20 Pathology Physician Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Pathology Physician 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.
1. Are there any substance abuse, domestic violence, or other things that might be found in a background check that could impact the integrity of our hospital (or group)?
How to Answer
Any positions of responsibility will be vetted with background checks. If you have such indiscretions in your history, take responsibility and give a detailed explanation about how you have removed any risk of it recurring: rehab, if applicable; therapy, if applicable; etc. Let the interviewer know why this problem is over, but also explain that you are comfortable with a probationary period or supervision as a gesture of good faith.
The most desirable answer is 'No.' However, for the sake of example, our sample answer is of someone with a substance abuse history.
Written by Ryan Brown on March 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"I had a problem with opiates as a teenager when I was prescribed them after an athletic injury. My rehab required that I successfully complete a prevention program, the completion certificate of which I have if you require that. I consider this part of ancient history and I have not had any problem with substance abuse since then."
Written by Ryan Brown on March 18th, 2021
2. As an institution, we embrace community outreach and diversity. Would we be able to count on you for participation in community events that are a part of our on-going commitment to the patients we serve?
How to Answer
This is a question that asks if you plan to be part of the team which, as distasteful as it may seem, is really marketing--blood pressure screens, mammogram drives, etc. Like codes, it is just as much out of your personal professional territory. Your answer should be centered on what is best for the patients.
Written by Ryan Brown on March 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"I certainly plan to participate in such events, even when they don't directly impact what I do in my specialty. Everything is interrelated, and the impact may end up in the testing and results that reflect the community health. You can count me in."
Written by Ryan Brown on March 18th, 2021
3. What can you think of that might improve the pathology services we offer?
How to Answer
This isn't so much their wanting to pump you for ideas, but give you an opportunity to demonstrate your initiative in wanting to improve things--anywhere.
Written by Ryan Brown on March 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"I would like to see the pathologists divvy up searches for new technology and offer a review of their discoveries at periodic meetings. No one can keep abreast of everything, so this looks like a great way to make sure something isn't missed that can help the lab, the patient, and the institution. Reports from such periodic meetings can then be furnished to Administration for consideration."
Written by Ryan Brown on March 18th, 2021
4. How do you do when confronted with the politics that sometimes consumes your valuable time at general staff and department meetings?
How to Answer
The difference among agendas only increases when more competing factions take part within a bureaucracy. Competition can be among profit-making individuals/practices on the hospital staff who are fighting for market share or even for recognition and kudos pitting peers as part of a single group against each other. The fact that bureaucracy means lots of meetings, it doesn't help that you might have to withstand the uproar of battles that aren't even relevant to you. This question is asking you about your wisdom in picking sides, that is, choosing your battles carefully. You want to present as the model of common sense on this one. No fire needs gasoline, so don't come off as a fuel that only makes fires hotter and bigger.
Written by Ryan Brown on March 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"Belonging to an organization means I must do what's best for it if I expect the best things for me and my patients. Some political battles are waged for self-interest, and these risk rifts that can only weaken an organization. Others are waged according to philosophical ideas and moral imperatives. My first inclination is to not get involved with anything until I can sort out the objective facts from the dramatics. Then I have to ask, is something better for my organization? because, if it is, then it's better for me in the long run. If the conflict is wasteful, only self-serving, and of no benefit to the group, I need to stay out of it because my participation will only make things worse for everyone and that includes, ultimately, my patients."
Written by Ryan Brown on March 18th, 2021
5. Pathologists are considered somewhat less clinical than they're associates who see and treat patients. What would be your response to hearing a code being called, which is better attended by more clinically-centered specialists?
How to Answer
Of all the specialists on staff of a hospital--except for Emergency Physicians--hospital-based physicians are probably less experienced in running or attending codes. This question is not asking if you are qualified, but if you are willing to make sure SOMEONE goes, even if it's you.
Written by Ryan Brown on March 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"I'm a physician, so of course I would respond. That being said, it is not lost on me how infrequently I am called upon to do this, so it would be my obligation to drop out if I felt there were those better qualified to attend this emergency. If I were the only physician, I would run the code to the best of my abilities, which is probably good enough for the emergency until someone else can supersede me."
Written by Ryan Brown on March 18th, 2021
6. Would you be willing to serve on committees that are non-clinical, such as evaluating new equipment being considered for purchase?
