Top 10 Questions for Internist, Medical Doctor MD Interview

1. Name the key components of a comprehensive geriatric assessment?

A comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) typically includes the following key components:

• Medical history and physical examination
• Functional assessment, including activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs)
• Cognitive assessment, including screening for dementia and delirium
• Nutritional assessment
• Social assessment, including living situation, social support, and financial resources
• Psychological assessment, including screening for depression and anxiety
• Medication review
• Caregiver assessment

2. How would you approach the management of a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who is experiencing an acute exacerbation?

Initial Assessment

• Assess patient’s respiratory status, including vital signs, oxygen saturation, and lung sounds
• Review patient’s medical history, including current medications and allergies
• Perform a physical examination to evaluate for signs of respiratory distress and other complications

Treatment

• Administer supplemental oxygen to maintain oxygen saturation above 90%
• Prescribe bronchodilators to improve airflow
• Administer systemic corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
• Consider antibiotics if there is evidence of infection
• Monitor patient’s response to treatment and adjust therapy as necessary

3. What are the most common causes of acute kidney injury (AKI) in hospitalized patients?

The most common causes of acute kidney injury (AKI) in hospitalized patients include:

• Prerenal AKI (decreased perfusion to the kidneys)
• Hypovolemia (e.g., dehydration, blood loss)
• Shock (e.g., septic shock, cardiogenic shock)
• Intrarenal AKI (damage to the kidneys themselves)
• Ischemia (e.g., renal artery occlusion)
• Nephrotoxins (e.g., antibiotics, contrast agents)
• Glomerulonephritis
• Tubulointerstitial nephritis
• Postrenal AKI (obstruction of urine flow)
• Ureteral obstruction (e.g., kidney stones, tumors)
• Bladder outlet obstruction (e.g., enlarged prostate)

4. How would you manage a patient with a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus?

Lifestyle Modifications

• Encourage a healthy diet and regular exercise
• Promote weight loss if overweight or obese
• Provide smoking cessation counseling

Medications

• Metformin is first-line therapy
• Other options include sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, DPP-4 inhibitors, and GLP-1 agonists
• Insulin may be necessary in some cases

Monitoring

• Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels
• Annual eye exams to screen for retinopathy
• Regular foot exams to screen for neuropathy and ulcers

5. What are the key elements of shared decision-making in patient care?

• Providing patients with clear and understandable information about their condition and treatment options
• Discussing the pros and cons of each option with patients
• Eliciting patients’ values and preferences
• Helping patients make decisions that are informed and aligned with their goals and values
• Documenting the decision-making process

6. How would you approach the management of a patient with a suspected pulmonary embolism (PE)?

Initial Assessment

• Clinical assessment for signs and symptoms of PE, including chest pain, shortness of breath, and hemoptysis
• Laboratory tests, such as D-dimer and coagulation studies
• Imaging studies, such as a computed tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) or a ventilation-perfusion scan

Treatment

• Anticoagulation therapy with heparin or warfarin
• Thrombolysis may be considered in some cases
• Inferior vena cava filter placement may be indicated to prevent recurrent PEs

7. What are the principles of palliative care?

• Providing relief from pain and other symptoms
• Supporting patients’ emotional and spiritual needs
• Helping patients and their families cope with the challenges of serious illness
• Respecting patients’ values and preferences
• Promoting patient autonomy and self-determination

8. How would you approach the management of a patient with a new diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AF)?

Initial Assessment

• Confirm the diagnosis with electrocardiogram (ECG) or Holter monitor
• Determine if the AF is paroxysmal, persistent, or permanent
• Assess for risk factors for stroke, such as age, hypertension, and diabetes

Treatment

• Rate control with medications, such as beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers
• Rhythm control with medications, such as antiarrhythmics
• Anticoagulation therapy with warfarin or a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) to reduce the risk of stroke

9. What are the most common causes of syncope in older adults?

• Orthostatic hypotension
• Cardiac arrhythmias
• Neurological disorders, such as epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease
• Vasovagal syncope
• Medications, such as antihypertensives and antidepressants

10. How would you manage a patient with a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

Uncomplicated UTIs

• Prescribe antibiotics, such as nitrofurantoin or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
• Encourage increased fluid intake
• Provide pain relief with over-the-counter medications

Complicated UTIs

• May require longer courses of antibiotics or a different type of antibiotic
• May require imaging studies to rule out underlying structural abnormalities
• May require referral to a urologist for further evaluation and treatment

Internists, also known as Medical Doctors MD, play a vital role in providing comprehensive medical care to adults. Here are their key job responsibilities:

1. Patient Care

Provide personalized medical examinations, diagnoses, and treatments to patients across various age groups and backgrounds.

• Conduct thorough medical histories and physical exams to assess patients’ health conditions.
• Order and interpret diagnostic tests, such as blood work, imaging, and biopsies.

2. Diagnosis and Management of Diseases

Diagnose and manage a wide range of acute and chronic health conditions, including respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and endocrine diseases.

• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans based on evidence-based guidelines.
• Monitor patients’ progress and adjust treatment plans as needed.

3. Preventive Medicine

Promote preventive measures to maintain patients’ health and well-being.

• Provide health screenings, vaccinations, and lifestyle counseling.
• Educate patients on disease prevention and health promotion.

4. Collaboration and Referrals

Work in collaboration with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive patient care.

• Consult with specialists as needed to ensure patients receive optimal care.
• Make appropriate referrals to other healthcare providers, such as physical therapists, nutritionists, and social workers.

Preparing for an interview for an Internist, Medical Doctor MD position requires thorough preparation. Here are some tips to help you ace the interview:

1. Research the Organization and Position

Before the interview, take the time to thoroughly research the healthcare organization and the specific Internist position you’re applying for.

• Visit the organization’s website to learn about their mission, values, and the services they provide.
• Review the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities, qualifications, and the organizational culture.

2. Highlight Your Skills and Experience

Emphasize your skills and experience that align with the requirements of the Internist position.

• Prepare examples of your successful diagnoses, treatments, and patient interactions.
• Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible to demonstrate your impact.

3. Showcase Your Patient-Centered Approach

Internists prioritize patient care and well-being. Display your genuine concern for patients and your ability to build strong relationships.

• Share examples of how you have gone above and beyond to provide exceptional patient care.
• Emphasize your active listening skills and your ability to communicate effectively with patients.

4. Demonstrate Your Professionalism and Ethics

Maintain a professional demeanor throughout the interview and adhere to ethical guidelines.

• Dress appropriately, arrive on time, and be polite to everyone you encounter.
• Respect patient confidentiality and demonstrate your commitment to providing equitable and unbiased care.