Pathology Physician Mock Interview

Master 20 Pathology Physician interview questions covering diagnostic expertise, laboratory management, and clinical collaboration.

Question 7 of 20

A pathologist traditionally does not see patients. Do you plan to interact with the patients whose tests are about them?

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Ryan Brown

Ryan Brown created and launched MockQuestions in 2008.

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.

Ryan Brown

Ryan Brown created and launched MockQuestions in 2008.

"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."

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20Pathology Physician Interview Questions & Answers

1.Would you please introduce yourself and tell me why youâ€™re applying here?

2.What is it about [ENTITY REPRESENTED BY INTERVIEWER] that brings you here specifically?

3.What can you personally bring to us?

4.Do you have any lawsuits currently or in the past, including any settlements?

5.Here we have a policy of our staff not moonlighting as a Pathologist anywhere else, since youâ€™re paid an annual salary. Do you have a problem with that?

6.If youâ€™re not available when youâ€™re scheduled to be on duty, how will your duties be done? Who will be responsible?

7.A pathologist traditionally does not see patients. Do you plan to interact with the patients whose tests are about them?

8.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?

9.What invasive procedures are you planning to do?

10.How do you feel about the various automated tests that are done? Do you feel you can rely on the results?

11.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)?

12.Pregnancy termination is a controversial subject. Would have any issues doing tests that might prompt a patient to terminate her pregnancy?

13.Would you be willing to accept whatever electronic medical record process is in use here?

14.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?

15.How timely is your practice to sign off on results gotten from automated testing equipment or ancillary personnel under your supervision?

16.Would you be willing to serve on committees that are non-clinical, such as evaluating new equipment being considered for purchase?

17.Pathologists are considered somewhat less clinical than theyâ€™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?

18.How do you do when confronted with the politics that sometimes consumes your valuable time at general staff and department meetings?

19.What can you think of that might improve the pathology services we offer?

20.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?