What is your greatest strength?

"My greatest strength is my calm temperament. In my profession, it is essential to remain calm during an emergency. I recently performed surgery on a patient, and the anesthesiologist on my surgical team suffered a seizure during the operation. I remained calm while instructing my team members to call for assistance and protect the anesthesiologist from injury. The anesthesiologist did not suffer any injuries, and the surgery was a success."

When an interviewer asks you to tell them about your greatest strength, they want to hear a strength related to thoracic surgery and how it can benefit their organization if they hire you. Some strengths might be your attention to detail, your interpersonal skills, your ability to work well under pressure, or your critical-thinking skills. Describe what you consider your greatest strength while giving an example of why you chose that particular strength.

What is your greatest weakness?

"My greatest weakness is balancing my work and family life. I work long hours and am often on call. I have a wife and two-year-old son, who are typically in bed when I get home. My wife talked with me and asked if I could try to rearrange my schedule or find a new employer with a schedule that would allow me to be home with them more often. I do identify this as an issue, and that is why I am applying to your organization. I like that you have a set schedule and that I would only be on call once a month. I have also started scheduling time with my family in my calendar, so I am more aware of taking the time to spend with them."

This is a common interview question to be asked. The interviewer wants to see that you are self-aware and have identified an area you could improve. Describe your weakness as something that will not prohibit you from being offered the job but one that is relevant to your profession. Once you describe your weakness, explain what steps you have taken to turn your weakness into a strength.

How do you handle stress and pressure?

"I handle stress and pressure very well. I believe every thoracic surgeon must work well under pressure, and I think the stressors I encounter at work help me do my best. In school, I learned cognitive strategies to help me cope, which are stopping, stepping back, and taking a deep breath. These skills allow me to stay focused on the task at hand and not become overwhelmed with stressful situations."

As a thoracic surgeon, you must handle stress and pressure well. Your profession is inherently stressful, and you most likely learned to handle pressure while going to medical school and during your residency. The interviewer wants to hear how you handle the stressors at work to ensure you are a good fit for their organization. Describe how you react under stress, and explain how you maintain your calm while working under pressure.

How would you describe your bedside manner?

"I would describe my bedside manner as empathetic, compassionate, and comforting. I genuinely care about my patients and want them to feel comfortable with me as their surgeon. I am a patient person and take the time to explain complex procedures so that my patients understand and are informed. My goal is to alleviate my patient's fears while having trust and confidence in my abilities."

Bedside manner is the way that medical professionals approach and interact with their patients. The interviewer wants to hear how you describe your bedside manner to understand how you interact with your patients to see if you align with the company's values. They want to hear that you are sympathetic, compassionate, patient and that you can provide comfort to your patients. They do not want to hear that you are brusque, impatient, or intolerant of your patients and their loved ones.

How do you define excellent customer service?

"I define excellent customer service as treating all patients and family members with respect and dignity, actively listening and responding appropriately, offering compassion and comfort, and being available to address any questions they might have. I also believe taking the time to check-up on my patients and offering my private number where they can call at any time displays excellent customer service."

The interviewer wants to hear your definition of excellent customer service to see that you have the traits and qualities they are looking for in a candidate. Your patients are considered customers because they are paying for your service and expertise and making the organization a profit. Excellent customer service can be taking the time to listen and acknowledge your patients' concerns, greeting them with a smile and by their preferred name, offering compassion and empathy, visiting them in recovery after a procedure to see how they are doing, and attending to their loved one's needs. Give an example of how you define and offer excellent customer service to your patients.

How would your former employer describe you?

"My former employer described me in my last performance review as an honest, dependable surgeon with excellent bedside manner and leadership skills. My employer said that I was honest with my patients, family members, and coworkers and could depend on me to work whatever shift was needed. They said I was compassionate and empathetic with patients, and I was a leader that everyone looked up to. My previous employer highly recommended me for the position of a thoracic surgeon."

You may have been told by your former employer how they admired your technical skills, communication, leadership, or professionalism during a conversation. Or, you might have a performance review or letter of recommendation from your employer describing your qualities and traits. Explain to the interview three or four words your former employer used to describe you using examples for each.

Do you work well on a team?

"Yes, I work very well on a team and enjoy working closely with others. I grew up playing team sports, which taught me the value of teamwork and sportsmanship. During high school, I was the team captain on my rugby team, which helped me develop my leadership skills. I realized then, as I do now, that I could not perform my job efficiently without the help and expertise of my team."

