Midwestern University Physician Assistant Interview Questions & Answers

Below is a list of our Midwestern University interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.

Table of Contents

1. Accomplishment Questions
2. Ask The Interviewer Questions
3. Behavioral Questions
4. Career Goals Questions
5. Common Questions
6. Communication Questions
7. Compatibility Questions
8. Critical Thinking Questions
9. Diligence Questions
10. Direct Questions
11. Discovery Questions
12. Education Questions
13. Experience Questions
14. Job Satisfaction Questions
15. Problem Solving Questions
16. Scenario Based Questions

Accomplishment

1. Tell us about your proudest academic achievement and why it makes you feel so proud.

How to Answer

The Admissions Committee at Midwestern University wants to know what areas of achievement are most important to you. Perhaps you have maintained an exceptional GPA or excelled in school while working a part-time job. Maybe you finished top of your class in your undergrad and received a special award for your achievements. Think of any accolades that you may have received along the way.

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Answer Example

"I am proud of earning a spot on the Dean's list for three of four undergraduate years. I started my undergrad determined to study hard and earn top grades. I am proud of this achievement because it allowed me to be here today, interviewing for a spot at Midwestern University's renowned PA program. This achievement shows that my hard work and dedication earned me one step closer to achieving my goals of becoming a top-notch PA."

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I am most proud of the volunteer experiences that I gained over the years. My parents have always taught my sisters and I to give back to the community and utilize our skills towards making the world better than we found it. So I try to be very conscientious of that. In high school, when my teacher approached me to be an after-school mentor for students struggling to keep up in class, I jumped at the opportunity. I also started volunteering at local places such as a small bookstore struggling to stay open due to a shortage in staff, at a church where they offered homeless individuals hot meals and a place to stay during the holiday season, and then I started volunteering at a hospital where I received very important foundational knowledge of the impact compassion can have on an individual struggling with their health. I eventually started volunteering at an ER where I got to interact with physicians, PAs, and nurses from various specialties as well as play a small role in family and patient-centered care. For a couple of semesters during my undergrad years, I volunteered at an Autism Outreach organization where I was able to interact and learn from autistic children of all ages. I have learned just how unique each child is. Working with these kids each day, they have helped me grow personally and professionally. I am able to apply that understanding when working with kids in the pediatrics unit at the hospital. My volunteer experiences have made me a more compassionate and reliable individual both in and beyond the healthcare setting."

Marcie's Feedback

Awesome! This is definitely an impressive list of volunteer activities and achievements! Your answer clearly explains how these experiences will help you to be a more compassionate and caring healthcare worker, which the interviewer will appreciate. All of the details you provide make your response memorable and meaningful. Great job!

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Anonymous Answer

"I worked hard in my early education which allowed me to attend Utah Tech University with a full tuition scholarship for 4 years. This allowed me to obtain my undergraduate degree without any debt. I worked hard in the four years it took to get my degree. I worked a part-time job along with my schooling. Despite working while going to school I was able to graduate college with honors. I had the opportunity to interview for the Dixie 11 award, which is awarded to the top 11 graduates. I was among 200 to apply for the scholarship and was chosen among 26 graduates to interview. I was proud to know that of 2500 students graduating with their bachelor's I was among the top 26 students. I feel that my hard work and effort will continue with me in PA school."

Stephanie's Feedback

Excellent response! This is a major accomplishment, and it is clear that you've worked very hard to achieve this. You also do a great job of linking your past accomplishments to your future as a PA student, showing how these accomplishments have thoroughly prepared you for PA school.

Ask The Interviewer

2. What questions do you have for us about Midwestern University?

How to Answer

Be sure to attend your interview prepared with insightful questions for the PA Program Admissions Committee. Having insightful questions ready will show the admissions team that you are keenly interested in Midwestern University and its PA program. When you have thoughtful questions prepared, it also sets the stage for your interviewers to provide essential and helpful details about the admissions process, the program, the school, student life, and more. Keep your questions academic-related. For example, asking too many questions about non-school-related social activities may cause you to appear unfocused.

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Answer Example

"(1) If you could give me any piece of advice, what would that be? (2) Is there anything in my application or anything I said in today's interview that I could clarify for you? (3) What is the most important thing I should know about my first week at Midwestern University if I am accepted? (4) Can you tell me about some exciting extra-curricular opportunities I could be involved in should I attend Midwestern University? (5) What do you feel is a unique offering at Midwestern University compared to other schools offering a PA program?"

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Difficult times like the pandemic often make us realize what are the strengths and weaknesses of our community. So, what is something you learned about your program as a result of the pandemic and how has that helped you improve the program."

Marcie's Feedback

Wow! These questions are very thought-provoking and unique, which will help you to stand out. Nice job! Do you also have any questions when it comes to yourself and what your experience will be like at the school?

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Anonymous Answer

"If I enter your program, will a preceptor be found for me, or will I be responsible for finding one myself?

Could you tell me about the hospital rotations I will be doing in your program?

Do you have graduate assistance?

What do you feel the strength of your program is?

What’s the culture of your program? With 86 students how would a didactic year look?"

Stephanie's Feedback

This is a great start! I always suggest coming to an interview with a short list of interview questions prepared, as some questions may be answered elsewhere during your interview, and the conversation may spark new questions for you as well. I do encourage you to add an extra question to two that shows that you've done specific research on the program.

Behavioral

3. Describe a situation where your work was criticized. How did you respond?

How to Answer

Feedback will not always come gently. When that happens, we can feel criticized. Then, it's easy for human nature to take over and for us to become defensive. Midwestern University's PA Program Admissions Committee wants to know that you can accept feedback or criticism productively and with maturity.

This behavioral-based question asks you to describe a time when you received feedback or criticism and outline how you responded. Consider forming your story-based answer using the STAR framework. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result.

Remember, it's important to highlight that you were able to take the criticism and learn from the situation. You can achieve this by speaking in detail about how you implemented change after becoming aware of the criticism.

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Answer Example

"(Situation & Task) During my first-year year English course, the professor asked us to write a paper on a topic of our choice. We were to meet with the professor periodically to go over our progress. After meeting with this professor a few times, it felt like nothing in my paper was structured correctly. (Action) I felt frustrated, but I took the situation as an opportunity to take an online course through Udemy on academic writing. I took what I learned from the online course and blended in the suggestions from my professor. (Result) The last time I met with the professor, they discussed how well I had taken their structural criticism and commented on the improvements, which felt great. I soon realized that all they were trying to do was to push me to write to the best of my ability. I thanked this professor and told them I respected them for taking the time and energy to ensure my growth and success. I am a much better writer today because of the feedback and coaching I received."

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I think feedback and constructive criticism are very important for growth and improvement. I always try to be reflective and mindful of the nature of feedback, which is meant for the achievement of a shared goal in a professional setting, so I often respond with curiosity and ask for specifics in order to improve myself. Alongside my NA job, I currently work as a substitute/paraprofessional at a school due to a staff shortage, I had to learn a lot of things on the job through experience rather than getting full training beforehand. There was once a situation where a student used foul language when communicating with one of her peers and the steps that I took were pulling them aside and privately talking to both students. I lead the conversation towards making the student realize her mistake and helping her understand the hurtful nature of her remark. She apologized to her peer and I made sure that they both had a dialogue where both students were comfortable with each other. I got a phone call from the principal after a student mentioned this incident to her and I was notified that this is considered a serious offense at the school and that the principal should have been notified according to a guideline that should have been sent to me. I respectfully told her that I have never received any such guidelines, however, would like to set up a meeting with her to ensure that I take the proper steps in the future. She was happy to set up a meeting and ensured me that she would make sure that she emails me the documents regarding those guidelines."

Marcie's Feedback

This is a strong answer because it shows that you appreciate constructive criticism and feedback so that you can learn and improve. Your example is a good one because you handled a negative situation in a responsible and logical way. Then when you were called out due to a procedural error that you weren't previously informed about, you acted professionally and respectfully. You also took steps to learn so that you wouldn't make this same mistake again in the future. Excellent response!

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Anonymous Answer

"In the final semester of my undergraduate, I was taking a lab for Biostatistics. We were put into groups and in our group, we had to think of an experiment that we could perform throughout the semester. We chose to do our experiment on the effects of spices on the growth of bacteria. The experiment took about a week and we thought we had gotten some data from it. We made our report and felt confident that it was worthy of a good grade. We submitted it early for feedback in case we needed to make changes. The professor reached out and told us that we did not have enough data and that we would need to do the experiment again and that our report needed a lot of work. This was tough to hear, but we were glad that we got the feedback sooner than later. I was able to take this criticism and learn from it. I was able to take a deeper look at our experiment and report and found the flaws it had. This helped me be able to take a better look at reports I was doing for other classes as well. Criticism is vital to learning and growing to become a better student and employee."

Stephanie's Feedback

You do an excellent job of outlining a specific situation where you received critical feedback while showing what you learned and how you moved forward. Although this is a great personal example, you may wish to make your response just a little more concise. Can you condense the first few sentences and give a shorter overview?

Career Goals

4. How do you plan to positively contribute to the profession when you become a Physician Assistant?

How to Answer

The Admissions Committee at Midwestern University wants evidence that you plan on making a positive and lasting impact on the PA profession after graduating. Perhaps you desire to work with a particular population or community. Maybe your vow as a PA is to teach your patients that being diligent about a specific aspect of their health positively impacts their overall well-being. Discuss with passion and enthusiasm how you plan to improve or positively contribute to the PA profession once you've graduated. Be as specific as possible to ensure a memorable response.

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Answer Example

"I have chosen to become a Physician Assistant because of the broad impact I can make on my patients, their families, and my community. As a PA, I can get to know my patients more closely than many other healthcare providers. As a PA, I will positively contribute to the profession by bringing whole-health knowledge and mindset to my patients. When my patients feel motivated and empowered to take their entire health into their hands, it will create a trickle-down effect on other aspects of their lives, including their family members' well-being. This ripple will help create greater respect for general health care, improving how the public views our profession and how often patients visit their physicians for regular checkups."

