South University Physician Assistant Mock Interview

Prepare for your South University PA program interview with 35 questions covering clinical reasoning, patient care, and program fit.

Question 26 of 35

When you suffer a setback, how does that emotionally affect you and your work?

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Rachelle Enns

Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.

Everyone handles the stress and disappointment of setbacks differently. When you work in the medical field, those setbacks can be amplified--at the same time, attending university even more so because your grades can significantly determine the success of your future career. Discuss with the interviewers how you typically cope with setbacks.

Rachelle Enns

Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.

"Experiencing a setback is always disappointing and can be very disheartening, especially when involving a project that I have put a lot of time and effort into. I understand that setbacks often happen to everyone - despite their level of expertise or years of experience. If I experience a major setback, I will take a few moments to debrief internally, get some fresh air if possible, or discuss what I could have done differently with a mentor. Then, I move on. Rather than dwell on my mistakes, I choose to learn from them."

Krista Wenz

Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.

The interviewers want to see how resilient you are when suffering a setback. They want to see you take setbacks in stride, refocus, regroup, and move forward. It is best not to let your emotions from a setback interfere with your productivity.

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Jaymie

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35South University Interview Questions & Answers

1.At South University, we want students who have a true passion for medicine. What appeals to you most about working in the medical field?

2.In your opinion, what is the most concerning issue facing the medical industry today?

3.Tell us about your overall academic performance so far. Where have you excelled, and where could you improve?

4.South University degree programs push ambitious students to their potential by combining relevant coursework and practical experience with supportive faculty. Why should we accept you over another student with the same qualifications?

5.What do you feel is the single most important quality a PA should possess?

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

7.Talk to us about your current GPA.

8.What is your favorite area of medicine so far? Which is your least favorite? Why?

9.If you could meet anyone in the history of medicine, who would you choose and why?

10.What questions do you have for us about South University?

11.What do you know about South University?

12.Tell us about an area of weakness that you would like to improve on while attending South University.

13.What research did you conduct before choosing to apply to South University?

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

15.What achievement are you most proud of so far on your path to becoming a PA?

16.What are you reading right now?

17.You will be subject to difficult scenarios in your role as a PA. Tell us about your experience and thoughts on handling blood and other bodily fluids. How do you feel about this?

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

19.South University expects our students to stay current with medical advancements and trends. Which medical-related newspapers, journals, or publications do you read to keep in touch with new medical discoveries and current events?

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

21.What is your opinion on socialized health care versus privatized health care?

22.How would you react if you discovered a classmate cheating?

23.How do you respond to feedback and criticism? Describe a situation where your work was criticized. What was your immediate reaction to the situation?

24.Who in your life mentors or inspires you?

25.How well do you think you performed in this interview today?

26.When you suffer a setback, how does that emotionally affect you and your work?

27.How would you like to see the delivery of healthcare evolve?

28.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?

29.To keep your PA-C certification, you must complete 100 hours of continuing education every 24 months. What is your continued education plan?

30.How does your family feel about you becoming a PA? Do you have a great deal of support?

31.South University does not want a lack of funding to stop your professional growth. Do you require the assistance of a financial aid officer?

32.At South University, if eligible, you may use educational benefits to pursue your goals if you or a family member served in the military. Have you or a family member served in the military?

33.What are three of your greatest strengths, and how will they help you succeed at South University?

34.At South University, we require all candidates to submit to a criminal background check and drug test. Do you have an issue with either of these requirements?