During surgery, thoracic surgeons work with a surgical team. The interviewer wants to hear that you work well on a team to ensure you will be an excellent leader and team member if hired. Describe your experience working with a team, how you enjoy working closely with others, and how you could not adequately perform your job without the expertise and assistance of a team.

How did you hear about this position?

"I heard about this position through the JAMA Career Center online publication. I signed up for alerts on their site and was notified when this position was posted."

The interviewer asks this question because they may have advertised the job opening in several different places, and they want to know which advertising is working the best. Companies pay a lot of money to promote their job through print ads, online job boards, and recruiters. Some companies have an employee referral program to pay their employee a fee if they refer someone who gets hired. Be sure to name the employee who referred you or the website or publication where you found the job announcement.

If hired, when could you start?

"If hired, I could start immediately. I recently became board certified and am not currently employed."

If you are currently employed, it is customary to give your employer two weeks' notice when resigning. Giving notice shows the interviewer that you are respectful of your employer. If you are not employed, answering that you are available to start immediately shows your eagerness and excitement to work for the organization. Explain your current situation and when you would be available to start working if hired.

In a nutshell, what is the HIPAA law and how important is it to you?

"HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act that was established in 1996 to ensure patient's health information is confidential and cannot be shared without their consent. It is very important to me that my colleagues and I follow the law to avoid lawsuits and protect our patient's privacy."

HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. HIPAA is a federal law that created standards to protect a patient's sensitive medical and health information from being disclosed without the patient's consent. The interviewer wants to hear that you understand and follow the law to avoid lawsuits if they hire you. Briefly describe HIPAA laws and how it is imperative to protect your patient's rights to confidentiality.

Why are you the best thoracic surgeon for us?

"I am the best thoracic surgeon for your organization because I have all of the qualities you are looking for in an ideal candidate. I am ABTS certified with 20 years of experience with a subspecialty in pediatric heart surgery. I have expertise in Type A dissection repair, coronary valve repair, and replacement, along with aortic and great vessel repair. I have strong leadership and communication skills and recently won the International Surgical Volunteerism Award for providing medical care to underserved patients around the world."

The organization will have many qualified candidates apply to the position, and the interviewer wants to hear why they should choose you over the other applicants. Review the job announcement and look for the qualities the organization is looking for in their ideal candidate. If they describe that they are looking for an ABTS certified thoracic surgeon with a subspecialty interest with 5+ years of experience and expertise in Type A dissection repair, you would highlight those qualifications in your response. Also, list any other outstanding qualities and achievements in your answer to sell yourself to the interviewer.

What motivates you to do your best with every patient?

"What motivates me to do my best with every patient is my compassion for others. I treat every patient as if they were a family member, wishing them to enjoy their best possible life. When I see the look of joy on a patient's and their loved one's faces after a successful surgical procedure, that is what motivates me to do my best."

The interviewer asks this question to see what type of surgeon you might be. They want insight into your bedside manner and your motivation to work in this profession while providing the best care possible. Describe your reason to do your best with every patient.

How do you define success?

"I define success in many ways. Personally, success is meeting the goals I set forth for myself. At work, success is when my team and I have a successful surgery and everything goes as planned, and we meet the goals of the organization."

When an interviewer asks how you define success, they want to evaluate how you view success as it relates to you personally and in the workforce. Your response will give the interviewer insight into your work philosophy, professional development goals, and leadership skills. The interviewer wants to determine that if hired, you will fit in with the company culture and that your definition of success aligns with the company's mission. Describe how you define success and give an example based on your experience.

What is your favorite part about working as a thoracic surgeon?

"My favorite part about working as a thoracic surgeon is seeing the immediate and life-changing results of my work. I can have a patient with a collapsed lung or chest-wall deformities, and I know their quality of life will improve after a surgical procedure performed by my team and myself."

The interviewer will ask this question to see your enthusiasm and passion for your profession. They want to see what drives and motivates you while gaining a sense of your energy. When responding, focus on something that relates to your patients rather than the salary or adrenaline rush you get from your job. For example, your favorite part might be working with a team to participate in complex thoracic surgical procedures to provide the best care possible to your patients or applying new, life-saving technologies that extend a patient's life.