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Working as a Patient care tech on the Cardiovascular unit, I have seen several patients with Heart Failure that we consider “frequent fliers”. These patients get taught the same thing about their heart failure every time they are admitted. Clearly, there is some barrier that is keeping them from actually taking care of their heart failure. When I become a PA I hope to help patients overcome the barriers that keep them from staying healthy. If they can learn other ways to stay healthy they will be able to stay out of the hospitals. Everyone learns differently, so for some being told the same thing over and over again doesn't help them. They need more help, and I hope to be able to provide that help."

Marcie's Feedback

Wow! This is a strong answer that shows how passionate you are about helping people. And not only do you want to help them initially, but you want to show them how to make changes that will help them long-term. Fantastic! Any interviewer will be impressed by your sincerity and desire to help others.

Career Goals

5. Once you graduate from our PA program, you will be qualified to work in various healthcare settings. What workplace setting appeals to you the most?

How to Answer

The Physician Assistant field is rapidly growing, and PAs are considered a vital part of many healthcare teams. PAs can practice under licensed physicians in a broad range of settings. These settings include primary care facilities, surgical care facilities, hospitals, emergency rooms, and much more. There are even opportunities for PAs to work in academia and research.

Realistically, your goals will change as you progress in your education. Therefore, this question is asked to learn more about your interests and gauge the consideration you've put into your career journey as a PA. Be ready to talk with the Admissions Committee about your current workplace interests and how they might fit into your longer-term career goals.

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Answer Example

"Right now, working in a private clinic focusing on plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures appeals to me the most. In addition to the advantage in pay, other perks capture my interest, such as the range of transformative procedures and surgeries I could work with. Saying this, I realize that once I have completed the PA program at Midwestern University, I will have gained exposure to numerous work environments and opportunities, potentially leading me down another path of interest. I look forward to learning more about how I can positively impact others as a PA in a hospital or public care facility."

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Currently, I work in the Cardiovascular Unit, and I have also shadowed CardioThoracic surgery PAs. I find hearts to be fascinating. I have loved the experiences and knowledge I have received so far. As a PA I would love to be able to work with a CardioThoracic surgery team and further my knowledge and understanding related to the heart. However, I know that through my PA education, I will gain exposure to many different workplace settings, and I am open to other ideas. I realize that there might be something else that I will enjoy even more."

Stephanie's Feedback

Great response! It sounds like you have significant areas of professional interest, while also being super open-minded. I hope you find the ideal workplace setting after graduation!

Common

6. Tell us about an area of weakness that you would like to improve on while attending the PA program at Midwestern University.

How to Answer

We all have weaknesses, and that is an expected reality. However, the Admissions Committee at the Midwestern University wants to know that your biggest weakness will not impact your ability to succeed as a student in their Physician Assistant program. The Admissions Committee would also like evidence that you are self-aware and can readily identify areas for personal improvement.

Talk about a weakness that is not a core skill required to succeed as a PA student. Be honest when you answer, recognizing that although you may not be great at something, you acknowledge the need to improve. Show the decision-makers that you have an action plan to improve this weakness.

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Answer Example

"I would like to improve my verbal skills. I have excellent listening skills, but when it comes to communicating verbally, I sometimes find myself lacking confidence. I have been improving my skills by hiring a confidence coach and stepping outside my comfort zone to start conversations with strangers. I have also sought advice from family, friends, and my superiors at work. Through these exercises, I have improved my confidence and ability to interact with others verbally. I will continue to improve on this weakness throughout my academics so that I graduate with strong verbal communication skills."

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Something I would like to improve on as a student is to building consistency in my daily life. Interestingly, it is through my job as a nursing assistant that I realized the impact that routine can have on our well-being. I once cared for a 90-year-old woman who would wake up at 7:00 am every morning, tidy her bed, go for a stroll around the unit with her walker, eat breakfast, exercise in the rehabilitation room, take a nap and then go about the rest of her day. She had a well-defined routine. She pushed herself to do things, some of which were difficult for her, without needing someone to push her. Watching her made me realize how much we all should invest in some sort of structure in our daily lives for healthier living. Since then, I have reflected on ways I could develop consistency in my life. A couple of things I realized is that taking on one habit at a time and making a realistic goal is key."

Marcie's Feedback

Neat! Your personal example of the 90-year-old woman makes your response very interesting and memorable. Answers like this will help differentiate you from other candidates. You've also chosen a weakness that is really more of an area that just hasn't been developed yet so it doesn't divulge any serious deficiency on your part, which is smart. Excellent answer!

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Anonymous Answer

"Something I have been working on lately is building a daily routine. I haven't always had a set routine which can be difficult. I know that PA school will be a challenge, and I know that having a daily routine will help me manage my time effectively. With a routine, I will be able to stay mentally and physically healthy while also having time to study and finish all of the assignments that come with the rigorous schedule of PA school. I am eager to start PA school and learn how best to structure my routine around my schooling."

Stephanie's Feedback

Good for you! Forming a daily routine is a wonderful goal to have. You also do a good job of re-purposing an area of weakness as a strength. After all, even though you don't yet have a solid routine, you have a plan in place to achieve this.

Communication

7. As a Physician's Assistant you will work closely with residents and medical staff. How will you approach building relationships with medical learners and staff?

How to Answer

As a Physician Assistant, it will be essential that you build healthy and trust-filled workplace relationships. The Admissions Committee at Midwestern University would like to know more about your interpersonal skills and how you approach building relationships. Some ways that you can establish strong workplace relationships include:

- Owning up to your mistakes and fixing them promptly
- Respecting other people's focus time and personal space
- Being timely with your follow-ups and meeting your deadlines
- Treating everyone equally, regardless of their job title, status, or tenure
- Showing common courtesy and being respectful in your communication
- Reaching out to new team members and helping them to feel comfortable

Discuss how you plan to build relationships with medical learners and staff when you are a PA. If you already have strong interpersonal skills, highlight your current success in making great connections with your peers and leaders.

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Answer Example

"Trust is a significant component of relationship building, and trust is something we earn over time. I will earn this trust and build great relationships by being transparent in communicating, doing what I commit, and delivering my work on time. Now, as a nurse, I earn the trust of my leaders, co-workers, and medical learners by being helpful, doing what I promise, and being honest with them when feedback is required. With strong trust, teams can accomplish great things together, and I sincerely look forward to this important component of teamwork when I am a Physician Assistant."

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I feel that every member of the patient care team deserves respect and trust. I would definitely make sure that anyone that comes to me with questions feels like I value their concern and their time. I definitely want nurses to feel they can come to me when they have a concern about their patients. A questioning attitude is a good attitude to have. If they caught a mistake I would own up to the mistake and correct the action. Having integrity is an important trait to have in the healthcare field. I would make sure to be punctual in all of my meetings to show coworkers and patients that I genuinely care about what they have to say. A good workplace relationship starts with building trust. I have seen how important it is for a nurse to feel comfortable reaching out to a doctor or a PA about concerns they have regarding care for their patient. It is always important for them to respond in a timely manner."

Stephanie's Feedback

It sounds like you build positive relationships easily and have a positive approach to working with others! My only suggestion for improving this response is to make it just a little more concise. Sometimes, less is more!

Communication

8. How do you express your opinions on controversial topics such as abortion, euthanasia, physician assisted suicide, and cloning?

How to Answer

The Admissions Committee at Midwestern University wants to see how you navigate communication around controversial topics. Questions like this can be tricky, so be sure to note the question's wording before you answer. The admissions interviewers are not asking for your opinion on these topics. They are asking about your communication style. Talk to the Admissions Committee about how you remain tactful when controversial topics arise.

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Answer Example

"As a society, we must become more comfortable with having open and constructive conversations around topics that might seem controversial. Recently topics like abortion and women rights have been significantly highlighted in the media. When approached with such conversations I remain calm, attentive, and actively listen. If I disagree with the other individual's stance, I can certainly say so but must remain respectful and not shame, humiliate, or isolate anyone because of their beliefs. However, I do think it's necessary to stand up against what is hurtful and wrong and will not remain silent when I know my voice matters."

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"When I am around friends, I'm liberal with my opinions. When I'm in a work environment, I tend to be more diplomatic and keep my personal opinions to myself. I express the good and bad to both sides of the topics and express how each side has the right view."

Rachelle's Feedback

Your approach is professional, responsible, and respectful. Well done!

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Anonymous Answer

"I think first it is important to be educated on these topics because they really are delicate subject matters that require some research, so I try to make sure I know some of the history behind such topics before I formulate an opinion. Like many other topics, these have advantages and disadvantages to them so it is important to shed light on both sides of the matter. Also, I believe it is important to give our opinions in a respectful and mindful way because I think one of the reasons that they are labeled controversial is because people tend to turn them into a matter of argument when it doesn't have to be. They can and should be topics that are spoken about calmly. I try to create a safe space for others whenever I state my opinion and make it known that it is only my opinion and that others are allowed to have their own even if it is contradictory to mine. And these topics are, at the end of the day, choices that every person should be able to have the option to make for themselves."

Marcie's Feedback

Excellent response. You come across as very level-headed, fair, open-minded, and calm. The interviewer will be glad that you recognize the importance of being educated about these topics and that you would communicate your opinions in a calm and respectful manner. You might also mention that in most cases as a PA you won't have or feel the need to express your personal opinions about these controversial topics in a professional setting. Good job!

Anonymous Answer

"I am not outspoken about my opinions unless I am in a conversation regarding these topics. I think it is important to express any opinion empirically, supporting my approach with evidence and conviction while also respecting and listening to the opinions of others in the room."

Rachelle's Feedback

It sounds like you take a balanced and intentional approach to how and when you share your opinions on controversial topics! Good for you. This is so important for everyone entering the medical profession.

