The Physician Interview! You need to know this!

Interview Questions and Prep!

(Print and take to the interview)

Be clear about what you want in terms of practice.

Practice issues include the setting (single- or multispecialty group, hospital staff, or HMO), the type of medicine you are seeking to practice, the kinds of colleagues you hope to work with, the patient load you're comfortable with, the payer mix, and call and administrative duties. But they also comprise the organization's style, philosophy, and financial viability, both short- and long term.

Write down your questions. Do not believe that bringing a list into the interview will convey insecurity. It won't. Interviewers will generally view your written questions as a sign that you took the trouble to prepare and that your interest in the job is sincere.

Among the questions to ask:

• What type of person are you looking for?
• Why is there an existing need for a pediatrician, and can the area’s population support the practice?
• What's your practice philosophy (In regards to patients and physicians Quality of Life?)
• How does the practice assign patients?
• What percentage of my patients will be managed care. Medicaid? Cash/self pay?
• What's the typical age, education, and socio-economic level of the patients parents I will seeing?
• How many hours per week will I be expected to spend seeing patients in the office and in the hospital? Will I have to go to satellite locations?
• How many patients will I be expected to see in a week?
• How much call will I have?
• Will the hospital help my spouse find employment?
• Will the hospital help me find a suitable home in a good neighborhood?

Also ask subjective questions: "What do you like best about working here?" "What bothers you most about the job?" "What do you do for fun?" Don't be afraid to pose the same questions to a succession of interviewers. You may be amazed at the variety of answers. The diversity can give you a well-rounded look at the opportunity.

Talk money last. You have to ask hard questions about the dollars at stake, but resist the urge to bring up the subject in the first half of the interview. It may make you seem mercenary (money hungry), and that is not good!.

Ideally, you shouldn't have to bring up money at all; that's the interviewer's job. But be prepared to take the lead. If the subject hasn't been raised by the end of the first full day of interviewing, introduce it: "Can we discuss finances? There are issues I'd like to address before I leave." Once you've broached the subject, get out your list:

• What's the starting salary?
• What's the signing bonus, if any?
• Is there a productivity bonus. How is it figured?
• Is there an income guarantee?
• What can I expect to make in, say, five years?
• What's the income-distribution formula?
• What costs will I be expected to assume. Individual malpractice insurance premiums? Tail coverage?
• What restrictive covenants will I be subject to?
• If there is a partnership being offered: How soon will I be considered for partnership. What formula determines the buy-in price?

Give positive feedback. If forced to choose between two equally qualified candidates, a practice will virtually always make its offer to the one who shows the most interest in the position and who seems most likely to accept it. Make your positive feelings known!

Be specific in your compliments: "Your office setup is very welcoming to patients." And if you really want the job, say so in no uncertain terms: "This seems like a wonderful place to practice. I know I'd be happy here."

Dress for success. The watchword is: conservative.

Women should wear conservative business attire. Shun miniskirts, spike heels, chunky jewelry, loud colors, and anything tight or revealing. Hair should be tamed; makeup, muted or absent; perfume, sparingly used. Otherwise, your fashion statement may conflict with your professional image.

Men should favor dark gray or blue suits or navy blazers and gray slacks. Shirts should be light blue, yellow, or white. Add a dash of pizzazz with your tie, if you like, but keep the pattern conservative. There's only one acceptable material for ties-silk. Socks should be dark, and long enough to cover your calf when you cross your legs. Shoes should be dark-and polished. Be shaved and barbered; your beard or mustache should be neatly trimmed.

Bring your spouse. The prospective employer should pay for your spouse to come along. If not, call me!

Because employers recognize that moving to another part of the country is a joint decision, they may ask your spouse to be present at some of the interviews. Your spouse should avoid taking charge and becoming an overly aggressive advocate. In one joint interview, the spouse talked too much, dominating the conversation and making the candidate seem meek and indecisive by comparison. The job went to someone else. Let common sense be your guide.