20 Penn Medicine Interview Questions and Answers

Penn Medicine is a world-renowned medical school that offers a wide range of research and educational opportunities. If you’re lucky enough to land an interview with this prestigious institution, you can expect to be asked some tough questions.

In this article, we’ll give you a rundown of some of the most common Penn Medicine interview questions, so you can go into your interview prepared and confident.

Penn Medicine Interview Process

The interview process at Penn Medicine can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require at least one in-person interview with a manager or supervisor. For some positions, you may also be required to complete a video or phone interview. The overall experience of the interview process is generally positive, but some applicants have found it to be long and unorganized.

1. Why are you interested in the position?

This question is an opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the role and highlight any relevant skills or experiences. When preparing for this interview, read through the job description and make a list of what you can relate to in your own background.

Example: “I am interested in working at Penn Medicine because I have always been inspired by the research that takes place here. In my last position as a nurse practitioner, I worked with many patients who were looking for alternative treatments to their ailments. I would love to work in a medical facility where there are so many resources available to help people find solutions to their health problems.”

2. What is your educational background and how will it help you in this role?

This question is an opportunity to showcase your qualifications and how they can benefit the organization. If you have a degree in healthcare, include it in your answer. If not, explain what led you to this field and why you are qualified for the role.

Example: “I graduated from Penn State with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I then went on to complete my Master’s Degree in Nursing at Drexel University where I focused on pediatric nursing. My educational background has prepared me for this role as a nurse practitioner because it gave me the skills and knowledge to care for patients of all ages.”

3. Describe a time when you were able to positively influence the actions of others.

This question is an opportunity to show your leadership skills and ability to motivate others. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific situation where you were able to influence the actions of another person or group of people.

Example: “In my last position as a nurse manager, I had a staff member who was consistently late for work. This behavior negatively affected their performance at work because they would rush through tasks in order to get to their shift on time. After speaking with them about the issue, we decided that they would arrive 15 minutes early each day so they could complete all of their duties without rushing.”

4. Give an example of a time where you had to prioritize multiple tasks. How did you decide which task came first?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you prioritize your time and manage multiple projects. Use examples from previous work experiences to show that you are organized, efficient and able to meet deadlines.

Example: “In my last position as a nurse practitioner, I had to balance patient care with administrative tasks like filling out paperwork and submitting reports on time. I created an organizational system where I would check in with patients first before moving onto other tasks. This helped me ensure all of my patients were receiving proper care while also completing my administrative duties.”

5. Provide an example of a time when you demonstrated compassion towards a patient or family member.

When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide a specific example of how you helped someone through their medical experience. This can show the interviewer that you have empathy and compassion for your patients and are willing to go above and beyond to help them feel comfortable and supported during their treatment.

Example: “When I was working in my previous hospital, I had a patient who was very nervous about having surgery. She was worried about what would happen during her procedure and if she would ever be able to walk again. I talked with her about her concerns and reassured her that we would do everything we could to make sure she felt safe and prepared for her surgery. After our conversation, she seemed much more at ease and ready to begin her recovery.”

6. What would you do if, during a routine check-up, you noticed something abnormal about a patient’s symptoms?

Interviewers want to know how you would handle a challenging situation, such as diagnosing an illness or injury. Use your answer to show that you can think critically and apply medical knowledge to solve problems.

Example: “If I noticed something abnormal during a routine check-up, I would first ask the patient about their symptoms and perform any necessary tests to rule out other possible causes of those symptoms. If it was clear that there was a serious problem, I would refer them to a specialist for further diagnosis and treatment.”

7. Tell me about a time where you worked with a team that was not functioning well. What did you do to resolve the issue?

This question is a great way to show your problem-solving skills and ability to work with others. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention how you helped the team resolve their issues and what steps you took to make sure that situation did not happen again.

Example: “In my last position as a nurse, I worked with a doctor who was very busy and often forgot to communicate important information to his staff. This led to many mistakes in patient care, which made me feel like our department was not functioning well. I approached him about the issue and asked if he would consider delegating some of his tasks to other members of the team so we could all learn more about each other’s roles. He agreed and delegated some of his responsibilities to another member of the team. We also started weekly meetings where we discussed any concerns or questions we had.”

