Top 10 Questions for General Internist Interview

1. What are the key aspects of a comprehensive geriatric assessment?

• Medical history, including medications, allergies, and past surgeries
• Physical examination, including vital signs, weight, and mental status
• Functional assessment, including activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, and cognitive function
• Psychosocial assessment, including mood, anxiety, and social support
• Environmental assessment, including home safety and accessibility

2. How do you approach the management of a patient with multiple chronic conditions?

Medication management

• Review medications regularly for potential interactions, side effects, and adherence
• Consider deprescribing or simplifying medication regimens when appropriate
• Use medication management tools, such as pillboxes or apps

Lifestyle modifications

• Emphasize healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep
• Encourage smoking cessation and alcohol moderation
• Provide resources for lifestyle support, such as community programs or support groups

Patient education and self-management

• Educate patients about their conditions and medications
• Empower patients to manage their own care, such as by setting goals and monitoring symptoms
• Provide resources for self-management support, such as online forums or disease-specific organizations

3. Discuss your approach to managing a patient with a complex differential diagnosis.

• Gather a thorough history and perform a comprehensive physical examination
• Order appropriate laboratory and imaging studies to narrow down the diagnosis
• Consider consultant referrals if necessary
• Review the results of tests and consult with colleagues to discuss possible diagnoses
• Develop a differential diagnosis and order additional tests as needed
• Communicate with the patient and family about the potential diagnoses and plan for further evaluation

4. How do you evaluate and manage a patient presenting with cognitive impairment?

• Perform a detailed history and physical examination
• Order appropriate laboratory and imaging studies to rule out reversible causes
• Consider a formal cognitive assessment using validated screening tools
• Refer for further evaluation by a neurologist or geriatrician if necessary
• Discuss diagnosis and management options with the patient and family
• Provide resources for support and education

5. Describe your approach to managing a patient with uncontrolled hypertension.

• Review medication adherence and patient understanding of the importance of blood pressure control
• Consider lifestyle modifications, such as weight loss, sodium restriction, and regular exercise
• Adjust medications as needed, considering combination therapy if necessary
• Monitor blood pressure regularly and make adjustments accordingly
• Provide patient education on the importance of adherence, medication side effects, and lifestyle modifications

6. What are the key considerations in managing a patient with diabetes mellitus?

• Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels
• Medication management, including oral medications, insulin, or a combination
• Lifestyle modifications, such as diet, exercise, and weight management
• Patient education and self-management support
• Screening for and management of complications, such as retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy

7. How do you approach the management of a patient with a suspected pulmonary embolism?

• Obtain a detailed history and physical examination
• Order a chest X-ray and D-dimer test
• Consider a CT pulmonary angiogram if the D-dimer test is positive or the chest X-ray is inconclusive
• Start anticoagulation therapy if a pulmonary embolism is confirmed
• Refer for further evaluation to determine the underlying cause

8. What are the key principles of palliative care?

• Focus on improving quality of life rather than prolonging life
• Involve patients and families in decision-making
• Provide comprehensive pain and symptom management
• Address psychological, social, and spiritual needs
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure a holistic approach

9. How do you approach the management of a patient with depression?

• Conduct a detailed history and physical examination
• Confirm the diagnosis using diagnostic criteria
• Consider medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both
• Monitor for medication side effects and response to therapy
• Provide patient education and support

10. What are the ethical considerations in providing end-of-life care?

• Respect patient autonomy and decision-making
• Provide information and support to help patients make informed choices
• Consider ethical issues related to pain management, assisted dying, and allocation of resources
• Follow ethical guidelines and legal requirements
• Collaborate with colleagues and seek guidance from ethics committees when necessary

General Internists are responsible for providing comprehensive medical care to adult patients. They diagnose and treat a wide range of illnesses and injuries, and provide preventive care and health education.

1. Patient Care

General Internists provide comprehensive medical care to adult patients, including:

• Performing physical exams
• Taking medical histories
• Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests
• Prescribing medications
• Providing patient education and counseling

2. Preventive Care

General Internists provide preventive care to help patients stay healthy and avoid illness. This includes:

• Providing immunizations
• Performing screenings for cancer and other diseases
• Counseling patients on healthy lifestyle choices

3. Health Education

General Internists provide health education to patients to help them understand their medical conditions and make informed decisions about their health. This includes:

• Answering patients’ questions about their health
• Providing written and verbal information about medical conditions and treatments
• Referring patients to other health care providers when necessary

4. Collaboration

General Internists collaborate with other health care providers to provide comprehensive care to patients. This includes:

• Consulting with specialists
• Referring patients to other health care providers
• Participating in team-based care

Preparing for a General Internal Medicine interview can be daunting, but with the right approach, you can increase your chances of success. Here are some tips to help you ace your interview:

1. Research the Practice and Position

Before your interview, take the time to research the practice and position you’re applying for. This will help you understand the practice’s culture and values, as well as the specific responsibilities of the position.

• Visit the practice’s website
• Read online reviews of the practice
• Talk to your network to see if anyone knows anything about the practice

2. Practice Your Answers to Common Interview Questions

There are a number of common interview questions that you’re likely to be asked, such as:

• “Tell me about yourself.”
• “Why are you interested in this position?”
• “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
• “What is your experience with General Internal Medicine?”
• “How do you stay up-to-date on the latest medical advancements?”

Take the time to practice your answers to these questions so that you can deliver them confidently and concisely.

3. Be Prepared to Discuss Your Experience

The interviewer will want to know about your experience in General Internal Medicine. Be prepared to discuss your clinical skills, your experience with different patient populations, and your research or teaching experience.

Use the STAR method to answer questions about your experience. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result. When answering a question, start by describing the situation you were in, the task you were responsible for, the actions you took, and the result of your actions.

4. Be Professional and Enthusiastic

First impressions matter, so it’s important to be professional and enthusiastic during your interview. Dress appropriately, arrive on time, and be polite to everyone you meet.

Show the interviewer that you’re interested in the position and that you’re excited about the possibility of working at the practice. Be enthusiastic about your work and be prepared to share your ideas on how you can contribute to the practice.

5. Ask Questions

At the end of the interview, the interviewer will likely ask if you have any questions. This is your opportunity to learn more about the practice and the position. Ask questions about the practice’s culture, the patient population, and the opportunities for professional development.

Asking questions shows that you’re interested in the position and that you’re taking the interview seriously.

6. Follow Up

After the interview, send a thank-you note to the interviewer. This is a good opportunity to reiterate your interest in the position and to thank the interviewer for their time.

Following up shows that you’re professional and that you’re still interested in the position.