What’s The Process For Interviewing for a Physician’s Job?

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If you are in the healthcare industry, you might have noticed that we don’t do things the same way as other industries. University standard is four years and anything else is optional, but not for medical school, and as you might expect, there are a few differences to the hiring process too. 

Find out all the details here. 

Identify your medical practice needs

There’s no doubt that the selection process for hiring medical professionals has gotten trickier over the years – and with good reason. Heightened security and background checks are essential (and non-negotiable).

The flip side is that many physicians recognize there is much more need for a work-life balance than they previously had. They want flexible working solutions that allow them the time to step back, relax, and spend time resting so they can then perform to the best of their ability when they are at work.

A first-class medical recruiter will understand this and stick to these principles. What’s the best process for interviewing for a physician’s job and how should professionals go about it? 

Recruitment and selection processes

The recruitment and selection process is a major stepping stone to helping find the right candidates to interview. The physicians chosen for face-to-face interviews should not only be the right fit for the job but the right fit for the practice too.

When making a decision on who to interview it can help to note the following points:

  • What kind of position is the candidate looking for – are you both a good match for each other?
  • What are the long-term goals of the candidate?
  • What appeals to the candidate about the particular role?

The process of interviewing a physician

Here are a few of the main points that should be considered when interviewing for the role of a physician:

  • How does the candidate look/sound/appear in person?
  • What are the candidate’s short and long-term career goals?
  • What influences their decisions as a physician?
  • Is the candidate ambitious and forward-thinking?

Is the candidate someone who genuinely cares about people and has a good bedside manner?

When interviewing, you’ll need to outline all the different aspects of the job, the basics of the contract, and any clauses that need to be discussed. It’s worth considering asking some, or all of the following questions: 

  • What is your current role?
  • Why do you want to move/change jobs?
  • What would your ideal role and work/life balance be?
  • What is your ideal patient cohort?
  • Who are your ideal colleagues?

It’s also important to be aware that physicians will have their requirements as regards their employment (for instance, flexible working hours) and it’s a great idea to open up a positive conversation about how such factors can be worked into a contract agreement. 

It’s a good sign if a potential employee feels they can be open and honest with you from the outset – this kind of thing can foster better working relationships in the long term. 

Interviewing for a physician’s role presents the opportunity to find someone who can make your medical practice perform to a high standard and give patients access to the very best possible care.