PA Interview Questions

Do you have a car, where do you live, what is your social support and are they close?

I have an SUV with 4 wheel drive. I currently live in Columbus, OH. I have the most supportive family that gives me constant guidance and love. I talk to my mother everyday on the phone at least once a day. I live with my supportive girlfriend that challenges me daily to be the best that I can be and to be proactive with my goals.

Describe the history of the PA profession

1960s to gap the shortage of primary care physicians. Eugene Stead Jr. from Duke put together the first class of PA's from navy personnel who had a high background in medical training during their service. First graduated class 1967 from a fast-tracked medical model.

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

ALS, developed a program to help slow to progression of the disease and maintain functionality. motivate during tough times.

What is your understanding of what PA's do?

PA's are extensions of a practicing physician. PA's examine, diagnose, and treat patients all under the supervision of a physician.

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

Time management will be one of the biggest stress factors in the first year. Developing a normal routine and becoming acquainted with my peers will help alleviate those pressures. Sharing common stresses with my peers will allow me know further strengthen my support system.

Have you done anything to increase your chances of being accepted to the PA program?

I have worked in various health care settings to become familiar with the professions roles and to gain knowledge of the provider-patient relationship. I've also continued to volunteer within the community through Habitat for Humanity.

So, tell us a little about yourself. Why are you here?

I'm an avid fisher and hiker from Vienna. I've had a passion for helping others and through my work experience I've grown to want a higher responsibility for medical practice. I've seen the side of rehabilitation and therapy and want to hold a responsible role of diagnosing and treating patients within my small community.

What are your biggest weaknesses as an applicant, and what do you plan to do to correct them?

My biggest weakness is that I try to take on a lot of tasks at one time. I've learned to cope with such by task prioritizing and dealing with important issues first.

Have you ever seen anyone die?

No

What makes you stand out from the person sitting next to you this morning?

work ethic and determination. faced struggles and negative feedback and found a way to harness the negatives to turn them into a positive driving force.

What does it mean to be a professional?

excel in expertise. character of excellence for themselves and others

If you could pass a law that would help PAs, what would it be?

fee-for-service to value-based payment systems in medicare. pay for quality care that contributes to patients's health outcomes rather than volume of patients seen.

What are the greatest problems facing the field of medicine in America?

shortage of health care professionals

What is a PA?

A PA is a board licensed mid-level practitioner that works under the guidance of a physician.

What kind of stress do you see associated with the PA profession?

The major stress I see associated with the PA profession is having to prove your worth

What is the difference between a PA and an NP?

Both a PAs and NPs are licensed mid-level practitioners. PAs follow a medical school model using an understanding of complex biological processes. This model focuses on disease based learning. Most PA's have a master's degree. PA's are dependent practitioners. NPs follow a nursing school model using a holistic approach focusing on nursing assessments. This model focuses on overall patient care. NPs must first have a BSN along with some experience as an RN. NPs can be independent practitioners.

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

Great experience to challenge myself and allow me to use my knowledge to actually practice the information gained through my studies. Gives me a chance to fine tune my stress management skills which will allow me to work more fluently in my future practice.

Do you manage your time well?

I believe so. I write down my daily tasks as well as long term deadlines and prioritize my work as so.

How many hours a week do you plan on studying?

I can't delegate a certain amount of hours. I always study as much as I can to fully understand and interpret the information given to me.

How do you usually deal with stress?

I deal with stress through working out and listening to music. I also have a strong support system that allows me to talk out situations and allows me to hear their perspectives on the matter at hand. There is no way to limit stress, but I feel any situation can be alleviated through proper preparation.

What do you do outside of work or academic studies?

I enjoy working out, fishing, hiking, and spending time with my family.

How many tests and quizzes do you expect to take a week and what can you handle?

I expect quizzes at every class to make sure we comprehend the material given to us in the prior class. Exams weekly to tie in loose ends and give an overall understanding to the curriculum discussed.

What have you done to prepare yourself for this profession?

I first talked to several PA's which gave me background knowledge of the profession. I further investigated the profession by actually shadowing PA's in the workplace.

How do you plan to pay for your education?

I plan to take out some loans to pay for my school as well as apply for various grants and scholarships. My girlfriend is my main financial support as she is an accountant with a sound career.

Tell me what your typical day looks like?

I wake up at 6 a.m. and shower before I get ready for work. Work until noon and go to the gym to workout. make lunch and catch up on whats going on in the world. go back to work from 5-9. make dinner, relax and go to bed by 10:30 p.m.

What do you want to be doing five years from now?

I want to be a practicing PA in the Mid-Ohio Valley.

Your supervising MD tells you to do something that you know is dead wrong; what do you do?

I would confront the MD and in a respectable tone and inform him of what is wrong and what should be done. If the MD does not cooperate than I would tell him I would consult with another MD first. It is important not to go over one but to keep a respectable relationship and look for the patient's best care.

How do you stay current with events in the field?

JAAPA Journal of American Academy of Physician Assistants

What interests you most about our school?

Love the area. Great response from alumni. Great support and community connections.

What would be your ideal job as a PA?

My ideal PA job would be working in family medicine in the surrounding area and

Are you familiar with any national or state level regulations for PA's?

Prescriber of a drug, Licensed, Supervising Physician,

Last book you read and what did you learn?

The five love languages by Gary Chapman. Touch, Words of affirmation, quality time, gifts, acts of service. People feel love in different ways.

What did you learn from your internship/experiences?

The role of a PA. Understand the relationship between PAs and MD's but also other members of the health care system such as nurses, NPs, med techs, etc.

Tell us about the role you see the PA playing in the health care system.

Vital role in bridging the gap between medical care and improving accessibility. PA's act as an extension to the physician and allows for improved work flow for physicians. PA's help combat provider shortages and bring affordable health care to the community.

Why do you want to be a PA?

Working in a physical therapy setting, I learned valuable traits to help me with my future, but felt hindered by insufficient role in medicine. I want to go beyond the rehab aspect and into a leading role with a broad scope of practice and unlimited learning opportunity.

Have you applied to other programs?

Yes Ohio Dominican, University of Charleston, and Alderson Broaddus