How to Answer
Progress much march on. That means keeping up with technology to offer patients the best there is. Such evaluation is mainly clerical and budgetary, so it's not the most desirable activity for a doctor. This can be tedious and no fun at all. You need to answer that if you're on board, you're there for the less glamorous roles, too.
Written by Ryan Brown on March 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"Keeping my domain state-of-the-art is important to the work I do and the results I can offer patients. I know my input is crucial and want to dovetail my expertise with the budgeting experts so I can keep a state-of-the-art environment while making those financing me happy."
Written by Ryan Brown on March 18th, 2021
7. How timely is your practice to sign off on results gotten from automated testing equipment or ancillary personnel under your supervision?
How to Answer
Getting behind can result in suspension, but it is not a 'hard' suspension, per se: it doesn't mean there are any problems with your medical abilities or expertise. These things must be done for the purposes of both reimbursements and accreditation of your lab and the institution itself. You need to assure the interviewer this won't be an issue.
Written by Ryan Brown on March 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"Although I've been occasionally remiss in keeping current on supervisory verifications such as signatures, I appreciate the impact of staying current. It's a high priority for me. It is not lost on me how reimbursement by third-party payors can be affected by incomplete charts; but even more important to me is the need for completing the verification process since any results should be considered incomplete until that is done. Results are what I'm here for, from the simplest automated serum levels to the complex oncology calls, and incomplete results, because of failure to timely sign off on them, is unacceptable to me personally."
Written by Ryan Brown on March 18th, 2021
8. If you were to receive a communication from the Executive Committee about a practice issue that has clinical importance, such as underdiagnosing a malignancy, how would you address the members when you went to the meeting with them?
How to Answer
This might seem like a challenge to your clinical abilities, so it can be upsetting. It is a question about personal challenges to your privileges. One of you is right and one of you is wrong, but even if you're the one who's right, you have to come off as being a good sport about the whole episode and that you are dedicated to the correction of any inaccuracies.
Written by Ryan Brown on March 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"Underdiagnosing the malignant potential of a tissue happens all of the time, especially with frozen sections that tend to distort the tissue. If it's a matter of under-calling it on a frozen section, it is common knowledge that such preparations are only crude guides, and one must wait for the permanent mounts to be evaluated for a final diagnosis. If it's a matter of my underdiagnosing the permanent mounts, that would concern me, and I would report that I have learned from this and will be taking the right educational steps needed to prevent this from recurring. Please know that personally I take advantage of getting second opinions on such important calls when I feel there may be some room for subjective interpretation of what I'm seeing, so I don't expect to get such a letter from the committee; but if I do, I would make my case but tell them I will abide by their decision on this."
Written by Ryan Brown on March 18th, 2021
9. Would you be willing to accept whatever electronic medical record process is in use here?
How to Answer
This tests your willingness to go along with current policy, so yes.
Written by Ryan Brown on March 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"If I am part of this organization, of course. I want to be compliant with all of the protocols."
Written by Ryan Brown on March 18th, 2021
10. Pregnancy termination is a controversial subject. Would have any issues doing tests that might prompt a patient to terminate her pregnancy?
How to Answer
Genetic, amniotic fluid, and serum tests are done as part of today's prenatal surveillance. Some may indicate risk of congenital anomalies or genetic abnormalities, such as Down syndrome. If this institution does any test that could be used to plan something you find personally immoral, albeit legal, you should know before you interview whether it will be a deal-breaker for you.
Written by Ryan Brown on March 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"(Sample Answer with no objections) My role as a pathologist is as a consultant and, as such, advise on the implications of test results. The decision-making after that is within the patient-doctor relationship. Although I'm part of the team, my role is only as a consultant about the test and its results.
(Sample Answer with possible objections) My role as a pathologist is as a consultant and, as such, advise on the implications a of test result. If I feel enough a part of the care team that I cannot in good faith take part in a test whose results could lead to something against which I'm philosophically opposed, I would simply recuse myself and ask that this particular philosophy in my work be honored or declined before even hiring me. "
Written by Ryan Brown on March 18th, 2021
11. Would you please introduce yourself and tell me why you're applying here?
How to Answer
Answer briefly and accurately. The interviewer is asking why you want this position and why you're leaving your current (or previous) situation. This is your opening volley, so you want to come off as sincere and ready to please.