Anonymous Answer

"I am not a fan of contention. When topics similar to these arise I tend to take a neutral standpoint and listen to what both sides have to say. If I were to offer my opinion I would make sure that no one felt like I was putting them down for having an opposing opinion. I feel that I can learn from both sides about their views on the situation."

Stephanie's Feedback

This is a clear, well-rounded response. It sounds like you've given careful thought to navigating conversations on difficult issues. Although your comfort with neutrality feels clear here, I suggest being prepared just in case an interviewer asked you about taking a strong stand on an issue. What if you had to take a stand on a controversial issue? How would you react?

Compatibility

9. What makes you believe you'll be an exceptional Physician Assistant?

How to Answer

Character-focused questions like this require reflection and the ability to speak about yourself in a way that showcases your strengths but still comes across as humble. Think about why you want to be a Physician Assistant and what led you to this academic path. Be honest in your response while making a connection between your top qualities, existing experiences, and the core requirements of a PA.

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Answer Example

"I will be an exceptional PA because I am empathetic, confident, and a strong problem solver under pressure. I have known for many years that I wanted to work in the healthcare field. When I first realized the joy I get from caring for others, I chose to pursue this interest by volunteering at a free clinic two days per week. My interest grew as I saw physicians, PAs, and nurses help others most compassionately. I care about humanity and ensuring people live healthy lives. While pursuing my Bachelor of Nursing, this desire to help others only grew. Now, recently completing an internship under a general practitioner, I have grown my skills in empathy and gained a fuller understanding of what it means to truly embrace a patient-centered approach. These combined skills, qualities, and experiences give me the confidence that I will be an exceptional PA, especially after receiving top-notch education from Midwestern's PA program."

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I believe I will be an exceptional PA due to the many attributes I have gained through working as a Patient care tech. I have had my supervisor reach out with several letters of gratitude from patients. I have been able to make a difference in my patient's hospital stay by being kind, listening to the patient, being empathetic, confident in my abilities, and being calm under pressure in stressful situations. I believe these are great attributes to have and will make me an exceptional PA."

Marcie's Feedback

Great! The interviewer will appreciate that you are kind, an active listener, empathetic, confident, and calm. Beyond these qualities, what other skills and experience do you possess that will enable you to excel as a physician assistant? Take the opportunity to really sell yourself here; don't be bashful. This is your chance to explain everything you have to offer to the interviewer. Nice job!

Compatibility

10. Name one quality you believe a Physician Assistant should possess above all else.

How to Answer

Midwestern University's Admissions Committee wants evidence that you have considered the desired qualities and characteristics of a Physician Assistant. This question is an opportunity to give an insightful response into who you are and why you are an exceptional PA candidate. Dig deeper than 'good bedside manner' or 'strong attention to detail.' Some essential characteristics or qualities of a PA might include:

- Empathy and patience
- Curiosity to learn
- Accountability and integrity
- Patience and fortitude
- Optimism and positivity

When discussing which quality you feel is the most crucial for a Physician Assistant to possess, be sure to include a statement showing that you exude this characteristic.

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Answer Example

"My experiences as a nurse have taught me that empathy is the most valuable quality for any healthcare provider to possess. At every opportunity, I attempt to understand the situation from the view of the patient. This practice helps me understand how to care for my patient more effectively. By learning about my patients' frustrations and fears, I can calm them and support them the way they need most. Empathy is an essential component of how I care for my patients as a nurse now and in the future, as a Physician Assistant."

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I think an important quality that a PA must possess is compassion. Impact comes from earning respect, building a strong relationship, and making others feel comfortable enough to open up to you, including both patients and coworkers. And in order to achieve that, compassion is an essential tool that every PA must possess. As a nursing assistant, I found that compassion led to many positive outcomes in patient care where patients were less likely to hide medical issues they were too embarrassed to voice, more likely to comply, and less stressed. Compassion is a very important quality to me."

Marcie's Feedback

Nice! Being compassionate is definitely a very important quality for a PA to possess. Including the personal example of using compassion as a nursing assistant to encourage patients to speak up about embarrassing topics and comply strengthens your answer. Great job!

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Anonymous Answer

"One of the most important characteristics for a PA to have is compassion and patience. I feel these two go together. Having compassion toward patients makes them feel comfortable around you. Having compassion and patients allows time for the patient to be able to express all of their concerns. Sometimes patients may not feel that something is important to mention. The longer you talk with them showing compassion and patience, they are more likely to give you more clues as to what the issue may be. This will allow you to build great relationships with patients."

Marcie's Feedback

Without a doubt, being compassionate and patient are wonderful qualities for a physician assistant to possess, and you've done an excellent job of explaining why. Now make sure to connect these qualities to yourself. Are you compassionate and patient? If so, emphasize this to the interviewer and back up this assertion with an example of a time when you were compassionate and patient on the job.

Critical Thinking

11. Talk about one concerning issue impacting the healthcare profession today. What do you believe could improve the pain point?

How to Answer

The Admissions Committee at Midwestern University wants to see that your interest in working in healthcare runs deep. Show the decision-makers that you spend time learning and understanding the challenges you will face in your future career as a Physician Assistant.

As an aspiring PA, you should take a keen interest in current events that will impact your education and future career. Be prepared to discuss one concerning issue currently affecting the healthcare profession and discuss a potential solution or suggestion to alleviate the problem. If the interview vibe allows, this question could present an opportunity to start a very insightful conversation. Read the room and, if it feels acceptable, consider asking the Admissions Committee a similar question in return.

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Answer Example

"One concerning issue impacting healthcare providers is the continual rise of drug prices. The best medications should be accessible to anyone, regardless of financial or social status. There has been a rising concern with big pharma creating drugs and pricing them so high that they are unattainable to most uninsured people. I have been reading about strategies to make pharmaceutical drugs and specific therapies accessible and affordable to everyone. One resource I found particularly interesting was a 2018 release by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine called 'Making Medicines Affordable: A National Imperative.' This publication outlined that the US is facing increased challenges in controlling the rise of health care costs. The cost of prescription drugs and biopharmaceuticals is a major socio-economic concern. The research outlines that drug affordability relies on numerous complex factors and not just the price of the drugs. Other factors to consider are a person's insurance coverage and how many medical conditions they are treating. Considering all of these components, and after reading this research in detail, I believe we could start by changing insurance policies and their structure, particularly around drug access. Placing additional focus on innovation in drug development could also help alleviate the pain point since that could prevent the drug shortages that cause inflating drug prices."

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I think the most concerning issue facing the medical industry is the physician shortage. As you probably know, it is predicted that there will be a shortage of about 120,000 physicians by the year 2030, and the demand for healthcare obviously will not decrease. Patient volume is expected to increase. An increase in PAs will remedy it.

Also, the opioid crisis is a significant concern."

Rachelle's Feedback

These are some scary numbers, but also great news for your job security. Your answer is smart and shows your research/involvement in the industry.

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Anonymous Answer

"I think the most concerning issue in the medical industry, specifically in the US is healthcare costs as well as drug prices. According to research, people in the US don't visit doctors as often as people in other countries, yet we end up paying way more compared to those countries. In the US, patients are often viewed as consumers by private health systems, but that doesn't really work because patients aren't able to play the role of a consumer in times of distress, confusion, and sometimes aren't mentally stable to have the bargaining power that they would otherwise have as a consumer when at BestBuy for example. In the US, government programs, like Medicare and Medicaid, can ask for a lower price from health service providers because if they don't then they risk losing the business of millions of Americans. If you have private insurance or are uninsured, then you are more likely to pay higher prices because you do not have the bargaining power that governments do. The drug industry also faces similar issues. This situation can get much worse with the increase in the aging population and the side effects of the pandemic in the near future."

Marcie's Feedback

This is a very thoughtful and thorough response. You have offered an intelligent explanation for this issue, and you appear to be knowledgeable and well-informed about it. Excellent answer!

Critical Thinking

12. If you had to pick between changing people's behaviors to prevent disease or working harder to treat existing disease, which would you choose?

How to Answer

This question focuses on your critical thinking skills. Whether it's behavior change or disease prevention, the Admissions Committee at Midwestern University wants to see where you would choose to focus most of your efforts as a healthcare provider. Clearly express your preference for either changing behaviors to prevent disease or to work harder to treat existing disease. Be ready to support your reasoning.

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Answer Example

"I have worked as a nurse for the past four years and understand that behavior modification is incredibly challenging. I have learned that change is a process, not an event. In many medical studies, we see that change can take six months or more, as humans tend to contemplate change for much longer than is usually necessary. Once someone is aware of a problem in their health, it often takes a long time to commit to action and change. For that reason, I would choose to put most of my efforts into treating existing diseases and improving the lives of those suffering from illness while, at the same time, working in the background to create change over time. I could do this by educating the patients I treat and encouraging them to take small steps towards change. In the case of a smoker, for instance, they may be contemplating, 'If I quit smoking, I will reduce the risk of heart disease, but I will also gain weight.' Rather than fighting their thought process, I would encourage them to cut back over time, reducing their commitment to cigarettes just one cigarette at a time."

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Critical Thinking

13. As a future Physician Assistant, how would you like to see the delivery of healthcare evolve?

How to Answer

The Admissions Committee at Midwestern University wants to understand where you feel healthcare could most evolve. Perhaps you feel that healthcare can best evolve through more patient-focused care. Maybe you think care coordination and synergy within the administration is the fastest way to improve healthcare processes. Whatever your answer, be sure to maintain a hopeful stance and complete your answer by describing how you feel healthcare is currently evolving.

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Answer Example

"As new research and medication are made available, I would like to see a decrease in the price of pharmaceutical products and affordability of procedures. This decrease in pricing will provide patients with more treatment options and solutions. I believe patients would end up in the emergency department less often since not being able to afford proper care often exacerbates health issues. This evolution could also prevent health issues from compounding and comorbidities increasing in patients who cannot afford proper pharmaceutical solutions or medical therapies."

