PA School Interview Questions
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PA School Interview Questions

Created by
@TalentedFantasy1640

Questions and Answers

Should people with alcohol abuse be disqualified from receiving a transplant?

No, they should not be disqualified.

What would you do if a pregnant 15-year-old unmarried teenager asks for an abortion?

I would communicate with the patient, understand her concerns, provide alternatives, and respect her confidentiality.

Who is recognized as the founder of the Physician Assistant profession?

Dr. Eugene Stead

How should one respond to feedback and criticism?

<p>Stay calm, acknowledge the feedback, and improve based on it.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is your opinion on socialized health care versus privatized health care?

<p>Both options have their merits.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is your favorite area of medicine so far?

<p>Emergency medicine.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the single most important quality a Physician Assistant should possess?

<p>Optimism or enthusiasm.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do you know about Marietta College?

<p>Marietta College focuses on community, program-based learning, and offers strong support for PA graduates.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What medical-related newspapers, journals or publications do you read?

<p>The Lancet and the New England Journal of Medicine.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What appeals to you most about working in the medical field?

<p>I have a passion for improving health and well-being through my work.</p> Signup and view all the answers

If you could meet anyone in the history of medicine, who would you choose?

<p>Leonardo Da Vinci.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How would you like to see the delivery of healthcare evolve?

<p>I envision more community-based hospitals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is your continued education plan to maintain PA-C certification?

<p>I plan to attend conferences and read journals that offer continuing medical education.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What questions would be good to ask about a PA program?

<p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why mount union?

<p>It has excellent graduate outcomes and a strong mentoring program.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe a time where you had to synthesize data and come to a conclusion about it.

<p>While working in a research lab at Kent.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Tell us about yourself.

<p>I am an exercise junkie. I began lifting when I started high school football my freshman year and fell in love with it. I lost over 80 pounds and developed time management skills through working and studying.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a physician assistant/PA?

<p>A midlevel healthcare provider with a high degree of autonomy that must practice under the supervision of a physician.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the role of a PA.

<p>PAs conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery, and can write prescriptions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do you want to be a PA?

<p>After witnessing a PA save my twin brother's life, I was inspired to join the healthcare field and provide patient care.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What have you done to prepare yourself for this profession?

<p>I have taken relevant classes, gained over 300 hours of work experience as a STNA and medical scribe, and volunteered.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What matters to you most?

<p>Family and my work in healthcare, where coworkers and patients become like a second family.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Tell us about a time when you failed at something.

<p>I didn’t train hard enough during football leading to losing my starting spot, but I learned a valuable lesson in work ethic.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a PA and an NP?

<p>PAs operate under physician supervision while NPs are more autonomous and typically have different educational paths.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Are you familiar with any national or state level regulations for PAs?

<p>Yes, PAs must have a supervising doctor and many states require national certification before licensure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do you think is the number one problem facing PAs today?

<p>Misunderstanding by patients regarding the PA role, leading to misconceptions of our training and expertise.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many hours a week do you plan on studying?

<p>I plan on studying roughly 20-30 hours per week.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Tell me what your typical day looks like.

<p>I wake up around 9am, work out, eat, and then engage in various activities like hiking or playing golf.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do you feel about taking call or working 60 or more hours per week as a second-year student?

<p>I am prepared to do whatever it takes to achieve my goal of becoming a PA.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe an interaction you have had with a patient that made an impact on you.

<p>A patient at the nursing home reminded me to live life to the fullest and stay happy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What accommodations, if any, do you need to successfully complete this program?

<p>I don't need any accommodations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are your strengths as an applicant?

<p>I am good under pressure, extremely positive, and have excellent bedside manner.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are your biggest weaknesses?

<p>I get frustrated when I don't grasp new skills quickly, but I am learning patience.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Is it ever okay to lie to a patient?

<p>No, trust is foundational to the patient-provider relationship.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of personal stress do you see associated with our PA program?

<p>Time management and being away from family and friends.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What accommodations, if any, do you need to successfully complete this program?

<p>I don't need any accommodations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How would you handle a patient who demands an MRI that you were sure they didn't need?

<p>I would explain my reasoning and discuss the pros and cons of the MRI.</p> Signup and view all the answers

You have had several jobs in the past; how do we know you will finish the program if we accept you?

<p>I only quit my CNA job due to a family move, demonstrating commitment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Personal Introduction

  • Exercise is a key aspect of personal life, providing stress relief and fostering perseverance.
  • Transitioned from a lineman in football to a healthier lifestyle, losing over 80 pounds.
  • Gained valuable experience as a CNA and medical scribe, interacting with patients and healthcare professionals.
  • Developed time management skills while balancing two jobs and full-time studies.

Physician Assistant Overview

  • A PA is a midlevel healthcare provider with significant autonomy, operating under a supervising physician.
  • Responsibilities include physical exams, diagnosing and treating illnesses, prescribing medication, and assisting in surgeries.

Motivation to Become a PA

  • Personal experience with a PA in an emergency situation inspired a desire to save lives.
  • Valued the balance of autonomy and collaboration in the PA role, appreciating the deeper connection PAs form with patients.

Preparation for the Profession

  • Achieved a strong academic GPA and accumulated over 300 hours of healthcare experience.
  • Volunteered with a PA and supported autism students, gaining insights into patient care.

Personal Values

  • Family is a central support system, with a belief that healthcare roles resemble a family dynamic among coworkers and patients.

Handling Failure

  • Experienced setback during junior year in football due to lack of effort, which led to a stronger work ethic and perseverance in collegiate studies.