As a thoracic surgeon, what do you believe is your best asset?

"My best asset is my attention to detail. In this line of work, every little detail in surgery is extremely important. If I miss something during a procedure, it could be disastrous for my patient. I also pay close attention when assessing my patients and make sure I find out everything I can when obtaining their medical history and performing tests. I never want to miss any important details when developing a treatment plan."

This question is similar to the interview question asking what you consider your greatest strength. When an interviewer asks you to tell them about your best asset, they want to hear about a quality or trait you have related to thoracic surgery and how it can benefit their organization if they hire you. Some assets might be your calm temperament, your communication skills, your ability to work well in stressful situations, or your problem-solving skills. Describe what you consider your most significant asset while explaining why you chose that particular trait.

Why do you want to work for our organization?

"The reason I want to work for your organization is that you are a teaching hospital and have the opportunity for professional development. I like that you are seeking an Academic Thoracic Surgeon for the Assistant Professor position. I am interested in teaching at this stage in my career, and my current place of employment does not offer that position. Your organization stands out from others as a world-renowned leader in research, innovation, and education."

Before your interview, you should research the organization and discover everything you can about them. You want to learn how large they are, who the CEO is, their mission and vision statement, awards they have received, and the clientele they serve. You can find the information on their website, from the job announcement, and from visiting the organization and talking to staff. Explain your reason for applying to their company while avoiding talking about the benefits or salary.

What do you feel is the most important skill a thoracic surgeon should possess?

"There are many important skills thoracic surgeons should possess. I believe the most important skill is having excellent interpersonal skills. We need to have the ability to speak with patients and explain complex medical procedures, communicate with other health professionals, have compassion and empathy for all patients, and comfort patients and family members when needed."

There are many essential skills a Thoracic Surgeon should possess, including excellent communication skills, attention to detail, leadership skills, patience, ability to work under pressure, manual dexterity, and spatial awareness. The interviewer wants to see what you consider the most essential skill to ensure you are a good fit for their organization. Give an example of a critical skill thoracic surgeons should possess and why.

What do you like to do in your free time?

"In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my wife and two daughters, who I do not get to see very often with the hours I keep. We enjoy outdoor activities, like walking in the park with our dogs, sailing, and bike riding. I also enjoy going to the driving range, teaching my daughters how to waterski, and reading historical novels."

Most thoracic surgeons do not have much free time and thrive on their work. However, you must realize the importance of a healthy work/life balance to destress and recharge. The interviewer wants to learn about your hobbies and interests and ensure you take restorative measures to enjoy life away from your profession.

"My mentor is my grandfather. He raised my brother and me after my parents were killed in a car accident when I was six years old. He was always there for me and taught me right from wrong and how to work hard to reach my goals. My grandfather is also a thoracic surgeon, and he is the reason I chose this profession. He helped me choose the right courses to take in high school and college and paid for all of my education to avoid student debt. I truly owe everything I have achieved to the support and guidance of my grandfather."

The Cambridge Dictionary defines a mentor as, 'a person who gives a younger or less experienced person help and advice over a period of time, especially at work or school.' During your life, you may have had many mentors, especially while doing your residency or fellowship. The interviewer wants to hear who has had the most significant impact on your life, which shows that you seek growth and improvement and value learning from others.

How would you define teamwork?

"I define teamwork as a group of people who collaborate and share their expertise and knowledge to achieve a common goal. Teamwork in the medical profession is essential for excellent patient care, as one cannot do everything alone."

The Cambridge Dictionary defines teamwork as 'the combined actions of a group of people working together effectively to achieve a goal.' The interviewer wants to hear how you define teamwork as a thoracic surgeon to see if you align with the organization's values and culture. Describe your definition and how vital teamwork is in your profession.

What is your subspecialty?

"My subspecialty is pediatric heart surgery. I chose that subspecialty because my younger brother was born prematurely with an obstructed, total anomalous pulmonary venous return. The doctors said he would die within hours if he did not have surgery. I was nine when my brother was born, and I remember being with my family at the hospital when the thoracic surgeon came out and said my baby brother did very well with the surgery and he had the potential for lifelong, normal cardiac function. I decided then that I wanted to pursue a career as a thoracic surgeon and help save the lives of other family's loved ones."

