The interviewer is asking this question to determine if the candidate has experience working as an anesthesiologist assistant outside of the operating room. Many times, an anesthesiologist assistant will have responsibilities beyond the operating room and will be required to assist in pain clinics. If the candidate will be responsible for assisting with managing chronic pain patients, it is important that they have experience in such clinical settings. In order to successfully answer this question, the candidate should explain the experience they have in working with chronic pain patients and the settings in which they have worked.

"In addition to assisting with surgical patients in the operating room, I have over ten years of experience working with chronic pain patients in a pain clinic. My current position requires me to work in both the OR and in the pain clinic, so I am well-experienced in both environments. In the pain management clinic, I work with patients to get them on a pain management plan, which can include interventions such as epidurals, nerve stimulation, and medication therapies."