Differences Between PA and NP

  • PAs operate under physician supervision with broad medical training, while NPs often come from nursing backgrounds and can work more autonomously.

Regulatory Knowledge

  • PAs must adhere to national and state regulations, including having supervising physicians and completing ongoing education for licensure renewal.

Current Challenges for PAs

  • Lack of public awareness regarding the PA role leads to misconceptions about their expertise, requiring ongoing education for better understanding.

Study Commitment

  • Plans to dedicate 20-30 hours weekly to studying, balancing academic responsibilities with personal time for stress relief.

Daily Routine

  • Typical summer day includes morning gym workouts, leisure activities like hiking or gaming, emphasizing a balanced lifestyle.

Academic Load Expectations

  • Prepared for frequent quizzes and exams, exhibiting confidence in study habits and academic resilience.

Academic Performance

  • Maintained a 3.88 GPA in undergrad, with a consistent record of high grades, including a single C in organic chemistry.

Social Support Structure

  • Resides with family in Canton, Ohio, maintaining close relationships that provide emotional support.

Educational Financing

  • Education will be financed through loans, personal savings, and potential scholarships.

Anticipated Program Stressors

  • Anticipates challenges in communication with supervising physicians and dealing with patient biases against PAs.

PA School Preferences

  • Values a problem-solving, critical thinking-based curriculum with high pass rates for licensure exams.

Personal Interests

  • Engages in reading, exercising, board games, video games, and golf as hobbies outside of work and studies.

Applicant Resilience

  • Previous job changes resulted from external circumstances rather than performance, indicating commitment to long-term goals.

Strengths as an Applicant

  • Excels under pressure with strong work ethic and positive demeanor; developed excellent communication and empathy through direct patient care experiences.

Areas for Improvement

  • Tends to get frustrated with learning curves but is working on developing patience to overcome challenging skills.

Managing Patient Expectations

  • Would engage with patients to explain reasoning behind treatment decisions and provide clear communication regarding their care.

Ethical Dilemmas in Patient Care

  • Advocates for treating all patients fairly, regardless of circumstances, emphasizing ethical principles in healthcare.

Liver Transplant Ethics

  • Complex decision-making based on potential success rates and patient history, prioritizing ethical considerations over personal biases.

Patient Confidentiality

  • Committed to maintaining patient confidentiality and exploring options with patients while adhering to ethical standards.

Contribution to PA Profession

  • Dr. Eugene Stead is recognized as the founding figure of the PA profession, establishing the first educational program and addressing the demand for patient care.

Feedback Reception

  • Open to constructive criticism, viewing it as an opportunity for growth and improvement within the professional practice.### Criticism of Work
  • Received a low grade on a paper, with professor expressing disappointment, stating he expected more.
  • Initial reaction was shock, but later recognized professor's high expectations as a form of encouragement.
  • Redid the assignment with greater passion, resulting in a better grade.

Healthcare Perspectives

  • Socialized healthcare can reduce medical costs by minimizing doctor visits, while privatized healthcare may decrease wait times and enhance access for chronic illness patients.
  • Both models present valuable options for different healthcare needs.

Areas of Interest in Medicine

  • Enjoys emergency medicine due to its dynamic environment.
  • Struggles with microbiology/pathology; faced challenges grasping viral concepts, prompting attendance at tutoring for improved grades.

Essential Quality for Physician Assistants

  • Optimism or enthusiasm is deemed the most crucial trait for success as a Physician's Assistant.

Insights on Marietta College

  • Marietta College values community involvement and advanced learning.
  • Focuses on program-based learning, aligning with personal learning preferences.
  • Noted for strong support in residencies and placements for PA graduates, with faculty dedication to student success.

Medical Journals and Publications

  • Regularly reads The Lancet and the New England Journal of Medicine.
  • Highlighted a study about drone delivery of AEDs in emergency settings and seeks fresh recommendations for medical news sources.

Passion for Medicine

  • Driven by a desire to improve health through exercise, aspiring to assist others in enhancing their well-being.

Inspirational Figure in Medicine

  • Interested in meeting Leonardo da Vinci to discuss his innovative ideas related to medical inventions like artificial limbs and contact lenses.

Evolving Healthcare Delivery

  • Community-based hospitals may enhance healthcare efficiency by focusing on specific services and reducing wait times.
  • The model encourages innovative workforce strategies to meet varied patient needs.

Continued Education Plan for PA-C Certification

  • Plans to attend conferences that fulfill CME requirements.
  • Reading journals and publications that offer continuing medical education opportunities is also a goal.

Questions for PA Program Insights

  • Inquire about unique program features.
  • Explore student satisfaction within the program.
  • Ask about faculty experiences with PA students and support processes for struggling students.
  • Investigate job placement assistance and specifics about the clinical year curriculum.

Reasons for Choosing Mount Union

  • Positive feedback from alumni regarding the program.
  • Notable skills lab, high PANCE pass rates, strong graduation rates, and a successful job placement rate post-graduation.
  • Presence of a mentorship program enhances educational support.

Data Synthesis Experience

  • Engaged in a research lab at Kent, contributing to a study at the University of Wisconsin, showcasing ability to analyze and conclude findings.

Studying That Suits You

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Description

Prepare for your Physician Assistant school interviews with this flashcard quiz that covers common questions. Each card helps you formulate your responses and presents key points to emphasize your qualifications and experiences. Ideal for prospective PA students looking to impress during interviews.

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