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Many rural areas and underserved communities suffer from a lack of access to healthcare. Getting professionals out to those areas often requires a lot of time and many don't choose to practice there. I think I would like to see in-home visits for patient convenience and an increase in virtual visits as an enhancement of in-person care. I believe this will also help with the increase in the aging population that is starting to place greater demands on the healthcare system."

Marcie's Feedback

Nice! You mention an issue that is definitely a pressing and relevant one in health care. You clearly explain why it's a problem and then offer some smart solutions. Great job!

Critical Thinking

14. How do you feel about socialized health care vs. privatized health care?

How to Answer

Midwestern University's PA Program Admissions Committee wants to know more about your personal opinion, your critical thinking skills, and your ability to be diplomatic regarding potentially controversial topics like socialized versus privatized health care. This question is an opportunity to start a meaningful conversation between yourself and the Admissions Committee. Avoid giving a potentially offensive answer or one that seems rigid. It's best if you can provide a response that shows thoughtfulness for the topic and a desire and openness to learning more about the subject of healthcare provision.

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Answer Example

"I believe that the basic concepts of socialized health care and privatized health care are good by nature and speak to a range of patients. Some of my peers have expressed their love for socialized health care because, although they pay a higher tax rate, they are not caught in an expensive whirlwind when they face illness. Privatized health care can offer significantly shorter wait times which is very important for those with a potentially critical or debilitating illness. I believe it is important to have both options, so people have choices in their healthcare."

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I think both have advantages and disadvantages that need to be taken into consideration. Socialized health care, although you have to pay higher taxes, can take off the burden of having to pay hefty bills after checkups and procedures. Privatized healthcare, on the other hand, may be more stressful in terms of cost, but can significantly reduce wait times which can allow patients to access care sooner than later. Every person is different and has different needs so I think people should be able to choose."

Marcie's Feedback

Nice! You provide a nice summary of some of the pros and cons of socialized and privatized health care. Do you have any personal experiences with either type of health care that you can talk about to make your answer a bit more personalized? Also, it's probably not feasible for people to individually choose whichever system they prefer; it's generally either one or the other wherever they live. But you can definitely indicate that you see the advantages and disadvantages of each and don't necessarily think that one is better than the other. The interviewer will respect that. If there are some additional pros and cons that you can include, this will further strengthen your answer. Good job!

Diligence

15. Which medical-related newspapers, journals, or publications do you read to stay in touch with new medical discoveries and current events?

How to Answer

The Admissions Committee at Midwestern University wants to see that you have a keen interest in continually learning your craft. The healthcare field is ever-changing, so be prepared to talk about how you stay up to date on medical trends, breakthroughs, social concerns, and more. List a few medical journals you like to read and discuss how often you dive into medical-related news. Perhaps you subscribe to a particular magazine or blog or follow certain social media accounts.

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Answer Example

"I am sure to read PLOS Magazine and The Lancet regularly. In addition to these medical journals, I subscribe to Kaiser Health News and The Wall Street Journal Health Blog. Diversifying where my news comes from is important, and I would love fresh suggestions. Are there any specific resources that Midwestern recommends to its PA students?"

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I often refer to AAPA (American Academy of PAs), especially because it often gives me a better insight into not only what the current hot topics in the medical world are, but also how they relate to PAs and what role PAs are playing in the matter. This is because I think one of the most difficult things in the medical field I think is keeping up with the legislation and changes as science and medicine are constantly evolving entities. I'd like to be better prepared as a future PA and have a foundational habit of keeping my knowledge in check so that I don't fall behind."

Marcie's Feedback

Nice! The AAPA is a great publication for physician assistants to read. Are there any others you can mention? What about online resources? Are there any that you look at to stay up-to-date on what's happening in the PA field? You can also mention any networking or industry groups you belong to here as well. The important thing is to show the interviewer that you stay abreast of new medical discoveries, legislation, and current events.

Diligence

16. Take us through your method when preparing for exams and organizing your academic priorities.

How to Answer

Midwestern University's Admissions Committee chooses PA program students who will be diligent in their studies and perform well. The greater your academic performance, the better it will reflect on the university and its PA program. Take the Admissions Committee through your process when preparing for your exams, studying, and triaging your academic priorities. Provide as much detail as possible, highlighting the care and diligence you put into your approach, ensuring your academic success.

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Answer Example

"When studying for exams, I follow a trusted study routine that worked well for me during my undergraduate education. First, I determine what content I feel most uncertain about. Then, I re-write my notes to understand the content better and commit the information to memory. Next, I create flashcards to help me with content that has a dense vocabulary. When possible, I work with classmates to discuss concepts I struggle with. On topics that I am more comfortable with, I find that teaching other students helps me reinforce my knowledge on a topic. Overall, my academic success comes from how organized I keep my notes and how diligent I am with attending class. I take notes during lectures, review my notes at home, read the textbooks if applicable, and then take more notes if needed. My approach has been successful so far, as reflected in my overall GPA, and I am eager to continue this success during my studies at Midwestern."

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Diligence

17. As a PA you need to gain certification from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Have you started preparing for the PA-C exam?

How to Answer

The Admissions Committee wants to know if you are actively preparing for your upcoming PA-C exam. By showing the interviewers that you are thinking ahead and taking steps to ensure your success, you are showing them that you will be a dedicated student within Midwestern University's PA program.

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Answer Example

"I have been preparing for the PA-C for about one month now. I recently discovered that the NCCPA offers practice tests for a fee, so once I feel that I am ready for a practice round, I will order the test."

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Direct

18. What other schools have you applied to and where does Midwestern University rank?

How to Answer

The Admissions Committee at Midwestern University wants to understand the types of schools catching your interest. Knowing where you are applying will help them better understand if their school will meet your specific educational needs, desires, and goals. Be transparent when answering this question, but avoid saying anything offensive, such as 'this school is my last choice.' Choose the number one reason you want to attend Midwestern University and its PA program, and focus on that.

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Answer Example

"I have applied to two other schools offering Physician Assistant programs. Those schools include Northern Arizona University and A.T. Still University. My interest in Midwestern University is strong because the school's program philosophy stands out to me from the others. I appreciate that the philosophy of the Midwestern PA program is based on a dedication to the student-centered approach to teaching and learning. I am excited to get started at Midwestern University and would feel very proud to say that I graduated from this school's PA program."

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Direct

19. What research did you conduct on Midwestern University and our PA program before choosing to apply?

How to Answer

The Admissions Committee wants to know your considerations before applying to Midwestern University and its Physician Assistant program. Share the depth of research you conducted before choosing this school and program as a viable option. Some methods of consideration could have been:

- Extensive online research
- Attending an open house at Midwestern University
- Talking to/interviewing Midwestern University alumni
- Meeting with a career counselor and asking for recommendations
- Researching the most renowned graduates of the Midwestern University Physician Assistant program
- Speaking with a current student at Midwestern University, specifically someone in the PA program

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Answer Example

"It was important that the PA program I applied to would support my passion for a career in healthcare, give me a well-rounded education, and help me feel at home on campus. When researching Midwestern University, those are the three factors I focused on the most. I conducted a lot of online research and relied heavily on student testimonials. I was pleased to find that Midwestern encapsulated everything I desire in a school and PA program. I appreciate the offering of the clinical simulation center and the options to collaborate with an interdisciplinary team inside and outside the classroom. The idea of mirroring on-site practice is very conducive to how I best learn and will help me build a strong foundation as a PA. Midwestern also delivers a safe feel and a good atmosphere. The school's inclusive approach and desire to ensure students have all the safety nets needed, including counseling and mental health resources, were a big draw for me."

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"For me, it was important that the program I applied to would increase my passion for this career, give me a well-rounded education and make me feel at home. Those are all the things I looked for when doing research. I mainly did online research and relied heavily on student testimonials because a healthy student life experience is important for me. I can confidently say that Midwestern stood out to me the most in that it would encapsulate me in everything that I desire in a PA program. I love the combination of the clinical simulation center and the option to collaborate with an interdisciplinary team both within and beyond the classroom setting that Midwestern provides for its students. I think the idea of mirroring on-site practice that we as PAs will do in the future is very conducive to optimizing our education and will help me build a strong foundation in interdisciplinary knowledge and collaboration. I was also looking for a place I would feel safe and comfortable in and Midwestern gives me that atmosphere. Midwestern's inclusive approach to their student body and their desire to ensure students had all the safety nets they needed through counseling and mental health resources were also a big draw for me."

Marcie's Feedback

It sounds like you did a lot of research before picking this particular school, which the interviewer will be glad to hear. Did you take any virtual or in-person tours that you can also talk about? Did you talk to any alumni or current students? If so, be sure to mention this as well. Otherwise, your response is strong and clearly shows why you believe this school is the best one for you. Good job!

Direct

20. What do you know about Midwestern University?

How to Answer

The Admissions Committee at Midwestern University has seen hundreds of applicants, so a question like this is an opportunity for you to be memorable. If you are lucky enough to land an interview at Midwestern, carefully research the school and its unique offerings. You don't need to be an expert on the university's entire history, but you must be knowledgeable about the PA program.

You should also be familiar with the recent accolades for which the school has received recognition. Search the university's website and note any recent news articles, events, or contributions they have made to the community or student body. Identify Midwestern University's mission and values so that you can be clear on what they stand for and how it's a match for your education aspirations.

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Answer Example

"I know that Midwestern University students have the opportunity to learn alongside healthcare students from other specialties, and I think that is a very favorable learning environment. As a nurse, I get to work alongside many different healthcare professionals. This opportunity has built my confidence and improved my capabilities as a healthcare provider. I would love to mirror that experience as a PA student. I believe Midwestern's cohesive learning environment will help create a foundation for students to interact and work collaboratively with healthcare professionals from various departments in the future. I also believe it will give me a holistic perspective on assessing, treating, and referring my patients in the future. I see the school's passion for community outreach and inclusivity, which are factors I am passionate about and will advocate for as a Physician Assistant. The more I learn about Midwestern University, the more excited I feel about the prospect of attending this PA program."

