Congrats! You got the interview! Now find out the 3 top questions you should prepare to answer when going into an interview for a physician job.
Even doctors go through the rigors of job interviews. Sometimes, even doctors don’t do as well as they should. This blog will help you answer three of the most common (and perhaps most important) interview questions you might face as you consider moving to another organization to advance your professional career.
Top Interview Questions and Answers for Doctors
Interview questions for doctors run the gamut from clinical skills to professional conduct. You’ll likely face behavioral questions that seek to understand your thinking around specific instances in your professional career. Understandably, the FQHC is looking for clinical acumen, service excellence, and cultural fit. The FQHC community is small and tight knit, so interviewers are likely to look closely at your ability to collaborate with colleagues in addition to how you deliver care. Expect these issues to come up in the following three questions.
- What motivated you to pursue a healthcare career as a doctor?
Answer: I’ve always been drawn to the field of medicine to help people. I was inspired by the work of other physicians I’ve seen, and I want to continue to serve the community by providing medical care to patients and their families.
Why this is a good answer: FQHCs put the word “community” back into healthcare. These organizations focus on furthering the health of underserved populations. Having a mission-driven focus to become a physician is exactly the attitude that these organizations support.
- Can you describe a time when you handled a particularly challenging case?
Answer: One case that stands out was a patient who presented with a rare comorbidity. I had to collaborate with a team of specialists to come up with an effective treatment plan. It was a challenging case, but I learned a lot and it was rewarding to see the patient make a full recovery.
Why this is a good answer: As you know, FQHCs handle wide-ranging patient problems, often combining treatments for physical, behavioral, and dental health. This is precisely the attitude that FQHCs look for in their physician teams. This answer shows your tenacity in solving a multi-faceted case, willingness to collaborate, and appreciation for continuous learning.
- How do you communicate complicated or difficult information with patients and their families?
Answer: I always prioritize the patient’s well-being by prioritizing open and honest communication. I take the time to listen to their concerns and provide them with clear, concise information. I believe it’s important to practice active listening, be patient, and maintain a compassionate and empathetic demeanor to help ease the stress of these difficult conversations.
Why this is a good answer: FQHCs serve patients from underserved communities, often providing care to those who face economic, cultural, and linguistic barriers to accessing healthcare. As a result, FQHC doctors must be compassionate, patient, and empathetic when serving these populations. Compassionate care is at the heart of what we do. This answer shows your efforts to engage patients while working to improve their health outcomes.
UHC Solutions works with clinical and administrative professionals seeking new career opportunities in the challenging world of community health. If you’re a doctor or clinical professional considering a move, we’re here to ease your transition. Call on us to find out how we can help.
