Touro University Physician Assistant Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Touro 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. Adaptability Questions
- 2. Behavioral Questions
- 3. Career Goals Questions
- 4. Common Interest Questions
- 5. Communication Questions
- 6. Compatibility Questions
- 7. Competency Questions
- 8. Diversity Questions
- 9. EQ Questions
- 10. Experience Questions
- 11. Honesty Questions
- 12. Personal Questions
- 13. Problem Solving Questions
Adaptability
1. Do you find it difficult to handle blood and other bodily fluids?
What You Need to Know
It's not uncommon for some medical students to grow queasy or feel faint at the sight of blood or a traumatic injury. Some medical students experience a vasovagal response in such situations or experience a fear of transmissible diseases, such as HIV. The concern here is whether you can manage your response with professionalism. Therefore, your admissions interviewers want to know you're committed to pursuing a career as a PA and that you fully intend to complete your degree.
Discuss your experiences and answer with honesty. Share how you cope with and overcome such issues. Share your familiarity with the safety precautions and protocols that come with exposure to bodily fluids and that you'd follow them with diligence. Assure them of your determination and dedication to follow through on your collegiate pursuits.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 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 many situations involving blood. Rather than think about the gore, I think about the fact that it's a human being who needs my help. I believe this mentality will get me through any gruesome or undesirable situation."
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2022
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Behavioral
2. Do you have a pet peeve that would benefit your profession?
What You Need to Know
Steer clear from negatives or nit-picky fussiness. Stick to pet peeves that speak to your idealism, especially regarding workflow, safety, better health, and what your pet peeves offer for the greater good. Doing so will help them evaluate your approach to your work and offer insights into your philosophy on healthcare and attitude towards society and life.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"I prioritize safety, and a big pet peeve of mine is when others don't follow protocol. I've noticed that this is especially prevalent with those who are disorganized. I had a dorm mate who was also a chemistry partner a while back. Not only did they not carefully store away compounds when they were done with them, which presented all sorts of hazards, but they never did the dishes, and this person was just messy. Honestly, they were lucky they had me around. But I managed it well and just picked up as I went. Oddly, they followed suit after a while. Osmosis, I guess. Otherwise, we got along great."
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
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Behavioral
3. Describe what drives your passion for working in the medical field.
What You Need to Know
The interviewers would like to understand what drove you to pursue a career in the medical field and what factors motivate your studies and contribute to your determination and productivity. Stress that you don't burn out easily and that you have no trouble staying productive. Explain how you approach your coursework. It is okay to share your personal story about what initiated your interest in becoming a physician assistant. Whatever drives you, make sure the interviewers can feel your passion!
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"Several factors drive my passion for a career in medicine. If I had to pinpoint one main driver, I would say that improving the health and well-being of others every day is the most significant for me. Everyone deserves great health care, and I plan to live that mantra by being the best at what I do, and giving my all to my patients, every day."
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2022
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Behavioral
4. Who's your mentor or a figure of inspiration in your life?
What You Need to Know
They are interested in learning more about who's guided you along your educational journey so far, but they also want to know how they can carry on that work in mentoring you by better understanding your motivators and what fuels your passions and drive. Provide relatable examples of leaders who influenced your character.
Touro's student handbook states, "Aiding in and monitoring the development of professionalism is an important component of PA education." Whether you had a strong parental figure or a professor in college who inspired you, describe the qualities you admired and adopted within yourself. Talk to the interviewer about how they shaped your professionalism, work style, and ethics.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"I find inspiration in a variety of people and things. I would have to say that the person who has most greatly inspired me has been my grandmother. She always had a smile on her face no matter how hard she worked, and she loved everyone. She was well respected and always gave more than she received. I try to live like her as much as I can."
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2022
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Behavioral
5. How do you see the delivery of health care evolving?
What You Need to Know
The interviewers want to understand where you feel healthcare could most evolve. How you answer will inform them of some of your motivators for pursuing a medical career while offering insights into your more altruistic pursuits. Again, perform your research and sincerely align your values with theirs in any way you can.
One of Touro University's core principles is promoting health and health education in underserved and culturally neglected communities. One of the primary issues during the COVD-19 pandemic was that those communities had a history of distrusting the medical community as a response to current and historical systemic racism in health care and society as a whole.
Touro's website states, "Our bench research encompasses all the gamut of current biomedical research, ranging from drug development for HIV, cancer vaccine development, human metabolism, lipid disorders and atherosclerosis, aging, inflammation, neurological and chronic diseases among many other projects. Our main focus is on translational research and chronic diseases." & "Virtual visits. Virtual visits are blended models, more of an enhancement of in-person care rather than a replacement of it. At-home care provides patients with greater convenience, higher quality of life, and lower overall costs, more care is moving to the home with remote patient monitoring."
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 Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"I would like to see health-based organizations and facilities put more effort into putting their patients at the center of everything they do. That could mean cutting down wait times, improving safety in hospitals, and even engaging with the community more often so there is a greater level of trust. I believe that we are evolving quickly, and I am happy to see how far this patient-centered attitude has come since I started my educational path within medicine."
