needs and preferences.

Example: “The most important qualities that a physician should have are:

1. Compassion: Physicians must be able to show compassion for their patients. They must be able to understand and empathize with their patients’ feelings and experiences.

2. Communication skills: Physicians must be able to communicate effectively with their patients. They must be able to explain medical concepts in layman’s terms and answer any questions that patients may have.

3. Critical thinking skills: Physicians must be able to think critically in order to diagnose and treat their patients effectively. They must be able to identify patterns, make connections, and solve problems.

4. Organizational skills: Physicians must be organized in order to keep track of their patients’ medical records, test results, and appointments. They must also be able to prioritize tasks and manage their time effectively.

5. Detail-oriented: Physicians must pay attention to detail in order to accurately diagnose and treat their patients. They must be able to notice small changes in a patient’s condition or symptoms and investigate further if necessary.”

What is your greatest strength as a physician?

In order to gauge what the physician's best qualities are, and to see if they are a good fit for the position. It is important to find out the physician's best qualities so that they can be utilized to the fullest extent in order to provide the best care possible.

Example: “I believe that my greatest strength as a physician is my ability to connect with my patients. I feel that it is important to create a rapport with each patient in order to provide them with the best possible care. I am also very patient and compassionate, which I think are essential qualities for a successful doctor-patient relationship.”

What do you think are the biggest challenges that physicians face today?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer would ask this question to a physician. First, it allows the interviewer to gauge the physician's level of awareness about the challenges facing their profession. Second, it allows the interviewer to see how the physician is thinking about these challenges and what their possible solutions might be. Finally, this question can help the interviewer to understand what motivates the physician and what they are passionate about. This question is important because it helps to identify whether the physician is committed to finding solutions to the challenges facing their profession or if they are simply complaining about the problems.

Example: “The biggest challenges that physicians face today are:

1. Increasing pressure to see more patients in less time
2. Rising costs of medical care and medications
3. Increasing paperwork and administrative burdens
4. Difficulty keeping up with medical research and changes in treatments
5. Balancing work and personal/family life”

How do you think healthcare will change in the next 10-20 years?

An interviewer might ask "How do you think healthcare will change in the next 10-20 years?" to a physician in order to gain insight into the physician's thoughts on the future of healthcare. It is important to know how a physician envisions healthcare changing in the future so that the interviewer can gauge whether the physician is interested in staying up-to-date with changes in the field and whether the physician is looking to make changes in their own practice.

Example: “The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, and it is difficult to predict exactly how it will change in the next 10-20 years. However, there are a few trends that are likely to continue and have a major impact on healthcare in the coming years.

One trend is the increasing cost of healthcare. In the United States, healthcare costs have been rising for decades, and this is expected to continue. The aging population is one factor driving up costs, as older people tend to use more healthcare services than younger people. In addition, new technologies and treatments are often expensive, and as more people have access to health insurance, they are more likely to use these services.

Another trend that is likely to continue is the shift from inpatient to outpatient care. With advances in technology and treatments, many procedures that used to require a hospital stay can now be done on an outpatient basis. This trend is expected to continue as more procedures can be performed safely outside of a hospital setting.

Finally, there is likely to be an increasing focus on preventive care. As health care costs continue to rise, there is a greater emphasis on preventing health problems before they occur. This may include things like lifestyle changes, vaccinations, and screenings.”

What do you think is the most important thing that physicians can do to improve the quality of healthcare?

The interviewer is asking the physician for their opinion on how to improve the quality of healthcare. It is important to ask the opinion of those who are working in the field because they are the ones who see the day-to-day problems and potential solutions. Asking for their input shows that the interviewer is interested in making improvements and is willing to listen to those who are on the front lines.

Example: “There are many things that physicians can do to improve the quality of healthcare, but one of the most important is to ensure that they are providing evidence-based care. This means using the best available evidence to make decisions about diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. It also means keeping up to date on the latest research and developments in medicine. Physicians should also work to improve communication and collaboration with other members of the healthcare team, as well as with patients and their families.”

How do you think new technologies will impact the practice of medicine?

