Doctor interview questions and answers in English

B1 answer

I'm a doctor. I finished medical school five years ago, and I've worked in internal medicine for three years. I see patients on the ward and in the clinic. I enjoy working with older patients who have many problems. Now I'd like to continue my training in a hospital like yours.

B2 answer

I'm a doctor with four years of experience since graduating, the last two in internal medicine at a busy teaching hospital. I currently look after around twenty inpatients on a ward, take part in the on-call rota and teach medical students. I've also completed a clinical audit on sepsis screening. I'm applying here because I'd like to develop further in acute medicine within a strong training programme.

B1 answer

I want to join your department because you see many different acute cases, and I want to learn more. Your hospital also has a good teaching programme for junior doctors. I am calm and reliable on call, and I think I can help the other doctors from the start.

B2 answer

I'd like to join because your department sees a wide range of acute cases, and your trainees get regular, structured teaching, which matters to me. I also like that you use simulation training for emergencies. In return, I bring three years of ward experience, I'm calm on call and I communicate well with nurses and families. I think I could contribute quickly.

B1 answer

First I listen to the patient and ask why they don't want the treatment. Then I explain the benefits and risks in simple words. If the patient understands and still says no, I respect that. I write it in the notes and I tell my senior. I also offer other options.

B2 answer

I'd sit down and ask what is worrying them, because refusals often come from fear or a misunderstanding. Then I'd explain the benefits, risks and alternatives in plain language and check they understand. If they have capacity, it's their decision, even if I disagree, so I'd respect it. I'd document the conversation carefully, inform my senior and make sure they know they can change their mind.

B1 answer

First I find a quiet room and I make sure I have enough time. I ask what the patient already knows. Then I explain the news slowly in simple words. I stop and let them feel it. I answer their questions and I tell them about the next steps and support.

B2 answer

I prepare first: I check the results, find a private room and ask a nurse to join me. I start by asking what the patient already understands, then warn them that the news is serious before I explain it clearly, without jargon. I allow silence and respond to their emotions. Finally, I agree a clear plan and make sure they know who to contact.

B1 answer

Last year, on a night shift, a patient's blood pressure dropped quickly. I had to get senior help because he was getting worse. I gave fluids, I called the registrar and I explained the situation clearly. She came in ten minutes. In the end the patient went to intensive care, and he recovered.

B2 answer

On a night shift last winter, a patient became confused after his operation, and his breathing rate rose. I suspected sepsis, and I had to get senior support quickly. I started the sepsis treatment, called the registrar using SBAR and asked her to review him within fifteen minutes. She agreed, and he was moved to high dependency. He recovered well, and I learned that a clear, structured call gets help faster.

B1 answer

First I look at all my tasks and I see which patients are the sickest. I do the urgent tasks first. I write a list and I tick it. If I have too much, I tell my senior and I ask for help. I also take a short break to eat.

B2 answer

I start by sorting the jobs list: unwell patients first, then time-critical tasks such as antibiotics, then routine work like discharge letters. I keep a written list and update it after every call. If the workload becomes unsafe, I tell the registrar early rather than late. I also make sure I eat and drink something, because tired doctors make more mistakes, and patients pay for that.

B1 answer

First I check who is calling. I don't give any information until I know the patient agrees. I look in the notes for consent, or I ask the patient. If the patient says yes, I share only what is needed. If not, I politely explain that I can't say anything.

B2 answer

Confidentiality comes first, so I would never share results just because the caller sounds genuine. I'd take their details, then check the patient's wishes, ideally by asking the patient directly. If they agree, I'd share only the relevant information and record the conversation in the notes. If they don't, or if they lack capacity, I'd follow the hospital policy and discuss it with my senior.

B1 answer

Yes, I have two questions. What teaching do junior doctors get each week in this department? And how often would I be on call in the first months? I want to prepare well, so I can be safe and useful from my first week here.

B2 answer

Yes, a couple. What does the induction look like for new doctors, and is there a period of supervised shifts before working on call? I'd also like to know how trainees are supported with audits or research. Finally, how do the doctors and nurses on the ward share feedback? That would tell me a lot about how the team works together.