Written by Ryan Brown on March 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"I'm [NAME] and I have applied here as my next step in my professional vocation. I am married with no children, yet, but that may change soon. After finishing my residency, I joined the staff of my school for a year until I could decide where I wanted to go next. Next was a fellowship and that brings me here."
Written by Ryan Brown on March 18th, 2021
12. How do you feel about the various automated tests that are done? Do you feel you can rely on the results?
How to Answer
Modern machinery for automated tests has created both better efficiency and accuracy. Standards for both their manufacture, interval testing, and quality control is strictly managed, meaning you're going to come off as some kind of Luddite if you say you don't trust them. However, good medicine implies a 'trust-but-verify' philosophy, so that should be the theme of your answer.
Written by Ryan Brown on March 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"The automated clinical technology is very reliable, but I feel I owe it to a patient to verify all worrisome results by either repeating the test or manually performing it myself. In this way I can be assured I am providing the pathology--and clinical--service and accuracy a patient should expect. Although inaccuracies are uncommon, they do happen, and part of my work is knowing when the results are actually true or not and which ones need further scrutiny."
Written by Ryan Brown on March 18th, 2021
13. What invasive procedures are you planning to do?
How to Answer
While pathologists traditionally are assumed to not interact directly with patients, this impression proves false when, for example, a patient needs a bone marrow biopsy for examination. The question really wants to know what your complication rates have been in the past, in hopes there will be no medicolegal risks for the institution in their future because of you.
Written by Ryan Brown on March 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"My invasive procedures are limited, but I always follow my specialty guidelines to satisfy all criteria for such procedures, qualifying both to the need for the patient and to supporting my ability to perform them. And any of them are done in cooperation with the treating physician as part of his team for a particular patient. My complication rates are within acceptable standards, and I can cite the actual numbers, if asked, when I apply for the specific invasive procedures as part of your vetting process."
Written by Ryan Brown on March 18th, 2021
14. If you were to see a peer checking for results of lab tests of a patient for whom he or she was not the pathologist consulted, how would you respond?
How to Answer
This is nothing more than HIPAA, about which institutions are very sensitive. Although pathologists in a hospital lab share testing and reporting responsibilities, the question is probably about that rogue person trying to pry into another person's personal life, e.g., looking for results indicating sexually transmitted infection or other personally sensitive information. As such, it is HIPAA-protected, with punitive fines indicated when it happens. Answer along the lines of following the law and following the institution's protocol for handling such problems. That's all you have to do.
Written by Ryan Brown on March 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"First, I would make sure I saw or heard correctly, which is easily verified by the sign-ins and sign-offs on the electronic health records commonly used. But there are results that are accessible for the purpose of anyone on the pathology team contributing to the medical information related to the patient--to the benefit of both that patient and the doctor; in that way, it would require my asking the person in question the purpose of the suspicious inquiry, for it may be innocent and just good medicine as part of the team approach. However, if it were inappropriate, I would report it up the chain of command according to whatever protocol is in place for reporting HIPAA violations."
Written by Ryan Brown on March 18th, 2021
15. A pathologist traditionally does not see patients. Do you plan to interact with the patients whose tests are about them?
How to Answer
Pathologists don't see patients. Almost exclusively their domain is under the microscope or at a desk ascertaining the meaning and relevance of results and how they interact with disease, not the specific patient. They render opinions that are either diagnostic or a gauge for the severity of disease. So, why a question like this? It is asked to see how involved you will be in the 'total care' a hospital touts as its mission. You should answer along traditional lines, but include a blurb or two about your interest in the patient.
Written by Ryan Brown on March 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"No, I won't be directly interacting with the patients. Pathology is unique in that these are not my patients, but their pathology is my concern. Technically I provide a consultation service, which implies partnering with the treating physician. For my purposes, this requires me to provide timely and accurate results for the patient's team of which I'm a part. It requires my speaking with the patient's doctor when this will improve his or her understanding of what's going on with his or her patient."
Written by Ryan Brown on March 18th, 2021
16. If you're not available when you're scheduled to be on duty, how will your duties be done? Who will be responsible?
How to Answer
A hospital-based physician can disrupt the normal goings-on of a hospital if absences are not anticipated or filled as they occur. Underscoring the importance of duty, this is really just a question about your reliability. Hospital-based physicians may find it either harder or easier to furnish stand-ins, depending on the number of similar specialists available to take up the slack.
