Top 25 Physician Assistant Interview Questions
1. What will you do if you have a client that refuses to take care of their health?
Professional Answer
List of Physician Assistant Interview Questions
- What will you do if you have a client that refuses to take care of their health?
- What would your last employer say about you?
- Tell me about the last Physician you worked for. Describe your relationship.
- Describe the people you work with best.
- How would you describe your overall academic performance?
- How did you manage your time between school, work, and other activities?
- You may be faced with situations involving blood and other bodily fluids. How will you respond?
- Describe the people you find most difficult to work with.
- Why do you prefer the clinical side over research?
- What are some of the challenges of working as a physician assistant?
- How does your family feel about your decision to enter the medical field?
- Describe your work ethic.
- What is a dependent practitioner, and how do you feel about practicing as one?
- What department of the healthcare field most interests you?
- Tell me about yourself.
- Describe to me your worst type of patient.
- What role does humor play in your life? Can you laugh at yourself?
- Tell me about yourself.
- How would coworkers describe you?
- How do you minimize potential spread of infectious diseases when working with patients?
- What are your weaknesses?
- Tell me about an important lesson you learned during your clinical rotations.
- What are the last two non-academic books you have read?
- Why should we hire you?
- What do you think are two major ethical issues facing the medical field today?
- What are some highlights from your clinical rotations?
- What do you feel are the most important qualities in being a good physician assistant?
- What do you think you will dislike the most about being a Physician Assistant?
- If you could do anything different in your education, what would you do?
- How will you manage your stress and while handling patients with care and integrity?
- Why do you want this job?
- Tell me about your leadership experience.
- What do you do in your spare time?
- What are your strengths?
- What is an issue in the current healthcare system that you would like to see change?
- When did you become interested in medicine?
- Describe your favorite type of patient.
- Why do you want to work for us?
- Do you have any experiences volunteering in such underserved medical practice areas?
- What do you think you will most like about being a physician assistant?
- What do you enjoy most about working with people?
- Do you feel that the government should be involved with mandating insurance? Subsidizing insurance?
- What type of learner are you? What type of setting do you think best supports your learning?
- Tell me about your experience working in the healthcare field.
Physician Assistant Information
February 27th, 2014
A physician assistant or physician associate (PA) is a healthcare professional licensed to practice medicine with supervision of a licensed physician. A physician assistant is concerned with preventing, maintaining, and treating human illness and injury by providing a broad range of health care services that are traditionally performed by a physician. Physician assistants conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery, and write prescriptions.
wikipedia.org/wiki/Physician_Assistant
A physician assistant or physician associate (PA) is a healthcare professional licensed to practice medicine with supervision of a licensed physician. A physician assistant is concerned with preventing, maintaining, and treating human illness and injury by providing a broad range of health care services that are traditionally performed by a physician. Physician assistants conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery, and write prescriptions.
wikipedia.org/wiki/Physician_Assistant
Physician Assistant User Submitted Interview Answers
Question
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What will you do if you have a client that refuses to take care of their health?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
I will educate them on potential risks and suggest that they follow up within a reasonable amount of time for a recheck.
2.
Continue to provide the most realistic but effective recommendations.
Question
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2 of 44
What would your last employer say about you?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
I'm a hard worker and a team player. Even if my work is done, I always look to lift the burden off of another's workload.
2.
Loyal, hard working, thoughtful and helpful.
Question
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3 of 44
Tell me about the last Physician you worked for. Describe your relationship.
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
I have never worked directly for a physician.
2.
The last physician I worked for was admirable. I couldn't stop staring as he was looking over the EKG's he was carefully oserving and reading. He was passionate and careful to ask all questions necessary.
Question
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4 of 44
Describe the people you work with best.
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
The people I work best with are the ones that are goal oriented. It takes multiple.
2.
I work best with people who have the same goal in mind as me and that would be to provide the best care possible and to make the patient as pleased as they can be. I work well with those who are also team players.
Question
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5 of 44
How would you describe your overall academic performance?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
Well, undergrad was less than stellar, but I think I have a proven post-baccalaureate (SP) record.
2.
I believe that my overall academic performance was very good. All through college I played collegiate softball. I was able to maintain a high GPA while also making deans list every semester, which is not an easy task when you are playing a sport. I had to manage my school work in order to keep my grades up.
Question
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6 of 44
How did you manage your time between school, work, and other activities?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
By having good time management.
2.
Going to school full time and working two jobs has taught me a lot about prioritizing my time. There was not much room for social activities outside of academics. I learned good time management skills, developed strong study habits allowing me to get my work done promptly, and organization was a key component to all that.