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2022
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Behavioral
6. Tell us what you're reading right now.
What You Need to Know
Your admissions interviewers are curious if you read for pleasure or if you do so only when reading material is assigned to you, and if you do read for entertainment, what the subject matter you lean towards says about you. Your answer should be of a twelfth-grade reading level or greater. If you're reading multiple things simultaneously, let them know. The more scholarly you seem, the better.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"Currently, I am reading 'Ego is the Enemy' by Ryan Holiday. It is a book about ambition, resilience, and success. I feel that everyone should read it - it comes highly recommended."
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2022
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Behavioral
7. Tell us something about yourself that didn’t make it into your CV.
What You Need to Know
The interviewers would like to get to know you apart from your CV and school transcripts. They're also curious about how well you would fit into their unique programs and if this is the right university for you. You'll want to align your answer with their university's core values as much as possible. Research Touro and learn as much as you can about them and their programs and values. Next, perform appropriate research on yourself, your core values, how those align with theirs, and what you have to offer them. From there, you should be able to construct an in-depth answer. Describe yourself in terms they can relate to, presenting yourself as embodying the qualities they value in their student body. Doing so might present you as a memorable candidate.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"I am an avid marathon runner and have traveled to 10 countries in the last three years to compete in various races. I am a competitive individual and enjoy keeping fit."
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2022
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Behavioral
8. If there was anyone in the history of medicine you could meet, who would it be, and why?
What You Need to Know
Your example will offer a glimpse into your personality, philosophy, and approach to life and work. They'll examine your example and consider how well you'll work with their leaders and teams. Your answer to this question may also help them pair you with the type of leader who best matches the historical figure you admire, based on your ideals, helping that leader better serve as a role model for them through the experience.
As they state in their student handbook, "With a challenging program such as ours, it is important that students have a faculty member they can meet with regularly to receive mentorship and seek advice. For this reason, each student will be assigned a faculty advisor who they will meet with at least once in semesters I, II and IV to review academic progress, professionalism and any issues that may have come up during the term. Time for these meetings will be blocked out on the academic calendar to aid with availability. The encounter is documented and placed in the student's file."
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"If I could meet anyone in the history of medicine, I would go back to the very beginning and meet Hippocrates. I find it fascinating that he was the first to believe that disease and death were not a result of the anger of gods. I would ask him about that first conversation when he first said that disease is not caused by superstitious beliefs. He would have had to have faced so many roadblocks, yet, he continued to believe in his work."
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2022
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Behavioral
9. In your studies so far, what area of medicine do you enjoy the most and the least?
What You Need to Know
By understanding where your interests lie, they'll be better able to customize and tailor your curriculum at Touro University. Additionally, they'll be looking for indicators that you are an introvert who gravitates more towards analytic tasks or an introvert who thrives in more interpersonal settings. But don't feel like you have to know it all and be a master at every aspect of the medical field, either. As they state in their student handbook, "Given the exponential growth in medical knowledge, it is no longer feasible for new graduates to master all or even a fraction of it. According to Prober and Kahn, "It is neither possible nor desirable for all students to deeply explore all aspects of biomedical knowledge." Therefore, PA program curricula should not try to cover as much content as possible. Rather, the scope should be narrowed to focus on the essential medical knowledge, thus allowing for deeper understanding of core knowledge that has practical application for better patient care." Talk about where your interests currently are within the medical field.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"At this point in my studies, I am most interested in Pediatrics as I have always been passionate about helping children. I bring the compassion required for that area of medicine. Also, most of my volunteer experience has been around children's issues. The area of medicine that I find to be my least favorite so far is Pathology. I have not excelled in bio-science; however, I have hired a tutor to ensure my grades remain above average regardless of my natural interest."
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2022
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Behavioral
10. What quality do you feel is the single most important for a PA to possess?
What You Need to Know
The interviewer wants to see that you have insights into the desired qualities and characteristics of a competent physician's assistant. This question is an opportunity to give a unique answer that aligns your beliefs with theirs, so perform research and try to dig deeper than 'good bedside manner' or 'strong attention to detail.' For example, some of the qualities they advertise as of utmost importance in their graduates are "cultural humility, & culturally sensitive care." Additionally, they state in their student handbook, "Graduates must demonstrate the ability to listen to and understand patients' beliefs and attitudes toward health and health care. Competent graduates understand that their relationship with patients can be affected by differences in power, privilege, and the inequities embedded therein, and they work to ensure that patients are viewed, and view themselves, as partners in health. Competent practitioners must be able to develop professional relationships with their patients that will ensure patient-focused decision-making."
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"I believe that the most important quality for a physician assistant to possess is integrity. A physician assistant with integrity will always put their patients first. They will treat all attending staff respectfully and dedicate themselves to improving their skills. Integrity is a very important quality to me."
