When preparing for an interview as a physician, we often find ourselves going over our answers to potential questions you’ll be asked. The right answers can help you be put on the list of top candidates for the position.
Unfortunately, many physicians don’t take enough time to consider the right questions that you should be asking the interviewer.
An interview isn’t just about the healthcare practice making sure that you would be a good fit for the position, but also whether this particular institution and position is the best fit for you.
To find that out, you need to ask the interviewer the right questions. These five questions below can help you get a better idea of what the position will entail and who you’ll be working for.
1. Can You Describe the Typical Day of a Physician in this Position?
Different institutions run their clinics or hospitals in different ways. This includes the patient volume, daily hours and workload, whether physicians need to rotate their on-call hours, and so on.
This information is critical in helping you make the right decision on whether this position is for you.
If you work best at a certain pace or if you need to follow a certain schedule, hopefully, the institution would be willing to compromise, but if not, then you know what you have to do.
2. Why Are You Looking for a Physician with my Expertise?
While you normally would look for job postings that ask for physicians of your background and specialty, you won’t find any more information than the position they are needing to be filled.
However, the reasons for hiring a new physician are never added to the posting.
You may not consider it important but the cause of an empty physician’s position can tell much about the institution or what you will encounter if you fill the position.
For example, if you are being hired to take over the role of a retiring physician, you know that you will have some big shoes to fill and expectations may be higher.
However, if you are being hired on because they are short-staffed and in desperate need of help, you know that you will be greatly appreciated but busy.
3. What is Included in the Benefits Package?
Most doctors would consider it bad business to ask this question during the first interview, but if you get a second interview, don’t put this question off.
Your time is valuable and so is that of the interviewers so if the offer on the table is nowhere near what you were hoping for, you can do both of you a favor and look for a better paying position.
Of course, compensation isn’t the only important factor to consider. Vacation days, on-call schedule, and expectations, as well as insurance benefits, should all be discussed before making any plans to move forward.
4. What are the Goals and Values of this Institution?
In the field of medicine, there is a wide range of practices and what they stand for, just as there is a wide range of physician’s values.
Most businesses would create a mission statement. This would be the institution’s version of that. This would help you to better see behind the curtain of the position.
The answer to this question should be as close as possible to your own goals and values or you risk taking a position that ultimately will leave you frustrated.
It can also help you to determine whether this institution will ask you to do anything that you aren’t comfortable with.
5. How Can I Help You Meet Your Challenges?
Every institution is facing some challenges and problems that are hindering its growth. This question is not just a way for you to see how best to fill this position, but also a way for you to show that you are willing.
When an institution and its physicians can work together to better their future, both will see success. Starting the professional relationship off with this mindset can help to push your position in this direction.
Conclusion
The answer to these questions will definitely help you to learn more about the position and your potential new daily work life. It’s important that you take notes, mental or otherwise, when you hear the answers.
While you never want to take over the interview, there should always be an opportunity for the physician to gather some information as well. Being prepared with the right questions will make this possible.