Log InSign Up

19 Surgeon 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 surgeon interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions.

Surgeon Resume ExampleUse this template

or download as PDF

Common Surgeon Interview Questions

What made you want to become a surgeon?

There are many reasons why someone might want to become a surgeon. It could be that they are interested in helping people, they like the challenge of working with complex medical problems, or they enjoy the satisfaction of completing a difficult task.

It is important for the interviewer to understand the motivations of the surgeon, as this can help them to gauge how committed the surgeon is to their career and how likely they are to stick with it for the long term. Additionally, understanding the surgeon's motivations can help the interviewer to identify any areas where the surgeon may need additional support or training.

Example: “I have always been interested in the human body and how it works. I was fascinated by the idea of being able to help people by using my skills to improve their health and quality of life. After shadowing a few surgeons and observing their work, I knew that this was the career for me. I enjoy the challenge of surgery and the satisfaction that comes from helping others.”

What are the most challenging aspects of your job?

An interviewer might ask "What are the most challenging aspects of your job?" to a surgeon to learn more about the surgeon's work and what it entails. It is important to know the most challenging aspects of a surgeon's job so that one can be prepared for the challenges that come with the profession.

Example: “There are many challenging aspects to being a surgeon. One of the most difficult things is dealing with the unexpected. Surgeons must be able to think on their feet and make quick decisions when something goes wrong during a surgery. Another challenge is dealing with the emotional stress of the job. Surgeons must be able to remain calm and focused in high-pressure situations.”

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. They could be trying to gauge your level of satisfaction with your job, or they could be trying to see if you are motivated by the same things that they are. Additionally, this question could be used to determine if you would be a good fit for their organization.

As a surgeon, the most rewarding aspect of your job is likely the ability to save lives and help people in need. This is an important quality for any organization, as it shows that you are dedicated to your work and that you have a strong sense of compassion.

Example: “The most rewarding aspect of my job is being able to help people in need and improve their quality of life. I enjoy being able to work with my hands and see the results of my work immediately. I also find it gratifying to be able to work with a team of highly skilled professionals who are all dedicated to helping others.”

What are the biggest risks involved in surgery?

There are many risks involved in surgery, such as infection, bleeding, and reactions to anesthesia. It is important for the interviewer to know what the surgeon considers to be the biggest risks so that they can be prepared for them.

Example: “The biggest risks involved in surgery are infection, bleeding, and blood clots. Other risks include anesthesia complications, organ damage, and nerve damage.”

How do you minimize those risks?

An interviewer would ask "How do you minimize those risks?" to a surgeon to gain insight into the surgeon's risk management strategies. It is important to know how a surgeon minimizes risks because it can impact the quality of care a patient receives.

Example: “There are a number of ways to minimize the risks associated with surgery. First and foremost, it is important to choose a reputable and experienced surgeon. Secondly, be sure to ask your surgeon about the risks of your particular procedure and what steps will be taken to minimize those risks. Finally, follow your surgeon's pre- and post-operative instructions carefully to help reduce the chances of complications.”

What happens if something goes wrong during surgery?

There are many potential complications that could occur during surgery, ranging from minor issues like bleeding to more serious problems like organ damage. It's important for surgeons to be aware of the potential risks and be prepared to deal with them if they occur. This question allows the interviewer to gauge the surgeon's level of knowledge and experience with complications.

Example: “There are a number of potential complications that can occur during surgery. Some of the more common ones include infection, bleeding, and tissue damage.

Infection is one of the most serious complications that can occur. It can lead to a number of other problems, including sepsis (a potentially life-threatening condition caused by infection), organ damage, and even death.

Bleeding is another common complication. If not controlled, it can lead to shock (a potentially life-threatening condition caused by low blood pressure and inadequate tissue perfusion).

Tissue damage can occur from a number of different things, including thermal damage (from lasers or electrosurgical instruments), mechanical trauma (from surgical instruments), or ischemia (lack of blood flow). This type of damage can sometimes be repaired surgically, but it may also result in the need for further treatment or even amputation.”