If you made it to the interview, you must have the qualifications the organization is looking for. As you know, there are three subspecialties in thoracic surgery: adult cardiac surgery, congenital or pediatric heart surgery, and general thoracic surgery. Describe your subspecialty and why you chose that particular one.

Why did you choose a career as a thoracic surgeon?

"I chose a career as a thoracic surgeon because I come from a family of doctors and surgeons. Growing up, I would hear my parents and grandfather tell stories about patients they had. I was enthralled hearing stories about the lives they had saved and realized what a positive impact I could have on others' lives if I followed the same career path. My father and grandfather are plastic surgeons, and my mother is a thoracic surgeon. After hearing them talk about their professions, I decided thoracic surgery was more appealing to me."

The interviewer wants to see what motivated you to become a thoracic surgeon. You may have a family member or friend in the profession, have been treated by a thoracic surgeon as a child, or had a teacher or guidance counselor suggest this type of work. The interviewer wants to hear your story to gain insight into what inspires and motivates you.

Tell me something about yourself that is not on your resume.

"Something that is not found on my resume is how I placed in the top of my class while obtaining my bachelor's degree in biology. I maintained a 4.2 GPA while working two part-time jobs and carrying a full load."

The interviewer wants to hear something about you that is not on your resume to learn about your personality, motivation, and interests. Your response does not necessarily need to be work-related but highlights a quality they are looking for in their ideal candidate. For example, if you recently trained for your first marathon and completed it, that shows the interviewer that you are motivated, determined, and set goals for yourself. Describe an achievement or award that is not found on your resume.

Do you do any volunteering in your spare time?

"Yes, I had volunteered quite a bit in the past before I went to medical school. Since I started school and became a thoracic surgeon, I have been working approximately 60 hours per week and have not had much spare time to volunteer. However, before medical school, I volunteered at a soup kitchen every Sunday for two years and spent one year in Haiti working with Habitat for Humanity. The group I was assigned to helped build homes for those who lost theirs in an earthquake. It was a wonderful experience, and I hope to have more spare time in the future to do volunteer work again."

Interviewers might ask this question to see how you spend your free time and if helping others in a volunteer capacity is a priority for you. It may be challenging to find the time to volunteer if your work hours hinder you from doing so, and if that is the case, you can explain your busy work schedule to the interviewer. Describe any type of volunteer work you have done recently or in the past, work or non-work related.

What are your career goals?

"Since I just completed my residency, my two-year career goal is to gain experience with your organization as a thoracic surgeon. Within eight years, I would like to become an expert in my subspecialty of congenital heart surgery and work towards a teaching position."

When an interviewer asks about your career goals, they want to see what professional goals you have made for yourself. The interviewer will gain insight into your motivation and goal-setting skills and determine if you see yourself with their organization as you advance in your career. Explain your two and five to ten-year career goals since the interviewer did not specify a time frame for your career goals.

Do you have any hobbies?

"Yes, I do have a few hobbies. I enjoy tennis, sailing, and playing the piano. I am also interested in learning how to play the guitar and just found an online course so I can learn in my spare time."

The interviewer asks if you have any hobbies to see what you like to do outside of work. The types of hobbies you enjoy give the interviewer insight into your personality and interests. It is wise to choose hobbies that have soft skills relatable to the job position, such as playing on a sports team, which shows teamwork. If your hobbies do not necessarily relate to your profession, that is fine. The interviewer will still gain a sense of your personality and interests.

What have you done in the past year to better yourself as a thoracic surgeon?

"In the past year, I have participated in several activities to better myself in my profession. I attended the 6th Annual International Conference on Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery and Surgical Arrhythmiology, a three-day conference where lecturers discussed clinical advances in thoracic surgery. I also subscribed to The Annals of Thoracic Surgery to stay current on surgical methods and techniques."

The interviewer will ask this question to see that you value self-improvement and constantly strive for professional growth. In the past year, you may have attended a surgical conference, performed research, worked with a mentor, participated in continuing education courses, or subscribed to thoracic surgery journals or forums. Describe what you have done to improve yourself as a thoracic surgeon in the past year.

What makes a good surgeon?

"There are many things that make a good surgeon. Having compassion and empathy for others, strong leadership skills, excellent dexterity, and hand-eye coordination, calm demeanor, and critical thinking and problem-solving skills are a few. Good surgeons are trained to excel in this profession, with many years of mentorship and training. To be a good surgeon, you must have stamina, perseverance, and a professional attitude, on top of the other qualities I mentioned."

