62 Radiology Interview Questions (with Answers)

1.

What are some of the short term effects of radiation exposure?

Talk to the hiring manager about your opinion on the short term effects of radiation exposure.

Rachelle's Answer

"Short term effects of radiation exposure could be diagnosed as Acute Radiation Syndrome but usually only if the person is exposed to very high levels of radiation. Symptoms of ARS may include nausea, vomiting, headache, and diarrhea."

2.

The schedule shows 8 patients are due however only 5 showed up. How does that make you feel? What would you do?

How do you react when your day turns out differently than you expected? Talk to the interviewer about how you would react to sudden changes in your schedule.

Rachelle's Answer

"As a Radiologist, there are days that will not turn out how you expect them to. I understand that completely. If I were to have 8 patients booked and only 5 showed up, I would take it in stride. If possible, I would ask my administrator to call our wait list and book additional patients last minute. My focus would certainly be to have as productive of a day as possible."

Heather's Answer

"When 5 out of 8 patients show for the day that means that I can get a bit of administrative work done."

3.

What are the 3 biggest assets you would bring to this unit?

Talk to the hiring manager about your greatest strengths and list the top 3 ways in which you feel you would make an impact on their unit, should you be the successful candidate.

Rachelle's Answer

"My 3 biggest assets are my attention to detail, my bedside manner, and the fact that I am willing to learn from my colleagues. These are all helpful qualities that I promise to bring your facility, should I be the successful candidate."

4.

How would you handle a situation with tight deadlines, low employee morale, and inadequate resources?

Not all work situations are ideal. Talk to the interviewer about how you would handle working in tough situations with limited resources and/or low morale.

Here is a sample answer "I have been accustomed to working in ideal work situations where morale is high and resources are plenty. I have, however, worked as a volunteer in third world situations. It's important to work in situations like this so that we can appreciate what we have here in America. During this volunteer time I was able to really think outside of the box when it came to care of patients. You have to utilized what you are given and keep a positive attitude."

Rachelle's Answer

"I have been accustomed to working in ideal work situations where morale is high and resources are plenty. I have, however, worked as a volunteer in third world situations. It's important to work in situations like this so that we can appreciate what we have here in America. During this volunteer time I was able to really think outside of the box when it came to care of patients. You have to utilized what you are given and keep a positive attitude."

Heather's Answer

"A heart felt thank you and compliment to a co-worker can mean a lot during a time of stress."

View answer examples for this question >

5.

Tell me about your favorite patient. What was the situation?

Talk to the hiring manager about a time when you really hit it off well with a patient. What was the situation and why do you feel you two connected?

Rachelle's Answer

"My favorite patient so far has been a young woman who was battling cancer. She was so strong and always positive. She was thankful for the care that she received and rarely ever had a frown. It was very inspiring to meet someone so young, with such an incredible attitude - even in the face of death."

6.

How do you fill downtime?

Talk to the interviewer about your ability to keep busy in the workplace, even when it is a bit slower. Assure the hiring manager that you are able to keep busy and remain productive no matter what the circumstances.

Rachelle's Answer

"I really enjoy staying busy and productive. In a medical setting, there is rarely downtime, however; if I were to have downtime I would first ask a colleague if they needed any assistance. Second, I would read additional research papers to improve my knowledge in my field. Being productive is very important to me."

Heather's Answer

" In my downtime I enjoy reading research papers and articles in medical journals to improve my knowledge in the field."

7.

How have you demonstrated leadership in your career?

Talk to the hiring manager about your leadership qualities and how you demonstrate leadership in the workplace.

Rachelle's Answer

"I have consistently demonstrated leadership in the workplace through acting as a mentor to those who need it. I am always available to answer questions and will take any opportunity to teach when I can."

8.

What are some of the long term physical effects of radiation exposure?

Talk to the hiring manager about your opinion on the long term effects of radiation exposure.

Rachelle's Answer

"There are a few consequences of long term radiation exposure. People who receive high doses of radiation could have a greater risk of developing cancer later in life, depending on the radiation exposure.This can also cause abnormalities and deformities if radiation exposure occurs prenatally."

9.

How do you respond to patients who are in chronic pain and perhaps in an unsavoury mood?

Patients who are in chronic pain can be challenging. Talk to the hiring manager about your ability to manage these types of situations where chronic pain is present.

Rachelle's Answer

"I treat all patients the same, no matter the mood they are in. My role as a Radiologist is to provide patients with the utmost care, no matter the emotions or feelings that are being presented. Any patients who are in chronic pain will alway receive the most care and attention from me."

10.

Tell me about your last performance review. What was mentioned about how you could improve? Any re-occurring themes?

Tell the interviewer about feedback you have been given during your performance reviews and what you think may be a common theme for improvement. What are you doing to better yourself in this area?

Rachelle's Answer

"In my performance reviews, my supervisor has discussed some strategies and given me suggestions on how to slow down a little bit. I need to take more time to thoroughly explain any medical diagnosis to the residents and patients. Sometimes I just get into my own head a little bit and move at my own pace."

Heather's Answer

"All of my performance reviews have been positive and constructive. I've been reminded that I need to break for lunches and leave on time each day. I have a habit of getting caught up in my work and working through lunch. I've realized that I need a break each day. I've made a point to take my lunch breaks away from the office, outside or with friends. Its gives me chance to decompress even when I don't think I need to."

11.

Describe a time that you have read a piece of research then implemented the findings into your workplace.

Assure the hiring manager that you are able to take new research and implement it into your practice. Talk about a time when you have done so.

Keep your answer to a couple of main points and be sure to pause for the interviewer to join in, creating a healthy discussion on the research.

This can be a great opportunity for you to bond with the hiring manager on a shared opinion.

