Physician Assistant Interview Questions

Interviewer: Good morning/afternoon, thank you for coming in today. Can you please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your background?

Candidate: Sure, my name is John and I’ve been working as a medical assistant for the past five years. I recently completed a physician assistant program and have been practicing for the past year.

Interviewer: Thank you for that. What motivated you to become a physician assistant and how have you prepared for this role?

Candidate: I’ve always been interested in medicine and helping people. After working as a medical assistant, I realized that I wanted to further my education and become more involved in patient care. I completed a physician assistant program that provided me with the necessary knowledge and experience to work in this role.

Interviewer: Can you walk us through your experience working with patients and handling medical procedures?

Candidate: As a medical assistant, I worked closely with physicians and other healthcare providers to assist with patient care. I have experience taking medical histories, performing physical exams, administering medications, and assisting with procedures such as EKGs and simple suturing.

Interviewer: That’s great. Can you tell us about a difficult experience you encountered while working with a patient and how you handled it?

Candidate: I once had a patient who was allergic to a medication that was prescribed to him. He started having severe allergic reactions and required immediate attention. I quickly recognized his symptoms and notified the physician, who prescribed an antidote. I stayed with the patient until he stabilized and made sure he received the necessary follow-up care.

Interviewer: Thank you for sharing that. How do you stay up-to-date with medical advancements and practices?

Candidate: I attend conferences, read medical journals, and regularly participate in continuing education courses.

Interviewer: How do you ensure patient confidentiality and privacy?

Candidate: I only share patient information with those who are directly involved in their care, and ensure that all information is stored securely.

Interviewer: How do you handle patients who may be difficult or uncooperative?

Candidate: I take the time to listen to their concerns and address them in a calm and respectful manner. I try to educate them on their condition and treatment options to try and build a rapport with them.

Interviewer: What do you consider to be your strengths as a physician assistant?

Candidate: I believe my strengths include my ability to work well with others, my attention to detail, and my ability to communicate effectively with both patients and other healthcare providers.

Interviewer: How do you handle high-stress situations and make quick decisions?

Candidate: I remain calm and focused, and rely on my training and experience to make informed decisions.

Interviewer: Can you describe your experience working in a team environment?

Candidate: As a medical assistant and physician assistant, I’ve worked in various team environments with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers. I understand the importance of communication, trust, and respect in such environments.

Interviewer: How do you balance patient care and administrative tasks?

Candidate: I prioritize patient care, but ensure that administrative tasks are completed in a timely manner to ensure efficient and effective care.

Interviewer: How do you handle situations where you may not have all the information needed to make a diagnosis or treatment plan?

Candidate: I consult with other healthcare providers, research the condition, and ensure that the patient receives the necessary tests and referrals.

Interviewer: How do you handle ethical dilemmas that may arise in the course of your work?

Candidate: I adhere to the code of ethics outlined by the American Academy of Physician Assistants and consult with colleagues and superiors when necessary.

Interviewer: Lastly, what do you hope to contribute to our healthcare team?

Candidate: I hope to bring my knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm to provide excellent patient care and contribute to a positive work environment.

Interviewer: Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions today. We will be in touch soon regarding next steps.

Scenario Questions

1. Scenario: You are working in a clinic and a patient comes in complaining of a persistent cough and difficulty breathing. What steps would you take to diagnose and treat this patient?

Candidate Answer: First, I would take a thorough medical history and perform a physical examination. Based on the patient's symptoms and examination, I may order diagnostic tests such as a chest X-ray, pulmonary function tests, or blood tests. I would then formulate a treatment plan which may include medications, such as bronchodilators or corticosteroids, lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, and potentially referral to a specialist if needed.

2. Scenario: You are working in a hospital and a patient is brought in with chest pain and shortness of breath. What immediate steps would you take to address this situation?

Candidate Answer: The first step is to perform a rapid assessment of the patient's vitals and obtain a detailed medical history. If the patient is experiencing chest pain and shortness of breath, I would suspect a heart attack or pulmonary embolism and immediately order an electrocardiogram (ECG) and chest CT scan. I would then work closely with the emergency department staff and cardiologists to determine the best course of action, which may include administering thrombolytic therapy or transferring the patient to the cardiac catheterization lab for further intervention.

3. Scenario: You are working in a bustling clinic and notice that a patient has been waiting over an hour to be seen. They begin to express frustration and anger towards the staff. How would you handle this situation?

Candidate Answer: I would approach the patient with empathy and apology, acknowledging their frustration and thanking them for their patience. I would explain the reasons for the delay and reassure the patient that their health and well-being is our top priority. I would offer them options such as rescheduling or seeing another provider if they desire. It is important to remain calm and professional while addressing their concerns and seek to de-escalate the situation if it becomes escalated.

4. Scenario: A patient comes into your clinic with high blood pressure and weighs 240lbs. The patient's BMI is 38.7 which qualifies as severely obese. As a healthcare provider, what advice and encouragement would you give to this patient?

Candidate Answer: As a healthcare provider, it is essential to help patients understand the risks of obesity and the benefits of weight loss. I would advise the patient about the potential complications of high blood pressure and obesity, such as stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. I would discuss the importance of lifestyle changes, such as improvement in diet and exercise, and weight loss which can be achieved through daily walking, healthy eating habits, and portion control. I would also provide referrals to a nutritionist, personal trainer, or support groups if needed.

5. Scenario: A patient comes into your clinic complaining of chronic fatigue, a lack of energy and concentration, and recurring headaches. After thoroughly examining the patient and conducting blood tests, you find that the patient has low levels of iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid. How would you address these deficiencies in the patient?

Candidate Answer: The first step is to educate the patient on the importance of proper nutrition and discuss possible lifestyle changes to prevent further deficiencies. I would prescribe supplements for iron, B12, and folic acid and set short and long-term goals with the patient. I would also monitor the patient's progress through follow-up appointments or lab work. In the meantime, I would encourage the patient to eat more leafy green vegetables, whole grains, and other sources of these nutrients in their diet.