Question
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7 of 44
You may be faced with situations involving blood and other bodily fluids. How will you respond?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
With universal precaution.
2.
My first time in the ER, I nearly fainted at the site of blood. Now, I am able to set aside any feelings of fear and focus on assisting the patient.
Question
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8 of 44
Describe the people you find most difficult to work with.
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
The people I find most difficult to work with are those who do not care about their patients or people that are not kind to the people they are working with. I also find those who do not wish to help others very difficult to work with, because I am someone who is always willing to help out others.
2.
Individuals who get distracted very easily or who don't do their part.
Question
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9 of 44
Why do you prefer the clinical side over research?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
My hands-on experience has taught me that my best work is done in the field. My problem solving strengths have come from various situations where I have had to adapt and overcome in order to succeed. This flexibility lends itself more to direct patient contact work rather than academic research.
2.
I would love to help people to get better.
Question
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10 of 44
What are some of the challenges of working as a physician assistant?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
One negative aspect would be disagreeing with what the physician has chosen to do as a treatment plan.
2.
I think most people would say having to be a dependent practioner but I think that what I would think one negative aspect of being a pa is the way a pa can viewed by a pt as being less qualified.
Question
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How does your family feel about your decision to enter the medical field?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
Yes, my parents are very supportive of my decision. My mother works in the medical field as a nurse and was very happy when I told her I wanted to be a part of the medical profession.
2.
Yes, my mom is very supportive of my decision to go back to school and is going to help me where she can.
Question
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12 of 44
Describe your work ethic.
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
My work ethic is centered on patient care. I believe that as a healthcare professional we must make sure that we are prepared to serve the patient with the highest level of care. That spans from the actual patient contact to preparing ourselves prior to patient contact. This means I must have a thorough understanding of my equipment, clear use of my didactic training modalities, and follow local protocol.
2.
I would describe my work ethic as hardworking, organized and efficient.
Question
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What is a dependent practitioner, and how do you feel about practicing as one?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
A dependent practitioner functions under the supervision of a physician. I currently work under the supervision of my physician, so I am completely fine with it... No ego here.
2.
A dependent practitioner is one who works under supervision. As a PA I would work on a team that is lead by a physician which would provide me the opportunity to learn from the physician.
Question
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What department of the healthcare field most interests you?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
I have heard this question a lot, both from family, friends, and co-workers, since discussing how I wanted to become a PA. My primary experience is in the ER, and naturally I feel drawn to this because it is the world of medicine that I feel I understand quite well and am comfortable with. However, what the ER does not provide that I miss from patient interactions is continuity of care. The idea of following a patient through a lifetime of medical care is highly appealing to me. However, I don't pretend to understand every facet of medical care as of yet. I believe my response to this question will be developed over the two years that I am in a PA program, and it would be naive of me to settle definitively upon what type of medicine I wish to practice at this present moment in time as a result.
2.
Being a PA I will practice primary care medicine there will be an upcoming need for primary care practitioner with the new health care act.
Question
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Tell me about yourself.
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
I like to party.
2.
I am 25 years old and I have a younger brother who is 16. I enjoy scuba diving, reading, and dancing. I am a compassionate and open minded individual who wants to work with patients in rural communities.
Question
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Describe to me your worst type of patient.
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
patient with contagious disease
2.
A narrow-minded patient who, having diagnosed him or herself expects to be treated accordingly.
Question
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17 of 44
What role does humor play in your life? Can you laugh at yourself?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
Yes, I laugh at myself on a daily basis.
2.
Humor is a huge portion of my life. In my personal time sarcasm has been a great tool within my friendships. It keeps my mind sharp and centers on association of pop culture. I think that without humor my job would be too stressful to bear sanely.
Question
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18 of 44
Tell me about yourself.
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
I am a hard worker who is dedicated.
2.
I was born and raised here in the US, but come from a Chilean family. This has given me the opportunity to travel and appreciate other places. Ironically, to appreciate all I have here despite growing up in some underprivileged areas. I now am married and love to hike with my dog. I try to travel at least once a year and look forward to doing so with my husband.
Question
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How would coworkers describe you?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
They would describe me as outgoing and very active. I am always involved in something. They would also probably say I am a little bit of a nerd. I really enjoy reading and learning about different things.
2.
My friends would probably describe me as passionate, persistent and humorous.
Question
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20 of 44
How do you minimize potential spread of infectious diseases when working with patients?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
Absolutely, as I have been trained we assume that all patients are infected. This does not mean I will change my patient approach any differently. It simply means adhering to proven PPE standards in order to safeguard my own safety, that of my team, and also of my patient.
2.