How do you deal with the stress of your job?

An interviewer might ask "How do you deal with the stress of your job?" to a surgeon in order to gauge how the surgeon copes with stress and pressure. This is important because surgeons must be able to remain calm and levelheaded while performing their duties, as even a small mistake can have serious consequences.

Example: “There are a number of ways that surgeons can deal with the stress of their job. Some surgeons may find that exercise helps them to relieve stress, while others may find that talking to friends or family members about their job stressors can be helpful. Some surgeons may also find it helpful to participate in relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.”

What are the long-term effects of surgery on patients?

The interviewer is asking the surgeon about the long-term effects of surgery on patients in order to gauge the surgeon's level of experience and knowledge. It is important to know the long-term effects of surgery on patients because it can help the patient make an informed decision about whether or not to undergo surgery.

Example: “The long-term effects of surgery can vary depending on the type of surgery that was performed. For example, some common long-term effects of general surgery may include scarring, pain at the site of the incision, and fatigue. More serious complications such as infection or blood clots can also occur. The risks and potential complications of surgery should be discussed with your surgeon prior to having any procedure performed.”

How do you stay up-to-date on new surgical techniques?

An interviewer would ask this question in order to gauge the surgeon's commitment to keeping up with new surgical techniques. It is important for surgeons to stay up-to-date on new surgical techniques because it allows them to provide the best possible care for their patients. New surgical techniques can result in better outcomes for patients and can also help to reduce the risk of complications.

Example: “There are a few ways that I stay up-to-date on new surgical techniques. First, I make sure to attend all of the relevant conferences and seminars. This way, I can hear about new techniques firsthand from the surgeons who are using them. Additionally, I keep up with the latest research by reading surgical journals and articles. Finally, I consult with my colleagues on a regular basis to discuss new techniques and procedures.”

What are your thoughts on emerging surgical technologies?

The interviewer is asking the surgeon for their opinion on new surgical technologies because it is important to know how the surgeon feels about keeping up with new advancements in the field. It is also important to know if the surgeon is comfortable using new technologies and if they are able to adapt to change.

Example: “I believe that emerging surgical technologies have the potential to revolutionize the field of surgery. I am particularly excited about the potential for minimally invasive surgery, which can often be performed with smaller incisions and less pain for the patient. I believe that these technologies have the potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce surgical complications.”

Are there any procedures you refuse to perform?

The interviewer is asking this question to gauge the surgeon's level of experience and comfort with performing various procedures. It is important to know if the surgeon has any limits to their skills or if they are unwilling to perform certain procedures. This can help the interviewer determine if the surgeon is a good fit for the job.

Example: “There are certain procedures that I refuse to perform for ethical reasons. For example, I will not perform an elective abortion or a procedure that is not medically necessary. I also refuse to perform any procedure that I feel is not in the best interests of my patient.”

Why?

The interviewer is likely asking why the surgeon became a doctor, or why they chose the specialty of surgery. It is important to know the motivations of a surgeon as it can give insight into their bedside manner, work ethic, and overall attitude. A surgeon who became a doctor to help people and save lives is likely to have a different approach than a surgeon who became a doctor for the money and prestige.

Example: “There are many reasons why someone might want to become a surgeon. Some people are interested in the challenge of performing complex medical procedures, while others enjoy the satisfaction of helping people improve their health and quality of life. Surgeons also have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology and make a difference in the lives of their patients.”

What is your experience with performing surgeries on children?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the surgeon's experience and expertise in performing surgeries on children. This is important because children are generally more delicate and require more care and precision when undergoing surgery. The interviewer wants to make sure that the surgeon is capable of handling such delicate procedures.

Example: “I have been performing surgeries on children for over 20 years. I have a great deal of experience with all types of pediatric surgeries, including those involving the heart, lungs, and brain. I am confident in my ability to provide the best possible care for my young patients.”

How do you handle informing patients of a bad prognosis?

