1.Why did you choose the physician assistant profession?

• This question uncovers the candidate’s motivation and commitment to the physician assistant role, providing insights into their passion for healthcare and suitability for the profession.

2. Can you describe a challenging patient case you’ve handled and how you approached the diagnosis and treatment? What was the outcome?

• This question evaluates the candidate’s clinical competency, problem-solving skills, and ability to share real-world patient experiences, offering insights into their practical knowledge and patient outcomes.

3. How do you stay updated with medical advancements and research?

• This question assesses the candidate’s commitment to ongoing learning and staying current with medical advancements, highlighting their dedication to providing the most up-to-date care to patients.

4. How would you handle a disagreement with a supervising physician?

• This question checks the candidate’s commitment to accuracy and understanding of compliance, critical in maintaining financial integrity and adhering to regulations in accounting roles.

5. Could you describe a time when you had to deliver bad news to a patient or their family?

• This question evaluates a candidate’s communication and empathy skills, which are critical for conveying sensitive information effectively and ensuring patients and their families receive support and understanding during difficult moments in healthcare.

6. What is your approach to patient education?

• This question assesses a candidate’s approach to empowering patients through education, revealing their communication skills and commitment to promoting patient understanding and active participation in their healthcare decisions.

7. How have you dealt with a situation where a patient was non-compliant?

• This question evaluates the candidate’s ability to address patient non-compliance effectively, showcasing their communication and problem-solving skills in ensuring patients adhere to treatment plans for the best possible outcomes.

8. Can you explain a complex medical term in a way that a non-medical person could understand?

• This question tests a candidate’s ability to communicate complex medical information clearly and understandably, essential for effective patient education and ensuring informed decision-making.

9. How do you handle mistakes?

• This question assesses a candidate’s attitude towards error management, revealing their accountability, willingness to learn from mistakes, and commitment to improving patient care and safety.

10. Can you describe your experience with electronic medical records?

• This question evaluates the candidate’s familiarity with electronic medical records, vital for modern healthcare, and proficiency in using technology to manage patient information efficiently and accurately.

11. How would you handle a situation where a patient is unsatisfied with their care?

• This question assesses a candidate’s ability to address patient dissatisfaction diplomatically, demonstrating their communication and problem-solving skills in resolving concerns and maintaining a positive patient-provider relationship.

12. Can you discuss your experience with medical research or quality improvement projects you’ve been involved in?

• This question evaluates the candidate’s involvement in research or quality improvement initiatives, showcasing their commitment to advancing healthcare, staying current, and enhancing patient outcomes through evidence-based practices.

13. How do you ensure that you are culturally sensitive and respectful to patients from diverse backgrounds?

• This question assesses the candidate’s cultural competence, which is crucial for delivering patient-centered care, respecting diversity, and fostering trust and effective communication among a diverse patient population.

14. What makes you the ideal candidate for this position, and what unique qualities or skills do you bring to our healthcare team?

• This question prompts the candidate to highlight their specific strengths and experiences, offering insights into how they align with the organization’s needs and contribute to a high-performing healthcare team

15. Can you talk about a time when you had to rely on your clinical judgment to make a decision?

• This question assesses a candidate’s clinical decision-making abilities and capacity to rely on sound judgment, providing insights into their competence and ability to make critical decisions in healthcare settings.

Additional and Alternative Questions

Every organization and hiring initiative is unique. The questions above are designed to help you find and hire an excellent candidate, but there may be additional or alternative questions that better suit your needs. Here are some ideas to help you round out your interviews. 

• How do you handle long shifts and the physical demands of the job?
• Can you briefly describe your background, including your education, clinical experience, and any specializations you may have?
• Are you certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)?
• What led you to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant, and why are you interested in this position at our facility?
• How do you stay updated on the latest developments in healthcare and medicine to ensure you provide the best care to your patients?
• Can you describe your experience with electronic health records (EHR) and your proficiency in using healthcare technology?
• How do you approach building rapport and communicating with patients to ensure they are comfortable and well-informed about their healthcare?
• What are your views on ethical dilemmas in healthcare, and can you provide an example of a situation where you faced an ethical challenge?
• Describe your experience working in a multidisciplinary healthcare team. How do you contribute to the team’s success?
• What are your long-term career goals as a Physician Assistant, and how do you see yourself growing in this role?
• Why do you want to work in our facility specifically?

We hope the questions outlined here will serve you as a guide during the hiring process. Assessing a candidate’s motivation, clinical skills, communication abilities, and commitment to quality care is essential for selecting an exceptional Physician Assistant. 

While these questions are generally effective, tailoring them to your organization’s needs and culture can further enhance the hiring process. We wish you luck throughout your hiring process!