The interviewer is asking how the physician believes that new technologies will impact the practice of medicine in order to gauge the physician's thoughts on the matter. It is important to ask this question in order to get a sense of how the physician views new technologies and how they may impact the future of medicine.

Example: “The impact of new technologies on the practice of medicine is both significant and far-reaching. In terms of diagnostics, new technologies have led to the development of more sophisticated and accurate tests, which can often be performed in a matter of minutes or hours. This has revolutionized the field of medicine, as doctors are now able to make more informed decisions about treatment much sooner than was previously possible. In terms of treatment, new technologies have made it possible to target specific areas of the body with greater precision, which has led to more effective and less invasive treatments. Finally, new technologies have also played a role in improving communication between doctors and patients, as well as between different medical professionals.”

What do you think is the most important thing that physicians can do to stay up-to-date with new medical technologies?

The interviewer is likely asking this question to gauge the physician's level of interest in staying up-to-date with new medical technologies. This is important because new medical technologies can lead to better patient outcomes and improved efficiency in the delivery of care. If a physician is not interested in staying up-to-date with new medical technologies, it may be an indication that they are not committed to providing the best possible care for their patients.

Example: “There are a few things that physicians can do to stay up-to-date with new medical technologies. First, they can read medical journals and attend conferences where new technologies are discussed. Second, they can talk to other physicians who are using new technologies in their practices. Finally, they can consult with medical device representatives who can provide information about new products.”

What do you think is the most important thing that physicians can do to improve patient care?

There are many possible reasons why an interviewer would ask this question to a physician. It could be to gauge the physician's thoughts on how care can be improved, to get ideas from the physician on what changes could be made to improve care, or simply to get the physician's opinion on the matter. Regardless of the reason, it is important for the physician to be able to articulate their thoughts on the matter in a clear and concise manner. Additionally, it is important for the physician to be able to back up their thoughts with evidence or examples, if possible.

Example: “There are many things that physicians can do to improve patient care, but one of the most important is to ensure that they are providing the best possible evidence-based care. This means keeping up to date with the latest research and clinical guidelines, and using this information to inform their decision-making. It also means being open to new ideas and approaches, and constantly striving to find ways to improve.”

What do you think is the most important thing that physicians can do to reduce costs in healthcare?

There are many ways that physicians can reduce costs in healthcare, but the most important thing they can do is to focus on preventative care. By keeping patients healthy and preventing them from needing expensive treatments, physicians can save the healthcare system a lot of money.

Example: “There are a number of things that physicians can do to reduce costs in healthcare. One of the most important is to ensure that they are providing high-quality care. This means using evidence-based practices and procedures, and avoiding unnecessary tests and treatments. Physicians should also work to improve communication and coordination with other members of the healthcare team, as this can help to avoid duplication of services and reduce the overall cost of care.”

How do you think the Affordable Care Act will impact the practice of medicine?

The interviewer is asking this question to get the physician's opinion on how the Affordable Care Act will impact the practice of medicine. It is important to know the physician's opinion on this matter because it will give the interviewer a better understanding of the physician's views on healthcare reform.

Example: “The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is expected to have a number of impacts on the practice of medicine. One key impact is that it is expected to increase the number of people with health insurance coverage. This is likely to result in more people seeking medical care, which could lead to longer wait times for appointments and higher demand for services overall. The ACA is also expected to change the way that Medicare pays for services, which could impact the way physicians provide care to Medicare patients. In addition, the ACA includes a number of provisions aimed at improving the quality of care and reducing costs, which could impact the way physicians practice medicine.”

What do you think are the most important issues facing physicians today?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a physician. First, it allows the interviewer to gauge the physician's level of awareness and understanding of the current issues facing the medical profession. Second, it gives the interviewer an opportunity to learn more about the physician's opinions and views on these issues. Finally, this question can help the interviewer determine if the physician is someone who is likely to be an advocate for change within the profession.

The most important issues facing physicians today include the rising cost of healthcare, the increasing number of patients who are covered by government health insurance programs, and the shortage of primary care physicians.