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2022
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Behavioral
11. Why should we accept you over another student with the same qualifications?
What You Need to Know
Thoroughly research their website and learn everything you can about their Physician Associate program. Touro University takes pride in being a Jewish-sponsored school and celebrates diversity and serving under-represented comminutes. As they state on their website, some of their core values are "to exemplify Judaic values of social justice, intellectual pursuit and service to humanity, Touro University students will demonstrate the ability to: Use knowledge, skills and effective communication to benefit diverse communities. Collaborate across disciplines toward a common goal. Think critically to make evidence-informed decisions and evaluate conclusions in a real world context. Act in a professional and ethical manner." Additionally, one of their requirements is "all students complete Safe Zone training (LGBTQI+)."
These are just some of the many similar statements they repeat throughout their website. Not only are your admissions interviewers looking for what makes you unique and how your qualities make you stand out from the other students wishing to attend Touro University, but they are also looking to admit students who most closely relate to and embrace their values. Consider this when you offer the primary reason they should choose you over another student. Align yourself with the qualities they value in their alumni. Identify how you already embrace their values. The more you fit their mold, the better your chances are of admittance.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"I believe I am the strongest student for your physician assistant program because I am incredibly dedicated to my professional and personal development. Since beginning my Bachelor's degree, I have committed to taking a personal development workshop twice per year. The topics have included communication, personability, multi-tasking, organization, and even persuasive writing. I plan to take these skills and apply them to my graduate studies."
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2022
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Behavioral
12. How do you keep yourself from burning out on your studies?
What You Need to Know
Your interviewers are looking for insights into how you cope with stress. Validating the big-picture nature of the question can go a long way. When relocating to another locale for school, especially where you know very few people nor much about the area, you might find yourself in a situation with no separation between your studies and personal life. If you are stressed at school, you'll burn out faster, and your performance will suffer. So the trick to this question is explaining how you strike harmony and balance when stepping away from the stresses of your coursework. Ponder this before you answer.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"When I need an escape from my studies, I'll take a micro-break or a full break and escape. Sometimes I'll get in a quick workout or grab a snack. If I need more of an escape, I'll watch a travel show or dive into a book. You have to be proactive in taking those breaks and be honest about what you need at the moment and where you need to go."
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
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Career Goals
13. Is there an area of improvement you’ve struggled with where Touro University could help grow?
What You Need to Know
Being able to admit to a weakness you recognize as a growth opportunity reflects a great deal of emotional intelligence and inner strength. It reveals that you're focused and determined to overcome a challenge you've struggled with, whether it is a soft skill such as time management or a hard skill like how to operate a patient charting software. Whatever challenge you hope to overcome, perform thorough research on Touro University's curriculum and faculty and chart a roadmap for how they can help you overcome this challenge. That will reflect careful planning and suggest it contributed to your motivation for choosing their university over another.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"I believe I could improve my written and verbal communication skills as I tend to be blunter than I would like to be at times. I enrolled in a week-long workshop to become a more eloquent communicator. I hope to gain skills in this workshop that I can continue to utilize during my university career."
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2022
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Career Goals
14. To maintain your PA-C certification, you need to complete 100 hours of continued education every 24 months. What is your continued education plan?
What You Need to Know
Go deeper into your career plan by sharing with them the continuing credits you plan to pursue. Be realistic and make your goals attainable, laying out your plan in a manner that is also sustainable. Touro University states in its student handbook, "Not all medical knowledge is essential for patient care. PA curricula should focus on ensuring that new graduates possess and can apply the core knowledge needed to care for patients upon entry into clinical practice. Additional knowledge and skills will be gained as new graduates gain on-the-job experience." Share your plan to continue your education, meet the hour requirements, and maintain your PA Certification.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"To meet the hour requirements to maintain my PA-C, I would like to ensure that I immerse myself in a wide range of topics. I would like to gain further skills in communication, pediatrics, and psychology, for instance. I researched continuing education, and a few local schools offer seminars and workshops regularly. There are also some online options that I can take advantage of. I look forward to keeping my knowledge current and expanding on what I already know."
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2022
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Taking advantage of advanced certification courses that my place of employment offers that are approved by the NCCPA."
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Career Goals
15. As a physician’s assistant, you’ll need to gain certification from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Have you taken steps to prepare for the PA-C exam yet?
What You Need to Know
The interviewers would like to know if you are currently preparing yourself for the upcoming PA-C exam. Share with them where this fits into your plan. Show them you're thinking ahead, are dedicated, are planning for the future, are dedicated, and will be the kind of future alumni they'd be proud to count as their own at Touro University.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 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 practice test."
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2022
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Career Goals
16. At Touro University, we’re interested in the mutual participation of the development of our students, both professionally and personally. What is your self-development plan?
What You Need to Know
This question assesses how seriously you take your career aspirations and whether you are a determined, career-minded professional. The road to growth is never-ending. So they're interested in recruiting students who proactively improve their skills and knowledge. They're less interested in admitting students into their university who see graduating from college as the end-all-be-all of their goals.