Written by Ryan Brown on March 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"I take my responsibilities seriously, and it would have to be a dire situation to keep me from my work without reasonable notice--for example, a sudden severe illness or accident. I would never plan ahead to be absent without some contingency plan to have someone just as qualified assume my responsibilities. In the beginning I would like to serve on committees with so that I can enter into some reciprocal agreements for these types of circumstances."
Written by Ryan Brown on March 18th, 2021
17. Here we have a policy of our staff not moonlighting as a Pathologist anywhere else, since you're paid an annual salary. Do you have a problem with that?
How to Answer
You should never have a problem with any policy of the place to which you're applying. Many hospital-based physicians see a 'non-compete' clause as a deal-breaker, so before you interview you should decide whether you can afford your lifestyle on just the one salary.
Written by Ryan Brown on March 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"I wouldn't seek a position here if I had a problem with your policy of my 100% commitment to you. I only ask that I have the same provisions in my contract that all of my peers have. "
Written by Ryan Brown on March 18th, 2021
18. Do you have any lawsuits currently or in the past, including any settlements?
How to Answer
They don't want someone who will lose them money or threaten their reputation. But it is true that all physicians are at medicolegal risk, whether actual suits ever come to pass or not. You won't be rejected because you have lawsuits (unless there are so many that it means you're the problem). Your interviewer knows that suits are usually filed for initiating discovery to see if there is merit to a case. He or she will also know that the frivolous ones go away or prescribe. However, a settlement is looked upon just as unfavorably as a lawsuit you lose, because settlements are made to mitigate the damage of a likely unfavorable outcome.
So, what are you supposed to do you do if there are suits, losses, or settlements? 'Fess up, and because half of the story is your side, make sure you give it. Own it and don't blame your previous institution or group, because that looks bad. If you can explain why a lawsuit occurred due to a complication and not due to overt negligence, this is accepted as being part of the profession, so fear not.
Written by Ryan Brown on March 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"I have two lawsuits, neither of them for any real malpractice. One of them was over a diagnosis I sent out for review for another opinion which changed the diagnosis, which justified the uncertainty that provoked me to seek another opinion in the first place. The other was due to a misfiled report that was found just a week later, and which did not exceed the reasonable window of opportunity for acting on it therapeutically. After discovery, I expect both of these to be dropped."
Written by Ryan Brown on March 18th, 2021
19. What can you personally bring to us?
How to Answer
You don't just want to say that you're well-trained or that you have the experience. Be bolder than that. Here's your chance to flaunt your talents. Say that, although you're applying here because of how impressed you are, you know you can fill areas that could benefit from extra attention. The message will be that you offer additional resources that other hospitals don't have and thus can make this organization stand out. For example, you may be board certified or board eligible in Pathology, or even further trained (for example, in Dermatopathology), but you might say you have a special interest in malignant melanoma, as an example; this would sound valuable to a hospital, for example, in the sunbelt with a patient base weighted toward the elderly and thus dealing with a lot of skin cancer.
Written by Ryan Brown on March 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"The whole reason I want to be here is your reputation for excellence and state-of-the-art medicine. Also, your continuing education programs offer me opportunities for growth and appeal to my interest in teaching. That all makes an excellent foundation for my special interest in malignant melanoma, especially with preventative strategies that can be initiated for your elderly patients."
Written by Ryan Brown on March 18th, 2021
20. What is it about [ENTITY REPRESENTED BY INTERVIEWER] that brings you here specifically?
How to Answer
Keep in mind that the interviewer has the advantage--he or she can hire someone else easily enough--so this is your chance to not just say why you'd be good for the organization, but why it would be good for you, too. It sets a motif of your being on the 'same page,' and people sharing the same page fit well together. The linchpin of this strategy is their 'Mission Statement' or 'Vision,' which are one or both prominently displayed on their website landing page. These are usually very short and generic, but professing paraphrases from them can be used to show you 'get it.'
You can tell the interviewer that their values align with your personal values and that's important in your plan for the rest of your professional life. (Don't actually cite their 'Mission Statement' and 'Vision,' but state that you find this group's values align with yours.)
Written by Ryan Brown on March 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"I know that I have found a place here where the values align with my own. I've really done a lot of research and I especially like your dedication to community interaction, your embracing diversity, and always putting the patient and his or her family first. I think I'd be very happy here with the professional mindset and I'd be a good fit."
Written by Ryan Brown on March 18th, 2021