Heather's Answer

"After reading more about Pediatric Radiology from my MEDLinx app, I was able to learn some new tips to calm children when getting an MRI. I was able to use them on one of our last patients and it worked perfectly!"

12.

How flexible is your schedule? Do you mind being asked to stay late or cover for a colleague?

As a Radiologist, it is generally expected that you will be available for a variety of shifts and long hours. How do you feel about that?

Rachelle's Answer

"My schedule is very flexible and I am more than happy to offer my time to this profession. If a job needed to be done and I was asked to cover for a colleague, the answer would be 'Absolutely.' I realize that long hours, overtime, evenings and holidays are part of what I signed up for when I became a Doctor."

13.

Priorities often change suddenly throughout the day. If you are asked to do another task, how does that affect your mood? What if it's the third time before noon?

Assure the hiring manager that you are able to handle a change in priorities, and roll with the punches, seamlessly. Give an example if you have one. Be sure to display your strong level of patience and ability to adapt.

Rachelle's Answer

"Working in the medical field requires adaptability. I completely understand that, as a Radiologist, my daily schedule can be turned upside down quite quickly. My mindset has always been to complete any task that is given to me, based on an urgency basis."

14.

In your opinion, should radiology services be available 24/7?

Discuss with the hiring manager how you feel 24/7 radiology services would impact your work and patient care.

Rachelle's Answer

"I do think that radiology services should be available 24/7. It would help to fast forward a lot of the wait lists and increase our ability, as physicians, to help patients in a much shorter timeline."

15.

How much radiation can the human body handle?

Display to the hiring manager that you have strong knowledge in all things related to radiation. Keep your answer short and to the point.

Rachelle's Answer

"We measure radiation in microsieverts (uSv) and from my understanding, radiation measured at 2 Sv can become fatal without proper care. Fatality can certainly occur at 4 Sv without immediate treatment, and will occur 100% of the time at 8 Sv."

16.

What character trait are you most proud of? How does this trait help you to be successful on a daily basis?

View All 62 Radiology Answers

Sign up to access our library of 50,000+ Answers,
plus coaches for one-on-one support, so you can interview more confidently.

Radiology Interview Questions

What are some of the short term effects of radiation exposure?

1000s of Interview Questions

Radiology Interview Questions

What are some of the short term effects of radiation exposure?

The schedule shows 8 patients are due however only 5 showed up. How does that make you feel? What would you do?

What are the 3 biggest assets you would bring to this unit?

How would you handle a situation with tight deadlines, low employee morale, and inadequate resources?

Tell me about your favorite patient. What was the situation?

How do you fill downtime?

How have you demonstrated leadership in your career?

What are some of the long term physical effects of radiation exposure?

How do you respond to patients who are in chronic pain and perhaps in an unsavoury mood?

Tell me about your last performance review. What was mentioned about how you could improve? Any re-occurring themes?

Describe a time that you have read a piece of research then implemented the findings into your workplace.

How flexible is your schedule? Do you mind being asked to stay late or cover for a colleague?

Priorities often change suddenly throughout the day. If you are asked to do another task, how does that affect your mood? What if it's the third time before noon?

In your opinion, should radiology services be available 24/7?

How much radiation can the human body handle?

What character trait are you most proud of? How does this trait help you to be successful on a daily basis?

How do you go about securing buy-in from administration, physicians, department heads and your own staff?

Of the following, which are you most versed in interpreting: X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, or MRIs?

If you encountered a resident that was characteristically difficult what would you do?

What personality types do you best work with?

Are you experienced working with children as patients?

What is your relationship like with the other physicians you currently work with?

Tell me about your most rewarding experience as a Radiologist.

How do you feel about working in an environment that may expose you to negative effects in the long term?

Tell me about your education. Which courses were you most interested in? Which ones were the most difficult?

Tell me about a workplace conflict. What was the situation and how did you handle it?

How would you respond if a fellow doctor criticized your work?

What do you think initiative is and how have you applied it to your jobs in the past?

What type of work schedule are you looking for?

Which organs are most affected by radiation?

Describe a recent problem you had with one of your manager's decisions. How did you handle it?

What makes a good leader?

Would those who know you best say that you endure to the end or move on to other things?

What is the biggest change you would make in your current role?

Explain the Gamma Knife treatment.

Why do you want to be a Radiologist? Was there a defining moment when you decided to choose radiology as a career path?

What are your salary expectations?

How do you handle a difficult patient?

How much radiation do you receive from a single chest x-ray?

What medical journals do you read regularly?

What does endurance mean to you?

How does radiation affect cell development?

Tell me your thoughts on ethics in the hospital.

Are you a member of any Radiology Organizations?

Walk me through your volunteer experience. How important is it to you that you give back to the community?

Tell me something about yourself that I wouldn't know from your CV/Resume.

Tell me about your residency. What was the most important thing that you learned?

Why did you choose your area of specialty in radiology?

How do you demonstrate that you value people for who they are rather than for what they accomplish?

Where do you feel you have the most room for improvement in your career? What steps are you taking to improve in that area?

What is your greatest strength as a Radiologist?

What branch of radiology are you interested in?

In your opinion, what are the top 3 qualities a radiologist should have?

Where do you think radiology is going in the next 5 years?

How do you prevent personal burnout?

Do you consider yourself a strong decision maker? How do you go about making a difficult decision?

Have you ever made a mistake in the radiology field?

Is there a medication available that helps people with radiation exposure?

Describe what you feel to be an ideal work environment.

Have you ever been described as compassionate? Do you feel that compassion is an important quality to have as a Radiologist?

What is radiosurgery?

What is radiofrequency ablation of liver tumors?

Radiology Interview
Questions