No, my goal is to treat them so I am not worried about contracting anything.
Question
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21 of 44
What are your weaknesses?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
I do my best to not dwell on my weaknesses but instead constatly strive to improve them. However, I would have to say that being inpatient is one of my weak points. Another weakness would be that I am a perfectionist. However, thorugh growing up and maturing, I have learned how to manage these weaknesses and have found in certain situations that they can even prove to be strengths.
2.
I expect too much from people and I like sleep too much!
Question
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22 of 44
Tell me about an important lesson you learned during your clinical rotations.
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
What kind of practice are you in?
2.
Primary care.
Question
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23 of 44
What are the last two non-academic books you have read?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
We were Liars by E. Lockhart and The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson.
2.
Harry Potter and the half blood prince and Harry Potter and the deathly hollows.
Question
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24 of 44
Why should we hire you?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
Knowledge.
2.
The secret to any successful business is what your customers have to say about you, an PA practice is no different. As a professional we are constantly saling the profession, the institution we wprk for as well as out=r graduating program by how in caring for and interacting with patient . I have experience in the business conduct, I started the soccer group that is still ongoing, I have held leadership positions at my church. I am a father, a high school soccer referee, these are culturally rounded. Experience that require leardship, compassion, maturity people skills, dedication and most of all humility..These are the same asset I will bring into my practice.
Question
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25 of 44
What do you think are two major ethical issues facing the medical field today?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
Two major ethical issues facing the medical field today would include the choice between life and death situations, and the refusal of treatment due to moral issues.
2.
Two major ethical issues facing the medical field today would include the choice between life and death situations, and the refusal of treatment due to moral issues.
Question
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26 of 44
What are some highlights from your clinical rotations?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
The autonomy Pas had , working in team with doctors.
2.
One of my favorite things that I have observed was an open heart surgery. This was my first time observing any type of procedure in the operating room and to get to see an open heart surgery was definatly an amazing experience!
Question
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27 of 44
What do you feel are the most important qualities in being a good physician assistant?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
Being respective and understanding to others as they work in the team. Being sharp in observation and friendly to carry out the conversation with pts.
2.
Good listener.
Question
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28 of 44
What do you think you will dislike the most about being a Physician Assistant?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
I think there may be a bit of nostalgia about working "on the streets." Although, I have had vast experience there and I personally feel I have reached a time in my life to move forward and into the clinical world.
2.
The part I will dislike the most about being a PA is when I can no longer help my patient. I hope that I never have to see the day where I diagnose a patient with a disease that is so far along that it has no solution. I have seen this happen before. I know that at times all you can do is make sure your patient is as comfortable as possible. It is important the both the patient and the family understand all diagnoses.
Question
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If you could do anything different in your education, what would you do?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
I would have learned another language. This would be very helpful in communicating with all patients. Working with the underserved population I have noticed that many people in this category are different ethnicities.
2.
At this point in my life there is nothing that I would change. However, the thing is that I am not done with learning. I plan to continue to learn through research, observations of other physicians, and if there is ever an learning oppurunity I would like to think that I will always have the drive to take advantage of what is provided.
Question
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30 of 44
How will you manage your stress and while handling patients with care and integrity?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
I will make sure that my health and family life balance is taken care of outside of the practice. This will allow me to continue to care for patients as I normally do, establishing a good rapport through a good bedside manner, kindness and respect.
2.
I will make sure that my health and family life balance is taken care of outside of the practice. This will allow me to continue to care for patients as I normally do, establishing a good rapport through a good bedside manner, kindness and respect.
Question
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31 of 44
Why do you want this job?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
I want this job so that I can assist a rural community in preventative measures and to increase the towns access to medical care. I have always loved working in medicine and by being a physician assistant and working for your town I feel that I can provide great medical care that will benefit every member in the town.
2.
To become a btter clinician.
Question
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32 of 44
Tell me about your leadership experience.
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
No, due to the online nature of my involvement I have not had the opportunity to involve myself in leadership to this time.
2.
Honestly, I have had leadership roles but not in any groups relating to PA.
Question
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33 of 44
What do you do in your spare time?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
Relax, study, work, spend time with friends/family.
2.
Spend time with family and watch health related news to stay up-to-dated.
Question
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34 of 44
What are your strengths?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
My first greatest strength is my qualification and second is my life time experience.
2.
I am good at anticipating problems or solving problems. I am also good at managing time and work by priority.
Question
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35 of 44
What is an issue in the current healthcare system that you would like to see change?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
Increase in number of people requires care, not able to put enough time for each patient to be able to see more patients. Also, more non-physician providers are affordable to hire by health care industries.