They state in their student handbook, "Competent graduates will continually refine and revise their knowledge base to ensure they remain abreast of current scientific evidence and best practices in patient care. Demonstrating the ability to continually assess one's level of medical knowledge and constantly strive to augment it is essential for lifelong learning and delivering quality, patient-centered care."
Having a self-development plan is incredibly important for anyone. The interviewers want to know how attending Touro University will benefit your growth. As with any educational institution, it is in their best interest to invest their time and energy in the development and success of their future alumni. But they want to ensure their efforts aren't in vain, so they need assurances you'll put an equal or greater investment in yourself. If they are going to invest in you, they need to know that you have a plan in place for investing in yourself.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"I agree that self-development is crucial for continual growth and achievement. I am committed to investing in myself, and I do this by attending personal development workshops and meeting with my mentor monthly."
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2022
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Common Interest
17. What do you presently consider the most pressing concern in the medical industry?
What You Need to Know
This question is an opportunity to spark insightful conversation while aligning your priorities and values with their own. Touro University's website states, "As healthcare transitions due to the increase of patients with chronic conditions, a focus on public health is becoming more and more valued." Share your knowledge and insights on the issues that matter to you, discuss what you feel are the primary issues, and ask them what they perceive as concerning issues facing the medical field today.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"I feel the most concerning issue in the medical industry is the continual rise of drug prices. The best medications should be accessible to anyone, regardless of financial or social status. There has also been a rising concern with big pharma creating drugs and pricing them so high that they are unattainable to most. What do you feel are the most concerning issues facing the medical industry today?"
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2022
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cost of care is expensive"
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Communication
18. Tell us about a time you had a conflict with a professor.
What You Need to Know
In a healthcare setting, you'll often encounter emotionally charged situations. This question aims to gauge your communication style, emotional intelligence, and mediation and negotiation skills. You want to show your admissions interviewer how adept and effective you are at diplomacy and being able to de-escalate any volatile or emotionally charged situations with patience, fortitude, compassion, and empathy. Being able to separate yourself from a situation and observe your interactions objectively can go a long way here.
Share the conflict you had with a previous profession and describe how you exemplified emotional maturity, observed the situation objectively, and displayed above-average communication skills. Accept responsibility where appropriate, and share what you learned from the exchange, which preferably had a favorable outcome.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"I experienced this in my first year of college. I felt I wasn't fairly graded for my efforts. I advocated for myself, communicating as effectively as I could. My professor was at first stand-offish and told me to deal with it and do better next time. But I explained that I didn't understand why they graded me so egregiously on my grammar for a science-based project. After successfully communicating this point, they finally softened and explained that in the scientific community, communication, especially the written word, holds as much value as the work itself. I get that now."
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
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The professor suddenly passed away, and the chairperson handled it unprofessionally and disregarded our concerns as a class, I spoke up, talked to the class, and sent an email representing the class to get clarification."
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Communication
19. What are your views on privatized versus socialized health care?
What You Need to Know
This question tests your communication skills and professionalism when approaching such nuanced topics. Additionally, your views and opinions could help them determine whether Touro is the right fit for you since most of their clinicals are in primary care institutions, and most of their graduating students find careers in primary care institutions. So before answering this question, you should have some basic knowledge about the business side of privatized healthcare versus socialized healthcare and how the profitability and sustainability of either affect your potential future employers. It's best to intelligently provide an answer that ponders the pros and cons of both while not appearing wishy-washy.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 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, on the other hand, 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 can choose."
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2022
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The cons of socialized: diminished quality of care."
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Communication
20. Have you ever worked on a school project with someone you didn't get along with?
What You Need to Know
This question is layered. The interviewers are looking for red flags. How you interpret this question will give your interviewer insight into your outlook on the world. Not only is your interviewer trying to get an idea of your personality and attitude, but also an idea of your communication skills and what you perceive as a problem. In the simplest terms, in this scenario, the last thing you want is to imply that the challenging person in this scenario was you, so avoid assigning blame. Objectify the situation, exhibiting an emotionally mature perspective, and explain how you navigated this terrain, ultimately leading to a successful resolution. In a healthcare setting, every member of the team has to communicate effectively and collaborate professionally, with as little emotion as possible. This is especially important when the health and safety of your patients depend on it.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"I was working with someone whose parents were going through a divorce. This person was distracted, feeling insecure, and sensitive. They also started missing class. I guess they were feeling a bit victimized by what they were going through and projected that at me since we were partnered together on a project. I didn't feel their negative outlook was doing them any good, so I tried to offer a more objective lens. It wasn't appreciated, and they lashed out at me, misinterpreted my concern as insensitive, and accused me of using a tone I didn't intend. After the situation was de-escalated, I explained I was trying to help because I cared about them and didn't want their problems to go from bad to worse. I think this embarrassed them. A couple of days later, they apologized for the incident. I told them there was no need to apologize. We hashed it out and had no trouble moving forward. We are friends still to this day."
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
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Communication
21. How would you go about expressing your views on controversial topics like abortion, euthanasia, physician assisted suicide, and cloning?