Many attributes make a good surgeon. The American College of Surgeons describes critical factors that make a good surgeon as intelligence, conscientiousness, professionalism, courage, creativity, and perseverance. They also say that becoming a good surgeon is a lifelong process and that surgeons are trained, not born. The ACS also describes surgeons as individuals who appreciate working on a team, embracing responsibility and making a positive impact, and those who excel at problem-solving using critical thinking skills. The interviewer wants to hear your description of what makes an excellent surgeon to assess if you are a good fit for their team.

Tell me about your education. How has it prepared you for a career as a thoracic surgeon?

"I obtained my bachelor's degree in chemistry and my Doctor of Medicine from Duke University. I then went to Washington University School of Medicine, where I spent seven years completing my general surgery residency, focusing on thoracic surgery. After completing my residency, I decided to take the six-year integrated cardiothoracic surgery fellowship for more experience. After being mentored for 16 years during medical school, residency, and fellowship, I feel adequately prepared and confident in my skills as a thoracic surgeon."

As you know, there is a lot of education and time to become a thoracic surgeon. The interviewer can see from your resume where you have been educated, but they want to hear where you went to medical school, what pathway you chose, and if you participated in a fellowship. Describe how your education has prepared you for a career as a thoracic surgeon.

How many years of experience do you have as a practicing surgeon?

"I have ten years of experience as a practicing surgeon. I spent three years with Baylor Scott and White Health, where I was assigned to their Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery division, and the past seven years I have worked for HCA Healthcare where I practiced cardiac and thoracic surgery using my endovascular skills."

The interviewer wants to hear how long you have been a practicing surgeon to ensure you meet their minimum requirements for the position. If you have made it to the interview, you must have the experience they are looking for. Some job announcements will specify a minimum number of years of experience and may also specify a preferred number of years of experience, such as ' Qualified physician candidates must have 5+ years of experience required, with 10+ years preferred.' Describe how many years of experience you have as a practicing surgeon and where you gained your experience.

Do you have any questions for me?

"Yes, I do have a few questions, thank you. How long have you worked for this organization, and what do you like most about your job?"

Typically, the interviewer will ask this question at the end of the interview to see if you have any questions about the company or the position. It is best to answer affirmatively and ask a question or two. Make sure the question is not answered by reading the company website or job announcement. Asking questions shows the interviewer that you are genuinely interested in learning more about the role you would be filling or the company culture.

Do you consider yourself a leader?

"Yes, I do consider myself a leader. I started working on my leadership skills in high school when I was the captain of our football team. I learned to motivate and encourage those around me to work on a common goal. Those qualities have carried over into my professional life, as I must lead my surgical teams to achieve a specific goal for our patients."

One of the qualities of an excellent thoracic surgeon is leadership skills. You will be leading surgical teams, teaching, and mentoring others. The interviewer wants to hear that you consider yourself a leader to ensure you are a good fit for the organization. Describe your leadership skills with an example of them in action.

How do you communicate bad news to a patient regarding their health?

"When I must deliver bad news to a patient regarding their health, I ask to have a private meeting and invite their family to join if they so desire. If there is family present, I introduce myself and describe my role in their loved one's care and treatment. I start by saying I am sorry, but I have some bad news and deliver the news honestly and in non-complex terms. I wait for the patient and family to process what I have said, repeat the main points, and write down the information for the patient to take with them. If the patient or family needs comforting, I will comfort them and let them know I am available for any questions they may have."

When responding to this question, the interviewer wants to gain insight into your interpersonal and communication skills and see that you have compassion and empathy for others. It is not easy delivering bad news concerning a patient's health, and the interviewer wants to know that you are patient, concerned, comforting, and reassuring. Describe your method of delivering bad news.

How are your communication skills?

"I believe I have excellent communication skills. One example of how I gauge my communication skills is how I explain a complex medical procedure to a patient in a less complex way and have them tell me in their own words how the procedure will go. I want to make sure my patients understand everything about their illness and surgery, and I do not mind taking the extra time to make sure everything is clear to them. I recently had a patient referred to me by his cardiologist, and he did not understand his diagnosis. I explained to him in simple terms what was going on with his heart and lungs, and he seemed relieved to finally comprehend the nature of his illness."