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I know that Midwestern University provides a campus where students have the opportunity to learn alongside healthcare students from other specialties and I think that is a very advantageous environment to learn in. As a nursing assistant, I get to work alongside many different healthcare professionals and I realized that having that experience has really built my confidence and my capabilities as a healthcare worker and I would love to mirror that experience as a PA student. I believe Midwestern's cohesive learning environment will help create a foundation for students to be able to interact and work collaboratively with healthcare professionals from various departments in the future. I also believe it will give us a holistic perspective on assessing, treating, and referring to our patients as future practitioners. In Midwestern, I also see a passion for community outreach and inclusivity, which are two factors that I am extremely passionate about and hope to advocate as a PA. Those are the reasons why Midwestern is my top program of choice."

Marcie's Feedback

Great! You clearly explain why this school in particular interests you, which the interviewer will appreciate. You come across as passionate and knowledgeable about both the field and the school itself. Can you explain a bit more why community outreach and inclusivity matter to you? Nice job!

View This Question and Answers

Direct

21. Are you happy with your performance in today's admissions interview?

How to Answer

The Admissions Committee at Midwestern University wants to know if you are happy with your admissions interview performance. There is always room for improvement; however, avoid picking your interview apart in a way that creates doubt in the minds of the decision-makers.

If you feel you could have performed better, you could respond by saying, 'I felt well prepared for most of the questions you have asked me today; however, I would like to clarify my answer on one particular point....' Then, return to the question you may have stumbled on and answer how you would have liked it the first time.

If you feel the interview went well, you could respond by saying, 'I felt for the questions that you asked me today and am happy with my performance in this interview. Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. Can I ask if there is anything I can clarify or elaborate on from today's conversation?'

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Answer Example

"I felt well prepared for the questions that the Admissions Committee asked today. I answered honestly and to the best of my abilities and am quite happy with my performance. Thank you for giving me your time and attention today. May I ask - is there anything you would like me to clarify or elaborate on from my general application or today's discussion?"

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I am happy with the way I performed. I was able to express the person that I am in my answers and for now, I am content with that. Thank you so much for having me. Please feel free to let me know if you would like me to clarify anything for you from our conversation today?"

Marcie's Feedback

Excellent! You come across as confident, yet open to questions and feedback. Perfect!

Direct

22. Why should Midwestern University accept you over another PA applicant with similar qualifications?

How to Answer

The Admissions Committee is looking for unique qualities and statements that make you stand out from the other students wishing to attend Midwestern University's PA program. When forming your response, put yourself in the position of the decision-makers. They are looking at multiple talented candidates. All have stellar grades, have the drive, and have the potential to be renowned Midwestern University alumni. What would be the primary reason to choose you over someone else?

Some factors that make you a stand-out candidate might include:

- An additional degree, diploma, or certification
- A memorable and personal story of struggle and triumph
- Proof that you continually focus on personal and professional development
- An unusual skill such as speaking multiple languages or knowing sign language

When responding, ensure that your reasoning is unique and sets you apart from other applicants.

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Answer Example

"I'm confident that Midwestern University should choose me for entrance into the PA program because of my diverse healthcare work and volunteer experiences. I have shown leadership and compassion for my community by holding long-term volunteer leadership positions, coordinating donations for events benefiting local shelters, and holding free educational programs. I did all this while working two jobs and excelling in my undergrad studies. My resilience, dedication, and passion are evidence that I will excel in this program and as a future Physician Assistant."

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I think you should choose me due to my diverse experiences. I grew up in a multicultural community as a double minority immigrant where I saw the world not only through my eyes, but also through the eyes of others from different cultures, needs, and backgrounds. I also witnessed the realities of living in an underserved community from a very young age, and with so many different immigrants and cultures, those realities were unique to each individual. Accepting and understanding differences is something I implemented in my mind from a very early age because keeping myself open to that is what helped me decipher where disparities were in my community, which ultimately led me to want to pursue a career in healthcare because that is one vital aspect among many that my community lacked proper access to. Due to my experiences, I have a deeply rooted passion to serve others and bring about innovative changes through the PA platform and take the profession into a more inclusive and impactful future. I'd also like to add that my Health sciences major contributed to my diverse background by fostering a unique context of environmental, social, and economic factors that play a role in the well-being of individuals. It really put into perspective for me the dynamic nature of healthcare and that is a perspective that I believe will make me a holistic professional."

Marcie's Feedback

Excellent! Your answer clearly shows how you are different from other candidates. Your background, ethnicity, and choice of major all have helped you to be a more open, inclusive, and compassionate individual, which makes you an ideal fit as a PA. To further strengthen your response, you might also mention some of your other strengths (including skills, qualities, education, and experience) that will allow you to excel at the school. Great response!

Discovery

23. Take us through your academic journey, and how you ended up applying to Midwestern's PA program.

How to Answer

The Admissions Committee at Midwestern University may use this question as an icebreaker to start the interview. The Past, Present, Future framework can help you build a memorable answer to questions that ask you to talk about your background or introduce yourself.

- Past: Discuss how you got to where you are today
- Present: Paint a picture of what you are currently doing
- Future: Discuss what you want for your future

Your response should give the admissions team a glimpse into who you are and how your academic or work history brought you to where you are today. Be sure to highlight the factors that make you an excellent candidate for the PA program.

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Answer Example

"(Past) In 2018, I graduated from ABC University with a Bachelor of Nursing. Since graduating, I have worked in a family medicine clinic, assisting and supporting two physicians. My days include collecting patient histories, prepping rooms for physical examinations, and counseling patients on preventative health initiatives. (Present) Over the past year, I have felt the pull to further my ability to include diagnosing illnesses and collaborating to develop treatment strategies for my patients. After some research, I found that becoming a Physician Assistant was an excellent option to meet these career growth desires. (Future) As a Nurse, I have developed exceptional skills and knowledge that align well with the responsibilities of a Physician Assistant. I am ready to enter my next career phase and expand my education as a health care provider."

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Discovery

24. At Midwestern University we believe in the continual development of our students, both professionally and personally. What is your self-development plan?

How to Answer

Having a self-development plan is incredibly important for any aspiring Physician Assistant. Midwestern University's Admissions Committee wants to know more about your self-development plan and how attending their PA program aligns with that plan. Some ways you might approach self-development include:

- Listening to an inspiring podcast or reading motivational books
- Spending time volunteering for an organization that means something to you
- Engaging with insightful members of your community or learning from a mentor
- Attending personal development workshops or taking self-development courses

If Midwestern University is going to invest in you, they need to know that you also have a plan for investing in yourself. As an aspiring healthcare provider, you must set goals for your personal and professional development. Be prepared to discuss these goals in detail, showcasing your enthusiasm for self-development.

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Answer Example

"Continual development is critical, and as healthcare providers, we should always want to better ourselves personally and professionally. Personally, I want to work on my self-confidence. I started reading more motivational books about being kind to myself and overcoming perfectionism. Professionally, I plan to keep up with my continuing medical education by completing 50 continuing education hours each year to remain well ahead of the 24-month deadline. I will also use the NCCPA and AAPA website to see where I can earn additional CME credits."

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Take advantage of preceptor evaluations to determine my strengths and weakness professionally and academically. I would consult with my PA faculty mentor for guidance on improving my weaknesses or directing me toward resources to help. I love listening to podcasts on my way to work, whether that be PA applicant advice or true crime podcasts. Plan to use podcasts, also specific to PA school."

Rachelle's Feedback

It sounds as though you have a strong self- development plan in place. It's great that you will ask for resources when needed, as well.

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"I really believe it's important to have an intrinsic drive to seek personal growth beyond school and classroom settings. As an adult, one of my foundational goals is to be a better version of myself and that is something I think about a lot. In my life, that looks like being very mindful of the support group that I have, the friends I choose to surround myself with, and also what kind of pages and organizations I follow on social media. It is important for me to make sure I am making healthy choices in all aspects of life if I want to optimize my personal growth. In addition, I really enjoy listening to podcasts, especially during my drives or when I'm cooking or cleaning around the house. Most of the time, those podcasts are about self-improvement and mindful living. I also like to read books that are rich in life lessons and the one that I am currently reading is titled "Becoming Bulletproof: Life Lessons from a Secret Service Agent" by Evy Pompous. In the book, she talks about how to live fearlessly which I think is a very important skill to develop because making decisions or approaching situations out of fear is not a healthy way to live as it can cloud your judgment or simply cause you to freeze. As a PA student and future PA, I plan on implementing that mindset because treading new territories, tackling heavy workloads, and being in a position where you are often expected to have all the answers while knowing that you won't always have an answer requires resilience and courage."

Marcie's Feedback

Wow! Your response is very thoughtful and thorough, and it will undoubtedly impress any interviewer. It sounds like you've already put a lot of thought into how to make sure that you're continually improving yourself on a personal level. Since the question also mentions professional development, perhaps include a couple of ways you plan to develop yourself professionally as well? (For example, by attending industry conferences, identifying in-demand skills and then studying them, committing to a workout routine to manage stress and stay healthy, etc.) Otherwise, this is an excellent answer! Great job!

Discovery

25. Attending Midwestern's PA program will be one of your most significant professional and personal challenges. Do you have a healthy support system to encourage you through this chapter?

How to Answer

The Admissions Committee at Midwestern University wants to know that if you are accepted into the PA program, you will have the support required to keep you balanced during your heavy and challenging academic workload. Discuss your support system in detail by describing how your family and friends actively support your journey to becoming a Physician Assistant.

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Answer Example

"My family is incredibly proud of me for aspiring to be a Physician Assistant. My father is especially keen as he also graduated from Midwestern University! Since I was born and raised here, I have a lot of family and friends who live in the area. I am thankful for a robust and encouraging support system I can lean on during my academic career."