What You Need to Know
Questions like these are nuanced. Not only are they curious about how informed your opinions are, but they're primarily interested in how you communicate your views. A university's student body serves as a representation of its institution. Therefore, they'll need to know the student they admit will be able to uphold a certain degree of professionalism. Touro places a great deal of emphasis on the importance of effective communication. Under the competencies they value and teach, their students will be expected to "provide effective, equitable, understandable, and respectful quality care and services that are responsive to diverse cultural health beliefs and practices, preferred languages, health literacy, and other communication needs."
They also emphasize, "PA graduates must be emotionally intelligent and able to adjust the content and style of their verbal communication with patients for maximum clarity. Developing strategies to communicate effectively with patients will become increasingly important as demographics shift and reliance on technology continues to increase. Competent PA graduates will need to be able to establish rapport and communicate in meaningful ways with patients, regardless of the modality. In addition, competent PA graduates will need to be able to recognize and overcome linguistic and cultural barriers to effective communication, as well as understand different perspectives and expectations about health and how health care can impact health disparity."
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"When it comes to controversial topics such as abortion, euthanasia, physician-assisted suicide, and cloning, I will give my opinions more freely in a social setting with friends versus in the workplace or around patients. If at work, I would try to keep my personal opinion to myself or, at the very least, remain diplomatic by expressing how each side has their right to an opinion."
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2022
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Communication
22. Tell us about the research you performed that led you to apply to Touro University.
What You Need to Know
Share with your interviewers the considerations you put into applying to Touro University. They're trying to determine whether you performed adequate research into their university and were attracted by what they pride themselves on offering their future graduates or if you blindly sent out as many applications as you could, hoping to be accepted into any university anywhere. Share with the interviewers the consideration you put into your application and why you felt Touro was the right fit for you.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"I researched several programs before applying to Touro University. I started by interviewing some alumni I know and spoke with a couple of your current students in the physician assistant program. Last year I attended the open house here as well. Your school left a very positive impression on me, which is why I chose to apply here."
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2022
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Communication
23. What can you tell us about Touro University?
What You Need to Know
Not only are the interviewers interested in what drew you to apply to their university, but they're also curious to what extent you've familiarized yourself with what they pride themselves on offering. So this question serves somewhat as a personality assessment. By sharing with them what stands out to you about their university, they can gauge what you most identify with.
For example, the key competencies they provide their graduating students with are patient-centered practice knowledge, society and population health, health literacy and communication, interprofessional collaborative practice and leadership, professional and legal aspects of health care, health care finance and systems, cultural humility, and self-assessment and ongoing professional development.
By sharing this with them, they'll feel as if this was a memorable motive for your choice to apply to their school. You don't need to be an expert on their entire history but share with them the many aspects that stand out in your mind after performing adequate research on their university. Start by searching their website and take note of any recent news articles, events, or contributions they have made to the community or student body.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"The passion for community and higher learning at Touro University jumps out to me. It is probably why you are the longest-standing university in the entire state. I also love Touro University's efforts to find residencies and placements for your physician assistant graduates. It is obvious that your faculty goes beyond the general expectations of a university to ensure its students' success."
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2022
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1970- higher education of Jewish community
importance of an education that accommodates students from all backgrounds and circumstances.
3 PA programs with different locations"
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Compatibility
24. What sources do you rely on for current on medical news, developments, and trending events?
What You Need to Know
The interviewers want to know how engaged you are in your career by following what is happening or changing in your field. This question is an opportunity to showcase the breadth of your industry knowledge. Share the resources you tap into, such as medical journals, magazines, or blogs. For bonus points, go to Touro University's media page and check out their press releases, social media, and news links in case there is anything newsworthy or worth mentioning. Be sure to ask your interviewers what their preferred methods for staying on top of medical-related current events are.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 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. It's important to diversify where your news comes from, and I would love some fresh suggestions. What are your favorite places for news on current trends?"
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2022
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Science Daily"
Jaymie's Feedback
Compatibility
25. What other schools have you applied to, and where does Touro University rank among them?
What You Need to Know
The interviewers would like to understand the types of schools you are interested in. Knowing where else you're applying will allow them to draw comparisons between them. If there are similarities between the core values or educational approach, they'll better understand what you are looking for and if they can address your needs. If there seems to be no rhyme or reason to where you're applying, they'll potentially assume you are just trying to get accepted anywhere.
Be transparent when sharing who you've applied to, and explain to them your motives for each and what connects them to your desires and pursuits.
On their website, they advertise with pride all they have to offer, "Many of our rotations are in medically underserved communities (MUCs), and all students have at least one rotation in an MUC. Half of each student's rotations are in primary care, and some students choose primary care as their elective as well. Throughout the curriculum and in both PA and public health classes, the social determinants of health are discussed and examined; public service loan programs are presented to all classes; and the Program continually searches for and applies for grants that will help our students financially. As part of our mission to be in service to all patients, all students complete Safe Zone training (LGBTQI+), complete the CDC Diabetes Prevention Program to become certified lifestyle coaches, and graduate X-Waiver eligible allowing them to participate in Medication-Assisted Treatment for patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). Our graduates demonstrate our success: Over seventy-five percent of our graduates work in a MUC, in primary care, or both!"
