Top 10 Questions Physicians Should Ask in Job Interviews
As a physician on the job search, you must navigate various interview formats and understand the diverse types of potential employers. Being well-prepared for interviews is crucial, not only to showcase your qualifications, but also to assess whether positions align with your career goals.
During your planning, you’ll want to formulate insightful questions to ask prospective employers to demonstrate your interest and determine whether the role meets your expectations.
3 Types of Physician Interviews
Interviews generally come in 3 formats: phone, virtual, and in-person.
Phone interviews, which are often the first step, provide an opportunity for both parties to gauge mutual interest without committing to a more involved process.
Virtual interviews, usually conducted via video conferencing platforms, offer a more personal connection while maintaining the convenience of remote communication.
In-person interviews, on the other hand, are comprehensive and immersive. These allow candidates to tour facilities, meet the team, and experience the workplace culture firsthand.
4 Main Types of Employers
Physicians often find themselves considering opportunities with a variety of employers. Though there are many types of employers, the primary ones are as follows.
Private practices, often smaller and physician-owned, provide a highly personalized patient care experience and significant direct involvement in decision-making.
Hospital systems, by contrast, are large organizations with extensive resources and the opportunity to collaborate across specialties.
Academic institutions blend clinical work with teaching and research, appealing to those interested in contributing to the medical field’s advancement.
Locum tenens agencies provide short-term placements. These offer flexibility and exposure to different practice settings.
Which employer type interests you the most? By understanding each, you can best determine which setting aligns with your professional goals and lifestyle preferences.
Top 10 Questions to Ask in Interviews
In prepping for an interview, asking thoughtful and targeted questions is just as important as answering them. Below are 10 questions that we consider essential to ask during an interview.
- Why is this position open?
Understanding the reason behind the vacancy—whether it’s due to expansion, retirement, or turnover—can provide insight into the organization’s stability and growth. - What does a typical day look like for this position?
Inquiring about daily responsibilities helps set realistic expectations regarding patient volume, administrative duties, and work-life balance. - How is physician performance evaluated?
Here you can clarify the metrics and processes used for performance assessments, including productivity measures and quality indicators, to understand evaluation criteria. - Can you describe the call schedule and associated responsibilities?
Understanding on-call duties, frequency, and expectations is vital for assessing workload and personal time management. - What is the patient population and payer mix?
Gaining insight into the demographics and insurance profiles of patients aids in understanding the community served and potential challenges. - How are new physicians supported in building their practice?
You stand to benefit by inquiring about mentorship programs, marketing support, and referral systems that facilitate the growth of your patient base. - What opportunities exist for professional development and career advancement?
Understanding the available resources for continuing education, leadership roles, and academic involvement can help in long-term career planning. - How does the organization handle work-life balance and physician wellness?
Assessing policies on workload, burnout prevention, and support systems reflects the organization’s commitment to employee well-being. - What is the governance structure and decision-making process?
Understanding how decisions are made and the level of physician involvement provides insight into organizational dynamics and autonomy. - What are the compensation and benefits, and how are they structured?
Clarifying details on salary, bonuses, retirement plans, and health insurance ensures transparency and helps set financial expectations.
Yes, that is some territory to cover! But by preparing these types of questions and tailoring them to your interests and priorities, you’ll not only make a strong impression but also gain valuable insights into potential roles.
(Of course, answering questions is just as important as asking them, as the AAFP points out.)
Please take the time to organize a plan for your interview questions. We wish you the best in creating a positive interview experience as part of the next step in your medical career!
