17 Obstetrician Gynecologist Interview Questions and Answers

An obstetrician/gynecologist, or OB/GYN, is a physician who specializes in the care of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. OB/GYNs also provide preventive care, diagnosis, and treatment of health conditions that affect the female reproductive system.

To become an OB/GYN, you must complete four years of medical school, followed by a four-year residency in obstetrics and gynecology. After completing your residency, you may choose to pursue a fellowship in a subspecialty such as reproductive endocrinology or maternal-fetal medicine.

The process of becoming an OB/GYN is long and competitive. In addition to completing your medical training, you will also need to pass a series of exams and interviews. The interview process is your chance to show that you are passionate about women’s health and that you have the skills and personality to be a successful OB/GYN.

In this guide, we will provide you with a list of OB/GYN interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interviews.

Are you comfortable performing surgery?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your skills and experience. You can use this opportunity to highlight any specific surgeries you have performed in the past, as well as how comfortable you are with performing them.

Example: “I am very comfortable performing surgery. In my last position, I was responsible for performing all types of gynecological surgeries including hysterectomies, tubal ligation procedures and cesarean sections. I also regularly assisted other surgeons during emergency situations.”

What are your credentials and training in obstetrics and gynecology?

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your qualifications for the position. If you have a medical degree, they may want to know what specialty it is in and how long you’ve been practicing. They may also ask about any certifications or continuing education courses you’ve completed.

Example: “I received my bachelor’s degree in biology from State University and went on to receive my master’s degree in OB/GYN at National University. I am currently licensed as an obstetrician gynecologist in California and have been working in that capacity since 2016.”

How would you describe the field of obstetrics and gynecology to someone who knows nothing about it?

This question is a great way to show your passion for the field and how you can explain it to others. When answering this question, try to include some of the most important aspects of OBGYN in your explanation.

Example: “Obstetrics and gynecology are two different specialties that work together to provide care for women’s reproductive health needs. Obstetrics focuses on pregnancy and childbirth while gynecology focuses on general female health issues like menstrual cycles, sexual health and more. I chose to pursue a career in obstetrics and gynecology because I love working with patients who are expecting their first child or those who have been through many pregnancies.”

What is your process for making a diagnosis when a patient has a reproductive health issue?

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your diagnostic skills and how you approach a patient’s care. Use your answer to highlight your critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills.

Example: “I always start by asking the patient questions about their symptoms and medical history. I also perform a physical exam that includes taking their blood pressure, temperature and checking for any abnormalities in their reproductive organs. After my initial assessment, I order any necessary tests or procedures to help me make a diagnosis. If I can’t find a solution after all of these steps, I will refer them to another OBGYN.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to counsel a patient about their reproductive health choices.

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your communication skills and how you help patients make important decisions. In your answer, try to show that you can be empathetic while also providing information about the risks of certain reproductive health choices.

Example: “When I was working in a small town hospital, I had a patient who came into my office asking for birth control pills. She told me she wanted them because they would help her lose weight. When I asked her why she thought birth control pills could help her with weight loss, she said she heard it from a friend. I explained to her that birth control pills are not designed to help people lose weight and that there is no evidence to support that claim. I also talked to her about the potential side effects of taking birth control pills if she did not have any medical conditions that required them.”

If a patient came to you with a specific concern about a symptom they were experiencing, how would you make them feel at ease?

An interviewer may ask this question to assess your bedside manner. They want to know how you interact with patients and make them feel comfortable during their visit. In your answer, try to demonstrate that you are empathetic and compassionate when speaking with patients.

Example: “I would first listen to the patient’s concerns and then explain what I think is causing the symptom. If they have any questions about my explanation or diagnosis, I will do my best to answer them thoroughly. I find it important to reassure patients that I am here to help them and that we can work together to find a solution.”

What would you do if you had a patient who was actively trying to conceive but was having trouble doing so?

This question can help interviewers understand how you would handle a specific situation that may arise in your role. Use examples from past experience to explain what steps you would take and why they are important.

Example: “I had a patient who was trying to conceive for over two years with no success. She came into my office every month, but we were unable to find any issues or reasons why she wasn’t getting pregnant. After about six months of monitoring her cycles, I referred her to an OB-GYN specialist who specialized in fertility treatments. The specialist found that the patient’s ovulation cycle was irregular, which is common among women who have PCOS. Once she started taking medication to regulate her cycle, she became pregnant within three months.”

How well do you think you can get to know a patient over the course of an initial consultation and subsequent appointments?

An interviewer may ask this question to assess your interpersonal skills and ability to connect with patients. Use examples from past experiences where you were able to build rapport with a patient quickly, even if it was over the course of several appointments.