Example: “There are a number of important issues facing physicians today. One of the most significant is the increasing cost of medical care and the consequent need for physicians to be increasingly efficient in their practices. Another major issue is the increasing number of elderly patients and the associated increase in chronic diseases. Physicians must also deal with the challenges posed by new technologies, such as electronic health records and telemedicine. In addition, there is a growing need for physicians to be aware of and sensitive to cultural diversity issues in order to provide culturally competent care.”

How do you think physicians can best work with patients to improve their health?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the physician's bedside manner and ability to connect with patients. It is important for physicians to be able to connect with their patients in order to best help them improve their health. If a physician is unable to connect with their patients, they may have difficulty getting them to follow treatment plans or make healthy lifestyle changes.

Example: “There are many ways that physicians can work with patients to improve their health. One way is by providing education on healthy lifestyle choices and helping patients to make changes in their lifestyles. Another way is by providing access to resources and support for making healthy changes. Additionally, physicians can advocate for policy changes that would create a healthier environment for everyone.”

How do you think physicians can best work with other health care providers to improve patient care?

It is important for physicians to be able to work well with other health care providers in order to improve patient care. This question allows the interviewer to gauge the physician's ability to work with others and to see if they have any suggestions on how to improve the process.

Example: “There are a few ways in which physicians can work with other health care providers to improve patient care. First, they can collaborate on cases to get a second opinion or share best practices. Second, they can refer patients to specialists or other providers as needed. Finally, they can participate in quality improvement initiatives to help identify and implement best practices across the health care system.”

What do you think are the most important things that patients can do to improve their health?

The interviewer is asking the physician for their professional opinion on what patients can do to improve their health. It is important to ask this question because it allows the interviewer to gauge the physician's knowledge and understanding of how to improve health. Furthermore, it allows the interviewer to get insight into the physician's priorities when it comes to patient care.

Example: “There are many things that patients can do to improve their health, but some of the most important are:

-eating a healthy diet
-exercising regularly
-getting enough sleep
-managing stress
-avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol use
-seeing a healthcare provider regularly for preventive care”

How do you think patients can best work with their physicians to improve their health?

There are many ways that patients can work with their physicians to improve their health. Some of these include following their physician's recommendations, communicating openly with their physician, and being proactive in their own health care. It is important for patients to work with their physicians because it can help them to improve their overall health and well-being.

Example: “There are many ways in which patients can work with their physicians to improve their health. One way is by following the treatment plan that the physician prescribes. This may include taking medication as prescribed, making lifestyle changes, and attending follow-up appointments. Patients should also feel free to ask questions and voice any concerns they have about their health. Open communication between patient and physician is essential for optimal health.”

What are your thoughts on the use of alternative medicine in the treatment of patients?

It is important to ask this question to a physician because alternative medicine is a growing field and it is important to understand a physician's thoughts on the use of these treatments. Additionally, this question can help to gauge a physician's open-mindedness to new treatment options and their willingness to explore different options for their patients.

Example: “There is a growing body of evidence that suggests that certain alternative therapies can be effective in the treatment of certain conditions. For example, acupuncture has been shown to be effective in the treatment of pain, and meditation has been shown to be effective in reducing stress and anxiety.

That said, it is important to remember that not all alternative therapies are backed by scientific evidence. And even for those that are, it is important to consult with a physician before starting any new treatment, particularly if it is something that has the potential to interact with other medications or treatments.”

What are your thoughts on the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in the treatment of patients?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a physician. First, it is important to understand the physician's thoughts on CAM in order to gauge whether or not they would be open to incorporating CAM therapies into their practice. Second, it helps to understand the physician's views on CAM in order to better educate them on the topic. Finally, this question can help to identify any areas of disagreement between the physician and the interviewer on the use of CAM in healthcare.

Example: “There is a growing body of evidence supporting the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in the treatment of patients. CAM therapies can offer patients additional options for symptom relief and may improve overall health outcomes. While CAM therapies are not appropriate for all patients, they can be an important part of a comprehensive treatment plan.”

Related Interview Questions