Perform your research and find viable reasons Touro is the right university for you.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"I have applied to four other schools that offer the PA program. Those schools are A, B, C, and D. My interest in Touro University is strong because you are highly regarded in the medical industry. The reputation of Touro University is unmatched. I would be so proud to say that I graduated from this school."
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2022
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Rachelle's Feedback
Anonymous Answer
I have applied to Marist, Yale hybrid, U Pitt hybrid, Elon, and MUSC."
Jaymie's Feedback
Competency
26. What questions do you have about Touro University?
What You Need to Know
Coming to your interview prepared with questions is a must. It will show them you are engaged, inquisitive, resourceful, and self-guided in your studies. The more prepared your questions seem, the greater the confidence they'll have that you've thoroughly researched their institution and are keenly interested in what they have to offer your future. Set the stage for your interviewers to share what they value most about their educational facility. People like to talk about what they know, so let them share their passion and convince you they are right for you.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"I would love to learn more about this university from your perspective. What is the biggest competitive edge Touro University has over its competitors?"
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2022
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What do you like most about teaching at the program and why do you like being a part of this program?
Do your classmates tend to be competitive or collaborative?"
Jaymie's Feedback
Diversity
27. What experiences do you have relating to people with backgrounds different from your own?
What You Need to Know
Touro places an above-average focus on diversity, underprivileged, and underserved populations and communities. Nearly every mission state, core value, and messaging on their site mentions it.
"Bring primary care to medically under-resourced populations. We actively seek students who will focus on this in their careers. Our mission is to increase access to quality healthcare. In pursuit of that, our curriculum includes student training at clinical sites that serve medically underserved populations. Using a social justice framework and a public health lens, the mission of the Joint MSPAS/MPH Program is to: Recruit applicants from under-resourced communities and individuals with a demonstrated interest in serving these communities, Educate PAs who will provide culturally sensitive care and advocate for under-resourced communities, Increase access to high-quality care for under-resourced communities with an emphasis in primary care. Primary care is the backbone of the U.S. healthcare system to achieve health-equity. Educating empathetic PAs who provide patient-centered, culturally sensitive, gender-equitable, evidence-based care to all patients, especially historically underresourced communities, across the lifespan as members of an interprofessional team."
When discussing under-represented communities, diversity, and inclusion, demonstrate empathy and acceptance. On even the most inherently human level, we are all driven by the same basic needs and unifying experiences. Focus on the unifiers of diversity, on a general acceptance of the human experience, and on the sensitivities of those from underrepresented communities. Communicate clearly and decisively. The last thing you want to do is come across as uncomfortable or out of your element when answering this question.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"I grew up in a very diverse community. Many of my neighbors weren't as fortunate as I was, and that realization was ever present in my life. I believe that underrepresented and underserved communities deserve the same treatment, respect, and dignity as those born into privilege. I've always been a firm believer that everyone should be able to feel comfortable being their authentic self without judgment or preconception, so I do my best to make everyone around me feel supported, embraced, and heard. That's part of why I'm pursuing a career in healthcare - to ensure everyone has the same opportunity to be cared for and granted the same liberties as everyone else. That includes living a long and healthy life."
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
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Anonymous Answer
working in various settings- hospital in Queens, dialysis in northern NJ & nursing assistant in the inpatient rehab center
come across people from different backgrounds"
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EQ
28. How does it make you feel when you receive critical feedback on your work?
What You Need to Know
The interviewers want to see if you are self-confident and have the emotional maturity to accept feedback, albeit constructive or negative criticism, even when it is unsolicited. When feedback is delivered or communicated in a not so easy to digest manner, they want to know whether you can distill the truth from the message and apply what you need towards your personal or professional growth. Those who can take advantage of such feedback in a friendly, easy-to-absorb manner are traditionally stronger communicators, have a high EQ, and focus on improving their skills. This exhibits leadership potential. Think of a time you received feedback or criticism, whether useful, hurtful, unwarranted, or surprising. Discuss how you reacted productively. Then share how you successfully implemented change.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"Last year, I received a low grade on a chemistry project. When I approached my professor about the low grade, he said, 'You can do better. I expected more from you.' I was taken aback at first, but once I had time to absorb what was said, I realized that he expected more from me because he had high expectations. It was a compliment and a challenge rolled into one! I re-did the assignment with more passion the second time around. My grade improved significantly, and I thanked that professor for holding me to a higher standard."
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2022
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EQ
29. How do you feel about your interview performance so far?
What You Need to Know
This question tests your emotional intelligence, especially concerning how self-aware you are. Therefore, your admissions interviewers are curious about how aligned your opinions are with their observations. That will help them evaluate how realistic your expectations are with your educational pursuits and how likely you are to hold yourself accountable for your actions, especially when you come to face academic setbacks. If you feel you've done well in your performance so far, say so. If you feel you could have done better, clarify how you would have liked to improve. This question provides the opportunity to return to and revise some of your previous answers. Don't waste that opportunity. It will exhibit your determination to succeed.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"I feel I was well-prepared for the questions 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 for you or elaborate on from today's conversation?"