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"My family, especially my parents, have always supported my educational and career endeavors. As a first-generation college student, my parents are proud of my achievements. For them, the most important thing is that I uphold the values that they've taught me such as compassion, integrity, and hard work. They keep me grounded as an individual while making sure to remind me that the sky is the limit. They are very supportive."

Marcie's Feedback

Great! The interviewer will be glad to hear that your family is so supportive of your dreams and aspirations. Mentioning compassion, integrity, and hard work is smart because it reminds the interviewer that you possess these qualities. It's also impressive that you're a first-generation college student; awesome! Do you have any other support outside of your family that you might want to mention as well (i.e., mentors, partner, friends)?

Discovery

26. Do you have a financial plan to cover Midwestern University's PA program tuition and other expenses?

How to Answer

Your Physician Assistant education is an investment, and the Admissions Committee at Midwestern University wants assurance that you have a plan for covering your tuition and other expenses associated with this academic journey.

When discussing financial matters, be honest yet avoid providing too much personal information. Your answer should be straightforward and sound confident. Let the Admissions Committee know that you have given thought to this financial commitment and that you have a plan for funding your time at Midwestern University.

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Answer Example

"Yes, I certainly have a financial plan for this academic journey. After carefully calculating tuition and living expenses, I chose to apply for federal student aid. I also applied for a few scholarships and was granted three financial awards already. My goal is to complete the PA program with minimal debt, so I have also crafted a living budget that is frugal yet doable. I am confident in my financial plan and feel ready to make some financial sacrifices as a way to invest in my career."

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Discovery

27. Who is your greatest inspiration or mentor on your path to becoming a Physician Assistant?

How to Answer

The Admissions Committee at Midwestern University wants to gain insight into your personal and professional motivations. This question allows the admissions interviewers to understand the sources of inspiration that have influenced you to become a Physician Assistant.

Your inspiration and mentorship can come from a book, a family member, an author, a notable physician, and more. Talk to the Admissions Committee about who has inspired your life and why. Be as specific as possible to ensure your response is heartfelt and genuine.

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Answer Example

"One of my greatest sources of inspiration is my aunt, who is a university professor. She taught me the importance of excellence in school and displayed many characteristics that I admire, including great diligence and consistent discipline. Because of her attitude towards continued education, she is one of the most influential people on my path to becoming a Physician Assistant."

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"The person who inspires me is my grandfather. He lost his father at a very young age and very quickly had to become the breadwinner of his family. However, he had this drive to complete his education beyond high school and he didn't let his responsibilities come in the way. He worked hard to make ends meet and during his free time, he would tutor students in his village to pay for his own schooling. He ended up becoming an English professor and to this day whenever my family and I meet his students, they tell us how much of an impact he had on them. He not only taught them but also sought out students who were struggling financially and made sure that he helped them and their families. He taught me that whatever we gain throughout our life whether that is money or education or even any ordinary privileges, we must make sure to share it with those who are not as fortunate. Because of that life lesson, I understand the impact I can have in this profession as a minority from a diverse upbringing to not only serve others with the skills that I will gain, but also be a a voice for those who feel like they may not have one and open roads that take the PA profession towards a more inclusive future where everyone feels represented."

Marcie's Feedback

Wow! What a powerful response! Your grandfather sounds like a great man who impacted many, including you. It's wonderful that he taught you through his actions and words a valuable life lesson that is shaping your career path and life. Any interviewer will be impressed by the sincerity and passion that shines through your answer. Excellent job!

Discovery

28. Tell us something that we would not know about you from reading your CV.

How to Answer

The Admissions Committee at Midwestern University would like to know you apart from what is written on your CV and school transcripts. You are certainly not obligated to discuss personal matters such as your relationship status, for instance. Stick with some interesting facts that will be memorable to the decision-makers. At the end of your response, remember to connect the factors you discuss and how they will ensure that you are a stellar student and future Physician Assistant.

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Answer Example

"I am an avid marathon runner and have traveled to ten countries in the last three years to compete in various races. I am a competitive individual and enjoy keeping fit. I believe my competitive nature will benefit me as a PA student and future Physician Assistant. I will have a consistent drive to deliver my best work while showing an innate need to remain top-of-the-game as a healthcare provider."

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I like learning new things all the time. I try to pick up new hobbies every once in a while. Many years ago, I taught myself how to do henna art, and gradually it has evolved into a very small side job. Before the pandemic, I got into sewing because I often end up having to alter a lot of my clothes and I really wanted to be able to do it on my own instead of having to rely on others. Learning that took some time, but I eventually ended up making outfits for my sisters and me for a small wedding event, which I was very proud of. And recently, I bought myself a pair of roller skates and am hoping to learn how to skate just in time for summer so that I can enjoy nature in a more active way. One of the reasons I do this is because I love having a lot of options for things I can do, which is also why I chose PA as a career path. The lateral mobility aspect of it is very appealing to me."

Marcie's Feedback

It's great how you connect the tidbit you've provided about yourself to the career path of a PA - awesome! The interviewer will also be happy to hear that you like to learn new things. (This is a good quality to possess as a PA.) Plus, the hobbies you mention are interesting and so will stick out in the interviewer's mind, helping to differentiate you from other candidates. Excellent!

Discovery

29. Talk about something you read recently, and what it taught you.

How to Answer

The Admissions Committee at Midwestern University wants to get to know you more personally. This desire might lead them to ask questions about what you do in your personal time. By asking what you have recently read (or are currently reading), the decision-makers can learn more about your interests and if you place importance on feeding your mind regularly.

Be prepared to discuss a book or publication that you have read or you are currently reading and why you chose to immerse yourself in that topic. If possible, connect this resource to your career goals or personal aspirations.

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Answer Example

"I just finished reading "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" by Robert Kawasaki. The book focuses on finical literacy and intelligence and how to make money work for you instead of working for money. The financial concepts taught me much about financial planning as I return to school and take on student debt. The next book I plan to read is the Wealthy Barber, and It continues to develop the ideas of ownership and financial intelligence. "

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I am currently reading "The Alchemist." This book was recommended for me by a friend. It's an allegorical novel. It is based on the idea that if you want something, the universe will conspire to make your wish come true."

Rachelle's Feedback

An amazing book that everyone should read! Excellent answer.

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Anonymous Answer

"Right now I'm reading two different books. One is "Becoming Bulletproof" by an ex-secret service agent named Evy Pompouras and the second one is "A World Undone" by G. J. Meyer. "Becoming Bulletproof" is a book about building resilience and courage in a world where we will face so many challenges. It really tries to teach you how to concur fear because making decisions and facing situations in life on the basis of fear can cloud our judgment. I think this is especially relevant in the healthcare field where professionals are always expected to have all the answers but they won't always have them, they have to make difficult decisions in high-stress situations and maintain composure in a rigorous work setting. All of those require resilience and courage which this book does a great job at expressing and providing tips to do so. The other book is about the first world war, which is a very interesting way to study the human mind and draw many life lessons from."

Marcie's Feedback

Awesome! You mention two interesting books and then provide fascinating summaries of them. Even better, you connect the lessons you're learning from "Becoming Bulletproof" to the PA career path, which makes your reading choice relevant to your aspirations of becoming a PA. This is a strong answer; great job!

Education

30. In order to keep your PA certification, you need to perform 100 hours of continued education every 24 months. What is your continued education plan?

How to Answer

Becoming a Physician Assistant is a significant academic commitment that does not end when you graduate. The Admissions Committee wants to know that you are prepared for the additional work required, even after graduating from Midwestern University's PA program. Be specific about how you plan to continue your education and meet the legal requirements to maintain your PA credentials long after graduating.

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Answer Example

"I am aware of the continued education commitment required to maintain my PA-C and meet the legal requirements to practice in my state. I respect this standard for continued education and plan to immerse myself in many topics throughout my career. Specifically, I want to gain additional skills in communication and psychology. I have done some research and see that a few schools, including Midwestern, offer seminars and workshops for PAs to continue their education. There are also some online options that will be a convenient choice during busy times. I am eager to keep growing my knowledge as a healthcare provider, ensuring my patients get the best from me."

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I've done some research on that and learned that there are resources like seminars and workshops are available. Those educational opportunities are also offered by the hospital I work at for PAs and physicians and I will take advantage of those opportunities as a PA in the future. AAPA is also a great platform as an addendum for the knowledge that I will gain from the resources I previously mentioned so I will be mindful of keeping myself up to date with the information there."

Marcie's Feedback

Great. It sounds like you're aware of this requirement and have a plan in place to satisfy it. The interviewer will be happy to hear this. Good job!

Education

31. Consider your academic performance so far. Where did you excel, and what would you like to improve?

How to Answer

The Admissions Committee at Midwestern University wants to know how your undergraduate program, or the education you've completed so far, has prepared you for success in their PA program. The goal of your response is to ensure the Admissions Committee feels confident in your readiness to excel in their Physician Assistant program. Discuss where you have thrived academically, where you have felt the most successful so far, and where you have faced the most significant challenges.

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Answer Example

"I have shown in my GPA that I am above average in my ability to excel in the basic science courses. However, because I spent so much time studying for and focusing on excelling in those courses, my liberal arts courses took a back seat concerning my GPA. Moving forward, I want to better my time management skills and balance my studies. I plan to do this by utilizing project management and time management tools like Asana, which will help me triage my priorities and look at my time spent more critically."

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Overall, I think I have grown into a more resilient and hardworking individual and I think my academic progress over the years reflects that growth. As an undergraduate, one of my biggest struggles was to determine and implement a fruitful study habit. This leads me to seek out recourses on campus that can put me on a better track. I started to have more frequent meetings with my advisor, I took advantage of office hours with my professors as often as I can and I went to tutors on campus. I learned how to adapt my study habit to each coursework and become a resourceful person. That then gave me the confidence to share what I learned with my classmates; whether it was through drawing the various biological cycles step-by-step on a whiteboard or setting up video calls to collectively go over difficult subjects. To some extent, teaching became my new passion; it is something I hope to do collaboratively with my peers in PA school and down the road as a PA. An area that I can improve on is developing consistency in my day-to-day schedule. Interestingly, I never realized how beneficial it is to have structure until I started working as a nursing assistant. I noticed that all the patients who do well follow a routine. Their routines are different but always involve some structure and internal discipline. I have reflected on ways I could develop consistency in my life. A couple of things I realized is that taking on one habit at a time and making a realistic goal is key. So that is what I am currently working on."