Having excellent communication skills is another essential trait that thoracic surgeons must possess. You need to communicate complex medical terms to patients and their family members in a way that they understand, and you need written and verbal communication skills to communicate with colleagues and other medical professionals. Describe how you have excellent communication skills while giving an example.

What do you do if a patient refuses to undergo a life-saving procedure?

"When I have a patient refuse a life-saving procedure, I make sure they are mentally aware and able to comprehend the situation. If they are of sound mind and refuse, I reiterate that they will not survive without this procedure. I want them to understand the severity of their illness and the repercussions if they do not undergo surgery. If my patient has family members present, I ask for the family to try to convince them. I also recommend that the patient seek a second opinion and think about what I have told them before making a decision. In the end, if the patient still refuses, I need to accept their decision as it is their basic human right to refuse."

With informed consent, it is the patient's right to refuse any treatment, even if it would save their life. As a surgeon, you will explain the risks and benefits of the procedure, but it is still the patient's right to refuse. You may try to initiate the help of the patient's family to get them to reconsider, or you might recommend the patient receive a second opinion. Overall, you cannot force the patient to do something they refuse. The interviewer wants to hear how you would handle this situation.

Thoracic Surgeon Interview Questions

Go Back

1. What is your greatest strength?
2. What is your greatest weakness?
3. How do you handle stress and pressure?
4. How would you describe your bedside manner?
5. How do you define excellent customer service?
6. How would your former employer describe you?
7. Do you work well on a team?
8. How did you hear about this position?
9. If hired, when could you start?
10. In a nutshell, what is the HIPAA law and how important is it to you?
11. Why are you the best thoracic surgeon for us?
12. What motivates you to do your best with every patient?
13. How do you define success?
14. What is your favorite part about working as a thoracic surgeon?
15. As a thoracic surgeon, what do you believe is your best asset?
16. Why do you want to work for our organization?
17. What do you feel is the most important skill a thoracic surgeon should possess?
18. What do you like to do in your free time?
19. Who is your mentor?
20. How would you define teamwork?
21. What is your subspecialty?
22. Why did you choose a career as a thoracic surgeon?
23. Tell me something about yourself that is not on your resume.
24. Do you do any volunteering in your spare time?
25. What are your career goals?
26. Do you have any hobbies?
27. What have you done in the past year to better yourself as a thoracic surgeon?
28. What makes a good surgeon?
29. Tell me about your education. How has it prepared you for a career as a thoracic surgeon?
30. How many years of experience do you have as a practicing surgeon?
31. Do you have any questions for me?
32. Do you consider yourself a leader?
33. How do you communicate bad news to a patient regarding their health?
34. How are your communication skills?
35. What do you do if a patient refuses to undergo a life-saving procedure?

Thoracic Surgeon Interview Questions

1. What is your greatest strength?

2. What is your greatest weakness?

3. How do you handle stress and pressure?

4. How would you describe your bedside manner?

5. How do you define excellent customer service?

6. How would your former employer describe you?

7. Do you work well on a team?

8. How did you hear about this position?

9. If hired, when could you start?

10. In a nutshell, what is the HIPAA law and how important is it to you?

11. Why are you the best thoracic surgeon for us?

12. What motivates you to do your best with every patient?

13. How do you define success?

14. What is your favorite part about working as a thoracic surgeon?

15. As a thoracic surgeon, what do you believe is your best asset?

16. Why do you want to work for our organization?

17. What do you feel is the most important skill a thoracic surgeon should possess?

18. What do you like to do in your free time?

19. Who is your mentor?

20. How would you define teamwork?

21. What is your subspecialty?

22. Why did you choose a career as a thoracic surgeon?

23. Tell me something about yourself that is not on your resume.

24. Do you do any volunteering in your spare time?

25. What are your career goals?

26. Do you have any hobbies?

27. What have you done in the past year to better yourself as a thoracic surgeon?

28. What makes a good surgeon?

29. Tell me about your education. How has it prepared you for a career as a thoracic surgeon?

30. How many years of experience do you have as a practicing surgeon?

31. Do you have any questions for me?

32. Do you consider yourself a leader?

33. How do you communicate bad news to a patient regarding their health?

34. How are your communication skills?

35. What do you do if a patient refuses to undergo a life-saving procedure?