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2022
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Jaymie's Feedback
EQ
30. How does it make you feel when you suffer a setback, and how hard it is to continue your work during or after?
What You Need to Know
While attending university, academic setbacks can impact your grades, and those setbacks, great or small, have the potential to affect your success. Feelings of dismay or regret can sometimes feel exaggerated, especially when your progress comes undone, and the work ahead goes from feeling attainable to insurmountable. The emotions that result from those moments can sometimes feel paralyzing and further hinder the productivity required to move forward, as it were. There's no guarantee you won't repeat those mistakes. So this question is centered on your attitude and perception and how that impacts your success.
Take this opportunity to showcase how developed your emotional maturity is by detailing the positive impact your professional setbacks had on your character. Sharing how you analyze your personal or professional failures while identifying the value of the lessons learned from them will offer them greater confidence in your likelihood of success. Share how you overcome any feelings of disappointment and how you process those experiences, and move on, applying those hard-learned lessons forward and ensuring you don't repeat them, increasing your likelihood of success moving forward.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"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 happen often, and to everyone, despite their level of expertise or years of experience. If I experience a major setback, I will take a few moments to internally debrief, 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."
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2022
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Experience
31. What are you most proud of so far on your journey to becoming a physician’s assistant?
What You Need to Know
Share with your interviewers any achievements or milestones which perpetuate your drive to cross over the finish line. Explain why what you share was significant for you and how it impacted your character, outlook, and educational journey. Doing so will inform them of what's most important to you, your values, and how they can motivate you. Don't fail to mention any acknowledgments, accolades, or awards you've received along the way.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"The achievement I am most proud of, so far, was completing my undergrad, top of my class. While maintaining good grades, I was President of our school's Diversity Club and volunteered at the local children's hospital."
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2022
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Anonymous Answer
I have worked extremely hard to get here."
Jaymie's Feedback
Experience
32. How do you measure the accuracy of your work?
What You Need to Know
The interviewer wants to know how you handle your work with diligence and accuracy. Being a professional in the medical field requires extreme diligence with your attention to detail, especially when the safety of your patient's health is on the line. How you answer will clue them into the level of your skills in this regard. Share your process for proofing your work.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"I make sure I proof my work, check my facts, and ensure all my citations are accurate. I also have my computer read my work back to me as well. I find it useful to be the audience of my work to separate myself from it. That way, if there is a spelling error or any part of my work that raises a question mark over my head, I can go back to it to make sure I've been as thorough as I can. Sometimes, if I'm a bit exhausted, I'll ask someone to give it a look over. It all depends on the situation, I guess."
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
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Experience
33. What hands-on experience as a care-giver do you have, if any?
What You Need to Know
Your admissions interviewers are interested in what work experience you've taken part in if any, and what you learned from it. Touro's website states, "Patient Care Experience (PCE) and Health Care Experience (HCE). It is the applicant's responsibility to sufficiently document patient care and health care duties in the CASPA application. Applicants should consider the tasks which they perform and use their best judgment to determine which category in the CASPA application they fall into. Applicants are expected to separate hours for positions that consist of both Patient Care Experience and Health Care Experience accordingly. Please also make sure to list the type of setting in which you completed the experience (i.e. family medicine, pediatrics, outpatient internal medicine, FQHC, community health center, etc.) as this is not always clear from the name of the clinic. "
You can find more on this on their program/requirements page. Thoroughly research their site, including all the pre-requisite coursework they require, especially since they state that their requirements must be completed before submission of the CASPA application. Personal experiences in caregiving are worth offering here as well.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"My mother had a friend who had MS, and during the summers, I worked as a caregiver and personal assistant for her. My responsibilities included shopping, bathing her, changing her adult diapers, cooking meals, and administering her medications. Presently, I am at about 800 hours of my 1,000 total hours of hands-on patient care experience in a similar healthcare setting."
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
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Anonymous Answer
Dialysis Technician for Davita
Nursing Assistant for Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation"
Jaymie's Feedback
Experience
34. Where have you excelled in your overall academic performance so far, and where do you feel you have room for improvement?
What You Need to Know
Your interviewers want to know how your undergraduate program has prepared you for attending your final years of school at Touro University. Give them your self-assessment of your academic performance so far. Share your marks of pride and badges of honor, where you thrived, and the work you've enjoyed most so far. Discuss the biggest challenges you've faced while earning your bachelor's degree and the areas you are looking forward to growing most. Share the core skills you feel would transfer to Touro University and the areas in which Touro is uniquely positioned to help you grow. By freely offering where you have room to grow showcases your emotional maturity and drive for continual success and self-improvement.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"I am very proud of my achievements during my undergrad education. Those courses added so much value that I will bring to my graduate program. My best courses included X, Y, and Z. I feel that I excelled in these because they are related to the area of medicine I plan to pursue as a physician assistant. I think I can improve my time management. I overextended myself last semester with volunteer opportunities, and my study time suffered slightly. Now that I have identified the reason behind my time management challenges, I will only see improvement moving forward."