Marcie's Feedback

This is a strong answer, but it's very focused on the areas where you need to improve. While this is an important part of your response, it should come after you talk about the places where you excelled during your academic career. Consider restructuring your response so you begin by talking about a few academic areas that you excelled in during school and then move into one (at the most two) areas where you are striving to improve. You appear to be very self-aware, which is great, but make sure to emphasize your strengths before you talk about your weaknesses. Good job!

Experience

32. Have you ever taken advantage of a PA shadowing program?

How to Answer

Although not necessary for your admissions acceptance, shadowing experiences are valuable for any aspiring Physician Assistant. The Admissions Committee at Midwestern University wants to know if a shadowing experience is something you have taken advantage of when exploring your career options within healthcare.

If you have taken advantage of a PA shadowing experience in the past, take a few minutes to discuss your experience and the value you received. If you have not experienced a shadowing program, consider expressing how you believe the experience would be a value-add for an aspiring PA.

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Answer Example

"I understand that shadowing experiences are highly valuable, and I have looked into experiencing a shadowing program this summer. I have a few friends with family members who work in the health care field and have started asking around to see if anyone could help facilitate a PA shadowing experience before I begin my PA education. I am hopeful that this experience will be available to me, and I will maintain persistence in asking my network. In the meantime, I started reaching out to a few PAs through LinkedIn and asking them for a brief informational interview. So far, I have had one constructive 30-minute conversation with a PA who is five years into their career. I learned a lot about the day-to-day work, the challenges, and how I can best prepare myself to succeed in my PA education."

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Job Satisfaction

33. What motivates you to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant?

How to Answer

The Admissions Committee at Midwestern University wants to know what drives your pursuit to be a Physician Assistant. Think about your core passion and what you believe will keep you motivated to succeed, even on the most challenging days of your academic journey.

Share what fires you up when you consider your career in healthcare. Consider sharing a personal story and discussing what initiated your interest in becoming a PA. Whatever motivates you, make sure the Admissions Committee gets a clear idea of your genuine passion and desire for a career as a Physician Assistant.

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Answer Example

"Helping to heal people is extremely rewarding for me. Although I am motivated for many reasons, the most significant aspect of working as a Physician Assistant is the fact that I will be able to interact closely and form relationships with the patients I treat. I am also excited to utilize evidence-based medicine to impact positive outcomes that have a tangible effect on my patients' quality of life."

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Many factors draw me to the medical field. The main factor would be advocating for my patients and making sure they are given the care they truly deserve. Everyone deserves great health care. I plan to live that mantra as a medical assistant now and as a future medical provider."

Rachelle's Feedback

This is an excellent mantra, and shows off your genuine desire to help others. Nice work!

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Anonymous Answer

"I enjoy bringing ease and comfort to people in my normal life and the healthcare field is the best place for me to practice that profession and see almost immediately what impact my actions are having on others. I love the immediate gratification aspect of the medical field because I get to witness firsthand what kind of difference I am making and it gives me a clear picture of where I am growing or can improve as a professional straight from the people that I am serving as opposed to through secondary routes. Also, patient care and disease management are intellectually stimulating, and it is a multi-faceted job that presents many exciting challenges. Additionally, the teamwork aspect of this field is a huge draw because as a nursing assistant and previously a medical assistant I realized that I thrive in a collaborative environment."

Marcie's Feedback

Awesome! This is a strong answer that clearly provides multiple reasons why you'll excel in and enjoy working in the medical field. You come across as passionate about helping others, which is great. Your response also shows that you like to be intellectually stimulated and challenged within a collaborative environment. Excellent!

Job Satisfaction

34. Many Physician Assistants choose to have an area of specialization. Which PA speciality has captured your interest, and why?

How to Answer

Before your admissions interview, take the time to research specialty areas offered to Physician Assistants. Some areas of specialization that might interest you include:

- ENT
- Nephrology
- Oncology
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Psychiatry
- Rehabilitation...and much more!

When speaking about the areas of medicine that interest you the most, ensure that your passion shines through! The PA Program Admissions Committee at Midwestern wants to see evidence of your genuine desire to work in the healthcare field.

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Answer Example

"At this point in my studies, I am most interested in Geriatrics. I am passionate about helping seniors, and I bring the compassion required to excel in this area of medicine. Also, most of my volunteer experience has been around seniors and geriatric health issues. I also realize I may be introduced to a new specialization while attending PA school, which may shift my interest. I look forward to learning more about the options available to me as a Physician Assistant."

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Job Satisfaction

35. Talk about your least favorite and most favorite areas of medicine so far.

How to Answer

By understanding your most substantial areas of interest, the Admissions Committee can predict which courses you will enjoy most while completing the PA program at Midwestern University. How you respond should also show the decision-makers how you will fit into the student population and culture.

First, mention which area of medicine is your least favorite and why. Keep your response positive and avoid making negative over-arching statements about one area of medicine. Remember, the Admissions Committee wants to see that you have an openness and curiosity to learn about all aspects of medicine, even if they aren't the most exciting to you. Then, talk about your strongest interests when it comes to the medical field. Let your passion shine by describing why you are fascinated with this area of medicine.

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Answer Example

"My least favorite area of medicine would be Orthopedics simply because I don't have much experience in that area and have not developed much passion or excitement for it. However, I respect and value the field and am open to learning more about it. As a nurse, I work on many units that I have grown to love. If I had to choose just one area of medicine as my favorite, it would be mental health. Often the patients I care for have co-occurring medical and psychiatric illnesses. These experiences have helped me realize how much assessing and diagnosing are involved in mental health assessments. My current nursing job has provided me with excellent opportunities to explore how the mind works, and I love how it's a flat concept and diagnoses cannot be determined by lab orders alone. Mental health requires work that is very interactive and communicative. From my observations, the realm of mental health requires practitioners to invest more time in developing relationships with their patients and making meaningful connections."

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Before I started working in orthopedics, I was least excited by primary care. After seeing patients every day with multiple comorbidities, most of them being preventable, I have realized that a deep understanding of general medicine is crucial in any area of medicine. I am now excited about disease prevention and education. Whichever field of medicine I end up in, I know I want to carry a strong foundation of general medicine and take on a holistic approach."

Rachelle's Feedback

It's interesting how your perspective shifted. It seems you have many exciting options ahead of you :)

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Anonymous Answer

"I have many favorites because as a nursing assistant I get to work on many units that I have grown to love, but if I had to choose one area of medicine, it would be mental health. Often times the patients that I care for have co-occurring medical and psychiatric illnesses. It made me realize how much assessing and diagnosing involves mental health assessment. My current job gives me a great opportunity to explore how the mind works and I love how it's not a black and white concept or something that can be determined by lab orders. I like that it involves very interactive and communicative factors in order to decipher the root issue. From my observations, I realized that mental health assessment requires practitioners to invest more time in relationship building with their patients, and making that kind of connection is also an aspect of it that I admire. My least favorite would be Orthopedics simply because I don't have a lot of experience in that area of medicine, and hence never developed much passion or excitement for it. However, I respect and value the field and am open to learning more about it."

Marcie's Feedback

Awesome! You do a great job here of explaining why the mental health area of medicine intrigues you. Do you personally enjoy building relationships with your patients? Can you provide an example of a time when you connected with a patient and recognized that they were suffering from a mental health condition? When it comes to your least favorite area of medicine, the interviewer will appreciate that you're still open to learning more about it. Excellent response!

Problem Solving

36. What do you believe will be the most challenging part of your day-to-day experiences as a Physician Assistant?

How to Answer

The role of a Physician Assistant is very demanding. Therefore, the Admissions Committee at Midwestern University wants to know that you have a realistic view of what it takes to be a PA.

As a Physician's Assistant, you will face many challenges in the workplace. Some of the challenges you will encounter might include:

- Managing a significant volume of work
- Balancing your day to ensure time for tasks like documentation/diary management
- Adapting to ever-changing and sometimes unclear priorities

Talk to the Admissions Committee about one work-related factor you believe will be most challenging once you are a Physician's Assistant. Show that you have thought through a solution and are confident in your ability to face and overcome this challenge.

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Answer Example

"I have been researching the career of a Physician Assistant and found it interesting that many PAs note time and diary management as one of the most challenging factors. The day's schedule is always changing for a PA, and I must coordinate calendars and juggle priorities while maintaining mental clarity and professional poise. To minimize the impact of scheduling changes and shifts in priorities, I plan to utilize productivity tools and incorporate time-blocking into my day. This action will allow me to book focus time for diary management, ensuring I can fully concentrate on my documentation and avoid falling behind on important tasks."

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Scenario Based

37. Imagine that you could meet anyone in the history of medicine. Who would you choose to meet and why?

How to Answer

Think back to any of the founding fathers and mothers of medicine and choose one person who intrigues you the most. Perhaps you'd like to meet someone who discovered, created, or invented a medical breakthrough you greatly admire. Consider what this person did to carve a name for themselves in the medical field and why this resonates with you. It's also a great idea to think of an interesting question you would have for that individual if you had the opportunity to meet.

Whomever you talk about, be sure to provide an answer that exudes passion and interest in the history of medicine and those people who made our lives better through their notable work.

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Answer Example

"If I could, I would meet Florence Nightingale, who is considered the founder of modern nursing. She created a whole new field in medicine which is incredible. I admire the way she pioneered the use of presenting statistical data. She also eased how we interpret data and made it accessible to the public. It would be an honor to speak with her and ask how she feels about being known as 'The lady with the lamp.'