2.
Some of them.
Question
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36 of 44
When did you become interested in medicine?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
For as long as I can remember, I have always known I would pursue a career in the medical field. I am innately caring and nuturing so providing care to others has always come naturally to me. I began college pursueing a career as a Physical Therapist. After many trips to a PT as a patient, I realized that although I really respect the job a PT does, I personally wanted to be involved in a more medically focused career. After doing research on various medical fields, I knew a career as a PA was the right fit for me.
2.
As long as I can remember I wanted to be a doctor, but in high school I lost some motivation due to personal stresses in my life. After a presentation of an EMS explorer academy I was able to get that spark back and become an EMT which seemed much more attainable in my position.
Question
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37 of 44
Describe your favorite type of patient.
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
My favorite patient is the patient that is engaged in maintaining good health. I enjoy working with teens and female patients.
2.
For me there is no favorite type of patient. Each patient deserves to be treated with the same respect and receive equal treatment.
Question
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38 of 44
Why do you want to work for us?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
Its mission,university based program and reputation.
Question
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39 of 44
Do you have any experiences volunteering in such underserved medical practice areas?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
Yes, many of the "Every 15 minute drills" I have participated in are in underserved areas. This allows us to reach out in injury prevention for the community. Mostly, my paid work has involved the underserved.
2.
I have not yet started volunteering because of my busy class schedule. But I plan to as soon as my summer break starts!
Question
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What do you think you will most like about being a physician assistant?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
I think the extended patient care window will be the biggest change for me. I already wish I had this opportunity with my patients to explain their current conditions in further detail. Educating patients is part of making sure they have a successful future.
2.
I like the interaction with people, both patients and staff.
Question
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What do you enjoy most about working with people?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
I do enjoy working with my people, in fact, I thrive in it. The collaboration inherent within a close-knit group allows for efficiency and ease of patient care.
2.
Yes, but also is important to work with different type of popuations.
Question
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Do you feel that the government should be involved with mandating insurance? Subsidizing insurance?
Question
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43 of 44
What type of learner are you? What type of setting do you think best supports your learning?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
I believe that I can learn in any setting I am placed in. My experience in community college has been a mass learning opportunity, but my paramedic program was smaller. I have succeeded in both and they each have advantages. My smaller paramedic class provided a unique group cohesion that allowed us to support and supplement each other; making the unit as a whole, successful.
2.
Any team or collaborative effort is the perfect setting for learning.
Question
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44 of 44
Tell me about your experience working in the healthcare field.
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
I have had the opportunities to work in several medical practices included the Emergency Room, working on several different inpatient floors, working at a Pediatric Clinic, obtaining my EMT, and working in Costa Rica on a medical service trip.
2.
I worked as a secretary in a doctors office.
Video
Top Physician Assistant interview questions, created by Mock Questions and voted on by our users! Created on February 20th, 2016
Physician Assistant Pros
1. As a PA, you have a lot of versatility because you can go into any field that you fit well into, but you are not locked into a specialty. If you decide to change specialties, you are able to do so. Additionally, you spend less time in school and thus have more time for your family. You have a supervising doctor available to assist you if needed, but you can function autonomously without him or her, so you can assist patients in the same capacity. May 30th, 2012
2. 1. Privilege to practice medicine after comparatively short educational time (contrary to MD) 2. More flexibility in changing specialty/setting (comparing to MD) 3. Less extra responsibilities than MD (on call schedule, running practice and etc.) May 30th, 2012
3. As a physician assistant I can work autonomously, but also consult with the doctor if necessary. There are also many fields to specialize in and as a pa i would not need to retrain to change specialties since i will be cross trained October 31st, 2012
4. Great hours and schedule. Less school than a physician. April 2nd, 2014
5. Simply put, I want this job so I can help people. I have always enjoyed learning about the human body and about ways I can cure human beings. Learning about Medicine is where I belong. February 23rd, 2015
6. I want this job because I always wanted to be a PA since I was little. February 23rd, 2015
7. I want to be a physician assistant because I have always been drawn to the medical field due to its ability to serve people. I know the feeling that this provides because of my involvement in giving back to the community and I want to feel this feeling for the rest of my life. Physician assistant seems to be much more than a job, but my calling and my heart is fully committed to this job. The role of a PA will fulfill me and challenge me to be a lifelong learner. I want to be able to give compassionate care for my patients and PA allows for this patient provider relationship. February 23rd, 2015
Questions to ask at Interview
Length of the program and clinical issues?
Length of the program.
Why should I chose this school?
What is the primary mode of instruction - text book, power point lectures?
What is the number 1 thing you look for in an applicant?