Example: “I think that getting to know my patients is one of the most important parts of my job. I always try to make sure that each appointment starts with introductions so we can get to know each other better. This helps me learn more about their medical history and any concerns they have before we start our physical exam. It also allows me to establish trust with them so they feel comfortable asking questions or voicing concerns.”

Do you have experience performing pelvic exams?

This question can help interviewers understand your experience level and how comfortable you are with this procedure. If you have no previous experience, consider describing a time when you had to perform one in the past.

Example: “I’ve performed pelvic exams on patients before, but I prefer to use other methods of diagnosis first. In my last position, I was working with a patient who was experiencing pain during intercourse. After performing a physical exam, I determined that she had an infection and prescribed antibiotics. She returned two weeks later feeling much better.”

When would you recommend a pelvic ultrasound?

An ultrasound is a common diagnostic tool for OB-GYNs. The interviewer may ask you this question to assess your knowledge of when an ultrasound would be most beneficial in the course of patient care. In your answer, try to highlight your critical thinking skills and ability to make decisions that are best for patients.

Example: “I recommend pelvic ultrasounds when I suspect a patient has endometriosis or ovarian cysts. These conditions can cause pain during menstruation, so it’s important to rule out these diagnoses as soon as possible. Pelvic ultrasounds also help me determine if a patient needs additional testing like a laparoscopy.”

We want to maintain a diverse patient base. How would you market our practice to people from different backgrounds and cultures?

An interviewer may ask this question to see how you plan to attract patients from different backgrounds and cultures. They want to know that you can market the practice in a way that is inclusive of all people. In your answer, try to show that you understand what it’s like to be part of a minority group and how you would use your marketing skills to help these patients feel welcome at the practice.

Example: “I think it’s important to reach out to communities that are underrepresented in healthcare. I would start by reaching out to local organizations that support women of color or other minorities. I would also make sure my website has information about our services in multiple languages so we’re more accessible to non-English speakers.”

Describe your process for educating patients about their reproductive health issues.

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your communication skills and how you help patients understand their health issues. Use examples from past experiences to explain the steps you take to educate patients on reproductive health topics, including any methods you use to make these conversations easier for both you and your patients.

Example: “I always start by explaining the medical issue in simple terms so that my patient understands what I’m saying. Then, I provide them with information about the condition or treatment plan so they can review it at home. Finally, I answer any questions they have and schedule a follow-up appointment if necessary.”

What makes you qualified to work at our practice?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how they relate to the position. Before you answer, read through the job description to see what skills and experience they are looking for in an applicant. In your response, explain why you have these skills and provide examples of when you used them in a professional setting.

Example: “I am highly qualified for this role because I have extensive knowledge of obstetrics and gynecology. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with many patients who were expecting their first child. During those appointments, I helped women understand what to expect during pregnancy and labor. I also know how to perform emergency procedures like C-sections and other common OBGYN tasks.”

Which aspects of reproductive health do you enjoy the most and least?

This question helps the interviewer determine your level of passion for this specialty. It also allows them to understand what you enjoy doing and which aspects of the job are more challenging. When answering, be sure to highlight the most enjoyable parts of the job while still being honest about the less enjoyable ones.

Example: “I love helping patients who have been struggling with infertility get pregnant. I find it so rewarding when a patient comes in for an appointment and then returns later in their pregnancy. The least enjoyable part of my job is delivering bad news to patients. While I always try to deliver the news as gently as possible, it can be difficult to tell someone that they may not ever become pregnant.”

What do you think is the most important thing to remember when performing surgery on a female reproductive organ?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the field and how you apply it in a clinical setting. Your answer should include specific details about what you do during surgery that makes it safe for patients.

Example: “I think the most important thing to remember when performing any type of gynecological surgery is to be gentle with the tissue. The female reproductive organs are delicate, so I always make sure my hands are steady and my movements are precise. This helps me avoid tearing or damaging the organ, which can lead to infection.”

How often should a woman have an OB/GYN appointment?

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your recommendations for patients. You can answer by explaining the frequency of appointments you recommend and why.

Example: “I believe that women should have an OB/GYN appointment once a year, or as soon as they become sexually active. This allows me to perform a full physical exam and discuss any concerns with them. I also encourage my patients to call if they notice anything unusual during their monthly cycle. If they’re experiencing pain or bleeding, it’s important to see me right away so we can address the issue.”

There is a new test that can detect a specific genetic disorder in a fetus. A patient wants to know if their fetus has the disorder. How would you respond?

An interviewer may ask this question to assess your ability to communicate with patients about sensitive topics. Use your answer to show that you can be honest and compassionate when discussing difficult situations.

Example: “I would first explain the test, how it works and what it can detect. Then I would tell them whether or not their fetus has the disorder. If they want more information, I would refer them to a genetic counselor so they can learn more about the disorder and its treatment options.”