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I would choose sir William Osler because of his discoveries in bedside care. His compassion was above all others. One of his aphorisms was that you must listen to the patient because they're telling you the diagnosis. He was also one of nine people in his family, and I relate to that because I was one of six. I would want to ask him where his compassion started and how he was able to develop and grow that passion to help others."

Rachelle's Feedback

Fantastic response! Your answer is very well thought out. I like that you tell the interviewer something interesting about yourself (your large family) while also expressing the conversation you would like to have with Sir William Osler in this hypothetical question.

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Anonymous Answer

"I would love to meet Rosalind Franklin. I first learned about her from my biology professor, whose passion for Rosalind's legacy rubbed off on me. Rosalind was the scientist who took photograph 51 showing the DNA structure, which eventually lead scientists Watson and Crick to propose the double-helical structure of DNA. Rosalind also determined the first-ever detailed structure of a virus. I would love to meet her because I admire the confidence and determination with which she navigated a world dominated by men where she faced a fair share of discrimination. Like myself, she was a minority in the career that she pursued and I would have liked to ask her how she remained vigilant in that environment? And I'd like to get to know her personally so perhaps I could adopt some of those qualities that she possessed that made her a successful individual."

Marcie's Feedback

Awesome! You've picked an interesting and important person in medicine to mention here, which will likely impress the interviewer. Explaining her contributions to medicine show how knowledgeable and passionate you are about her. It's also great how you've drawn connections between Rosalind and yourself. This is a memorable answer. Great job!

Anonymous Answer

"I want to meet Margaret Sanger because she fought to find safe, effective birth control and advocate for women. She never gave up until she found someone to help her invent the first birth control."

Rachelle's Feedback

A wonderful choice! Is there a particular question you would like to ask Margaret Sanger?

Scenario Based

38. Midwestern's PA program is challenging, and you will face disappointments in your academic journey. When you suffer a setback, how does it impact you?

How to Answer

Everyone handles the stress and disappointment of setbacks differently. While attending university, these setbacks can feel even more amplified since your grades can significantly determine your success as a Physician Assistant. Discuss with the Admissions Committee at Midwestern University how you typically react to and cope with setbacks.

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Answer Example

"Experiencing a setback is disappointing and can be very disheartening, especially when it involves a project that has taken a significant amount of time and effort. I understand that PA school is challenging and am realistic in knowing I will experience academic setbacks. When I experience a major setback, I take a few moments to debrief and get some fresh air, if possible. I also have a mentor that I can call to review the scenario and discuss what I could have done differently. Rather than dwell on setbacks, I choose to learn from them and move forward."

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I think every failure offers a lesson to be learned and I try my best to focus on that rather than dwell on feeling guilty. Over the years I've learned to be emotionally stable in tough situations and make sure I take some time to evaluate what went wrong so that I can set myself up for a better outcome in the future. That doesn't mean that I don't feel sad or upset sometimes. I think it is important to knowledge our feelings but also to understand that that is all they are and will eventually pass. I try to keep my focus on my passion and keep working hard because if I don't stand to fail sometimes then success, when it comes will come at the expense of mental health setbacks which would leave very little satisfaction in that accomplishment."

Marcie's Feedback

Nice! Learning lessons from failures and mistakes is key and what the interviewer will want to hear. They will also be glad that you strive to be emotionally strong and that you recognize that feelings are fleeting. Great response!

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Anonymous Answer

"After many setbacks, I have learned that is how life works, and it is about moving forward and learning to keep going. So I take some time to be sad about it, like a day or even a couple of hours, and focus on the positive."

Rachelle's Feedback

Good answer! It sounds like you have a healthy approach to emotionally dealing with setbacks. Are there any specific strategies or tools you rely on to help you cope with setbacks? Consider including a specific example of a time in your life when you bounced back from a setback to increase the impact of your response.

Anonymous Answer

"Setbacks can be disappointing. I believe that everything happens for a reason, and there is always something that can be taken away from a situation. I would try to do something that would take my mind off of the setback. Once I have taken a short break and mentally stepped back from the situation, I would think about what changes I could make to do better the next time. There is never one right answer, or one path to get to a desired outcome. I would just need to find a better way to overcome the challenge that set me back."

Stephanie's Feedback

You do a good job of answering this question in a manner that is both realistic and positive. My only suggestion for strengthening your response is to consider including a specific example. Is there a time when you faced a setback and moved forward from it successfully? What was that situation? What allowed you to move forward? A few specific details here will take your response up a notch!

Scenario Based

39. You discover that a classmate is cheating. What do you do?

How to Answer

This challenging question is meant to reveal how you deal with ethically-challenging situations. The Admissions Committee at the Midwestern University is looking for evidence that you have the strong mind and personal character required to be a trusted Physician Assistant.

Being a trusted healthcare provider may sometimes mean making uncomfortable decisions. Show the Admissions Committee that you value honesty above all else and that you would react to cheating in a way that shows leadership and integrity.

If you have found yourself in a situation like this, you can draw on this example when you respond by telling a brief story. Of course, be careful not to name anyone outright. Instead, focus on the way you reacted and helped resolve the situation.

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Answer Example

"Academic cheating is a violation of integrity and not a minor issue. If I discovered that a classmate was cheating, I would approach them and try to have an open conversation regarding what I witnessed. I would ask them to admit their actions to a professor or dean and correct their course. If that approach didn't work, I would discuss the matter with my professor, without naming names, and ask their advice on the best approach."

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Cheating is not just morally wrong, but it can also set a person up for failure as well as hinder their growth, which in the field of medicine can be detrimental to patients. If I caught a classmate cheating, I would approach them first and give them a chance to comprehend and acknowledge what they have done is wrong. I would also respectfully explain to them how harmful their action it can be for their patients in the future and how unfair it is for the rest of their classmates. Then I would let them know that the responsible step next would be to notify the professor themselves rather than leaving me no other choice but to go tell the professor myself. I understand that this would be a difficult situation for the student, so I would be there for them through the process as a supportive peer and ensure that this matter has been brought to the professor's attention."

Marcie's Feedback

This is an excellent answer! It shows that you are empathic, understanding, supportive, and compassionate, even towards someone who has done something wrong. The interviewer will appreciate that you would approach the student first before telling them to learn more about why they decided to do what they did and to give them the chance to do the right thing by going to the professor themselves. Great job!

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Anonymous Answer

"If I were to discover that a classmate was cheating, I would first go talk with them. I would try to have an open conversation with them about the situation. I would try to remind them that they would not want to go to a healthcare professional that cheated their way through school. I would try to find a solution with them. I would let them know that they should bring this up with the professor and/or head of the program. If they don’t bring it to the head of the program I will be bringing it to them. A PA must be honest and have integrity. Cheating is a violation of trust and integrity."

Stephanie's Feedback

Navigating peer cheating is a complicated, stressful situation! From your response, it is clear that you have an excellent code of ethics and understand the importance of boundaries. This is a really thoughtful, compelling response.

Scenario Based

40. As a Physician Assistant, you will encounter difficult scenarios involving blood, other bodily fluids, and more. How do you feel about this reality?

How to Answer

When working as a Physician Assistant, you will face various sights and experience numerous scenarios that might make a person feel queasy. Midwestern University's Admissions Committee wants to know that you are confident in your ability to handle the sights and experiences you'll encounter throughout your PA career.

Openly discuss your ability to handle events involving blood and other bodily fluids. If you have encountered a relevant situation, consider telling a brief story that provides evidence of your ability to manage these scenarios. If you tell a story, consider forming it using the STAR framework. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result.

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Answer Example

"I have never been a queasy individual, and I fully understand the types of cases that I will see in my career as a PA. I work part-time at our local drop-in shelter and have seen a wide range of situations involving blood and such. I don't think about the gore but more about the fact that it's a human who needs my help. I believe this mentality will get me through any scenario I face throughout my career as a Physician Assistant."

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 19th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I have never been a queasy individual. As a medical assistant, I frequently draw blood and other bodily fluids from patients. All I think about when performing these procedures is helping the patient. That's the mentality I plan to bring with me in my role as a PA."

Rachelle's Feedback

The fact that you have already gained some exposure to these types of situations will build a lot of confidence in the interviewer. Good answer.

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Anonymous Answer

"I've had a lot of experience working in the healthcare field. I've had patients rip out their IV lines causing a lot of bleeding, patients with unusual discharges from different parts of their body, and have also been in the OR during C-sections, but I never felt queasy. I understand all the situations that I will be exposed to as a PA student and a PA in the future and I am confident that I can handle cases where blood and bodily fluid are involved. I try to look at each of my patients as human beings that need my help and that usually helps me focus on the task that needs to be completed rather than focusing on the gory side of the scenario. That is the mindset I will continue to carry forward."

Marcie's Feedback

Great! It sounds like you've had a lot of experience in this area and that you're able to handle it. This is commendable and something the interviewer will be happy to hear. Explaining the mindset that you maintain supports your assertion that you're capable of dealing with this part of being a PA. Excellent answer!

Anonymous Answer

"Through my work experience as a patient care tech, I have had many experiences that involved blood and many other bodily fluids. There was a situation where a confused patient had pulled out their IV. They were bleeding a lot due to the Heparin that they had running. I immediately began holding pressure on the site and called the designated nurse for assistance so that they could get another IV placed so that the heparin could be restarted. Due to the quick action taken, there was no further harm to the patient, we were able to get them cleaned up and get a new IV placed. Through my shadowing experience, I was also able to be in the OR and watch an Aortic Valve Replacement surgery. This surgery lasts about 3 hours and there are many sights and smells that go along with it. I was able to handle these well and never had any instances where I felt queasy. I believe that these experiences have helped prepare me to become an excellent Physician Assistant. These instances have also made it clear to me that this is the career I want to pursue."

Stephanie's Feedback

This is a very clear and detailed response. You do a great job of clearly illustrating how your past experiences navigating blood and other bodily fluids have prepared you for future realities as a PA. Good for you!