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2022
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confidence in my writing abilities"
Jaymie's Feedback
Experience
35. What can you tell us about your current GPA?
What You Need to Know
Whether you're satisfied with your current GPA or not and whether you would change it if you could is one thing. But the real opportunity presented with this question is to provide context to your GPA and how you are applying what you learned along the way to improve it. Provide context, but not excuses. Show them how you intend to improve and beat your personal best.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"I graduated at the top of my class and am very proud of my accomplishments during my undergraduate studies. The experience taught me to study hard and set attainable goals for myself."
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2022
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
science: 3.94
with effective time management skills and study habits"
Jaymie's Feedback
Honesty
36. Let’s say you discover a classmate is cheating. What would you do?
What You Need to Know
One of the core expectations of their students is "Act in a professional and ethical manner." This honesty-based question tests your character and ability to deal with awkward or uncomfortable situations maturely. If you have found yourself in a similar situation, let them know how you dealt with it while exhibiting integrity, respect, and discretion.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"In my opinion, an honorable person will do what is right even when nobody is looking. The medical industry deserves only honorable graduates and so, for that reason, I would tell a superior if I found a classmate to be cheating."
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2022
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Personal
37. How do you like to spend your free time?
What You Need to Know
The interviewers are curious whether you're a well-rounded individual interested in the world around you or if you're a one-dimensional want-to-be doctor. Take this opportunity to share your interests or hobbies. Your goal here is to come across as relatable. Having interests outside of your profession will help you manage your stress levels, contribute to your productivity in your studies, and prevent you from burning out.
Compassion is something they place a lot of value on at Touro University. They're looking to groom more empathetic and balanced care providers with highly developed communication skills. Wellness, nutrition, and an active lifestyle are all great stress relievers. If you lead an active lifestyle, mention it, and inform them of how your habits and hobbies contribute to your physical and mental well-being and make you a better person.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"I'm into fitness and nutrition. I love hiking, walking, trail running, mountain biking, kayaking, and cooking. I do a lot of big-batch cooking as well. It helps me focus on my other priorities for the rest of the week. When I cook, I enjoy cooking with basic ingredients and eat nothing processed outside of bread. Gotta be careful what you put into your body."
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
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Personal
38. Does your family support your decision to pursue a career as a physician’s assistant?
What You Need to Know
This question is more nuanced than it seems. Your interviewers want to know whether you'd have emotional support or resistance from your family if accepted into Touro University. They're curious if you have financial support as well. But most importantly, they are curious whether pursuing a career in medicine is a career path you've chosen for yourself or if it was chosen for you by your family. Mention anyone in your family who may have followed a similar path in the medical field and whether you desired to follow in their footsteps.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"My family is incredibly proud of me for attending medical school. My father is especially keen as he also graduated from Touro University. My parents and older brother live in the area, so I will have a strong and encouraging support system should I be accepted into Touro University."
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2022
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
I have a very strong support system."
Jaymie's Feedback
Problem Solving
39. Tell us about a time you hit a roadblock in your studies. How did you get around it?
What You Need to Know
The interviewer seeks to determine your preferred working style and whether it meets the required criteria. They primarily want to know how resourceful you are and whether you exhibit outside-of-the-box thinking. Demonstrate that you aren't easily discouraged. Exhibit determination and frame yourself as resourceful, with a propensity to think fast on your feet.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"Early in college, I had an overwhelming project. I suffered task paralysis, not knowing where to begin. A friend suggested I tackle the biggest aspect of the project first since that was what I felt most daunted by. It was good general advice, and I listened to it, even though this caused me to lose focus on the project's priorities. Just about every other aspect of the project held a greater priority. As a result, I didn't manage my time right and should have approached the project differently. I promised my professor I'd beat my deadline by a week. I missed that target. I delivered on time, within minutes of my deadline, but saw it as a personal failure since I didn't exceed it. Since then, whenever I hit a roadblock, I manage my time better, and instead of staring at it so hard trying to force a solution, I take a break, switch to another task to remain productive, and while working on another something my mind usually clears that roadblock, and the solution comes to me with ease."
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
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Problem Solving
40. You have a five milliliter tube and a three milliliter tube, but you need to measure exactly one milliliter of medicine. How do you do it?
What You Need to Know
This question is a technical brain teaser designed to observe your analytical skills in action. It is designed for the interviewer to determine if you can think through and quickly resolve such questions with the limited data they present.
You can look up the answer to this question online and rehearse your answer. You not only want to show off your analytical abilities but also your communication skills in how you relay your answer.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"Fill the 3-milliliter tube and empty the contents into the 5-milliliter tube. Then fill the 3-milliliter tube again, and pour what you can into the 5 milliliters until it is full. That will leave you with 1 milliliter in the 3-milliliter tube."
Written by Kevin Downey on August 30th, 2022
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