The interviewer is asking this question to gauge the Surgeon's bedside manner and ability to handle difficult conversations. It is important for a Surgeon to have excellent bedside manner because they are often dealing with patients who are facing serious medical conditions. A Surgeon needs to be able to deliver bad news in a way that is compassionate and comforting, while still being honest.

Example: “There is no easy answer when it comes to informing patients of a bad prognosis. The best way to handle this situation is by being honest and compassionate. It is important to explain the prognosis in detail so that the patient understands the gravity of the situation. It is also important to offer hope and support throughout the treatment process.”

What are your thoughts on end-of-life care?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask a surgeon about their thoughts on end-of-life care. One reason is that end-of-life care is an important topic in healthcare, and the interviewer wants to know the surgeon's thoughts on the subject. Another reason is that the interviewer may be interested in the surgeon's personal experience with end-of-life care, either as a patient or as a caregiver.

End-of-life care is important because it can help patients and their families to cope with a terminal diagnosis. It can also provide comfort and support during the dying process. Additionally, end-of-life care can help to ensure that patients receive the best possible medical care during their final days.

Example: “There is no one answer to this question as opinions on end-of-life care will vary from person to person. However, some things to consider when thinking about end-of-life care include the following:

What are the patient's wishes? It is important to respect the patient's wishes and preferences when it comes to end-of-life care.

What is the best way to manage pain and other symptoms? Comfort should be a priority when providing end-of-life care.

What are the financial considerations? End-of-life care can be expensive, so it is important to consider the financial implications.

What are the emotional needs of both the patient and their loved ones? End-of-life care is not just about the physical needs of the patient; it is also important to address the emotional needs of everyone involved.”

Do you have any experience with organ transplantation?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask a surgeon if they have any experience with organ transplantation. One reason is that organ transplantation is a very specialized field of surgery, and so the interviewer wants to know if the surgeon has the specific skills and knowledge necessary to perform this type of surgery. Another reason could be that the interviewer is looking for surgeons who have experience with a particular type of organ transplantation, such as heart or liver transplantation. This is important because it shows that the surgeon has the ability to successfully perform this type of surgery.

Example: “Yes, I have experience with organ transplantation. I have performed several organ transplants, including heart, lung, and kidney transplants. I am familiar with the transplantation process and the necessary medical care required for successful transplantation.”

How do you feel about performing cosmetic surgery?

The interviewer is asking how the surgeon feels about performing cosmetic surgery because it is an important part of the job. The interviewer wants to know if the surgeon is comfortable with the idea of performing surgery on people who are seeking to improve their appearance. This is important because it shows whether or not the surgeon is compassionate and understand the importance of this type of surgery.

Example: “I am very comfortable performing cosmetic surgery. I feel that it is a very rewarding area of surgery, where we can make a significant difference in a patient's quality of life. I also feel that it is important to ensure that patients understand the risks and benefits of any procedure before proceeding, so that they can make an informed decision about whether or not to proceed with surgery.”

Have you ever had to deal with a patient's death?

The interviewer is asking this question to gauge the surgeon's emotional stability and resilience. Dealing with death is a difficult and emotional experience, and it takes a strong person to be able to handle it on a regular basis. It's important for surgeons to be able to cope with death, because it is a reality of their job. They will have to deal with patients dying on the operating table, and they need to be able to remain calm and focused in order to save as many lives as possible.

Example: “Yes, I have had to deal with a patient's death before. It is never easy, but it is something that must be done with compassion and care. I always make sure to take the time to speak with the family members of the deceased and to offer my condolences. I also work with the staff to ensure that all of the necessary paperwork is completed and that the body is properly prepared for burial or cremation.”

How did you handle it?

There are a lot of potential stressful situations that come up during surgery, so the interviewer wants to know how the surgeon handles them. It's important to be able to stay calm and focused under pressure in surgery, because any mistakes can have serious consequences.

Example: “I was very calm and collected. I explained the situation to the best of my ability and then asked if there were any questions.”

Related Interview Questions