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Physician Assistant Mock Interview

Question 4 of 40 for our Physician Assistant Mock Interview

Physician Assistant was updated by on November 9th, 2022. Learn more here.

Question 4 of 40

What are some of the challenges of working as a physician assistant?

This question is similar to the interviewer asking what your weaknesses are. Because this is one of the most common interview questions, you'll want to have a few examples prepared. Consider a few examples of patients coming in with a variety of unexpected ailments, technology going wrong, or a coworker showing up late for work. Tell the interviewer how you handle these situations.

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How to Answer: What are some of the challenges of working as a physician assistant?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Physician Assistant job interview.

  • 4. What are some of the challenges of working as a physician assistant?

      How to Answer

      This question is similar to the interviewer asking what your weaknesses are. Because this is one of the most common interview questions, you'll want to have a few examples prepared. Consider a few examples of patients coming in with a variety of unexpected ailments, technology going wrong, or a coworker showing up late for work. Tell the interviewer how you handle these situations.

      Written by Krista Wenz on January 31st, 2023

      Entry Level Example

      "My biggest challenge is having to prioritize on a daily basis, in hopes of getting everything done. No two days are the same as a physician assistant, so I can use a plethora of skills, which is amazing. I have become very proficient at prioritization and delegation."

      Written by Rachelle Enns

      Answer Example

      "A challenge as a PA can be that we have more patients than we have coverage or availability. I've learned so much working in this fast-paced environment. My most important take away from these types of situations has been learning the importance of time management, clear documentation, and appropriate scheduling."

      Written by Rachelle Enns

      Experienced Example

      "My current team is understaffed and has been for about a year now. It can be challenging because each person on the team is stretched. However, it's been a great opportunity to collaborate on key initiatives. We are making the best of the situation."

      Written by Rachelle Enns

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "As a PA, you are trained as a generalist provider, and possibly a given specialty if you so choose. However, as a PA, you may encounter cases that are complex and beyond what you may feel comfortable treating and diagnosing. You can collaborate with other providers and do the best you can to treat the patient. Sometimes patients may be too complicated, and you may have to refer them to another provider.

      Also, in any health profession, patients maybe not wanting to deal with their health condition, and you have to do the best you can to treat, educate, and provide resources. It is challenging to figure out how to best manage and help each patient, but as a provider, you should do your best to provide individualized care to have the best outcomes for patients."

      Rachelle's Feedback

      These are real work challenges, indeed. You do a nice job offering up options on how to overcome situations like this.
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