8. Do you have any experience working with Electronic Medical Records (EMR)?

Electronic medical records are a common tool used in the healthcare industry. This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of EMR and how you use it. If you have experience with EMR, explain what type of system you worked with and how you used it. If you don’t have any experience working with EMR, you can talk about your familiarity with the technology and why you would be interested in learning more about it.

Example: “I’ve never had the opportunity to work with Electronic Medical Records before, but I am familiar with the concept. In my last position as a nurse, we were still using paper charts for patient information. I think that having access to digital files would make it easier to share important information between doctors and nurses.”

9. Have you ever experienced conflict with a coworker? If so, how did you handle it?

This question can help interviewers learn more about your interpersonal skills and how you resolve conflict. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide an example of a time when you had a disagreement with a coworker but were able to resolve the issue in a positive way.

Example: “In my last position as a nurse practitioner, I worked closely with one other nurse practitioner who was also new to the role. We often disagreed on patient care plans, which led to some tension between us. However, we both realized that our disagreements stemmed from not knowing each other’s processes well enough yet. After talking through our differences, we learned to appreciate each other’s unique approaches to patient care.”

10. What is your clinical specialty?

Penn Medicine is a large medical facility that offers many clinical specialties. The interviewer wants to know if you have the skills and experience to work in their department. If you don’t have direct experience, explain what other areas of medicine you are interested in pursuing.

Example: “I am an emergency room physician with five years of experience working in trauma centers. I enjoy helping patients who need urgent care and want to continue my career in this field. However, I also love pediatrics and would be happy to work in your pediatric unit.”

11. What types of research interests you most?

Penn Medicine is a research-focused medical institution, and your answer to this question can help the interviewer determine if you are qualified for the position. When answering this question, it’s important to show that you have an interest in working at a research facility. You should also mention any specific skills or experience related to research.

Example: “I am passionate about researching new ways to improve patient care. I’ve worked as a nurse for five years now, so I know what types of treatments work best for patients. However, I’m always excited to learn more about new treatment methods and how they can be applied to my current practice.”

12. Can you tell me about a time when you had to deal with an unhappy customer?

This question can help the interviewer get an idea of how you handle conflict and stress. Use examples from your previous job to highlight your problem-solving skills, communication skills and ability to work under pressure.

Example: “In my last position as a medical assistant at a local hospital, I had a patient who was unhappy with their treatment because they didn’t feel like we were giving them enough attention. I listened carefully to what they had to say and explained that our team is always working hard to provide the best care for all patients. We also have a lot of patients every day, so it’s sometimes difficult to give everyone the same level of attention. However, I assured them that we would do everything in our power to make sure they felt comfortable.”

13. In what ways can you contribute to improving the quality of care at Penn Medicine?

Penn Medicine is a large medical institution that provides care to patients in the Philadelphia area. Interviewers ask this question to learn about your passion for improving patient care and how you plan to contribute to Penn Medicine’s mission of providing quality healthcare services. In your answer, share examples of how you have contributed to similar institutions in the past.

Example: “I am passionate about helping others achieve their health goals. I believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality healthcare regardless of their socioeconomic status or insurance coverage. As a nurse practitioner, I would love to work with Penn Medicine to provide more affordable healthcare options to patients who need it most.”

14. How would you describe your communication style?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you interact with your team and other professionals. It’s important to be honest about your communication style, but also highlight any skills or techniques that have helped you improve in this area.

Example: “I would describe my communication style as direct and concise. I prefer to speak directly and clearly so there is no confusion about what I’m saying. However, I’ve learned over time that it’s beneficial to provide more context when necessary. For example, if I need to give feedback on a project, I’ll start by stating the facts of the situation and then explain why those facts are important. This helps others understand where they can improve.”

15. Are you comfortable using computers for extended periods of time?

The medical field is becoming increasingly dependent on computers and other technology. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the necessary computer skills for their job. In your answer, let them know that you are comfortable using computers and other technology. Explain how you use these tools in your daily life or previous jobs.

Example: “I am very comfortable using computers for extended periods of time. I use a computer every day at work as an accountant. I also use my computer regularly for personal tasks like banking and shopping online. I find it easy to navigate through different programs and websites.”

16. How do you stay calm under pressure?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your ability to remain calm and focused during a crisis. They want to know that you can handle stressful situations without compromising patient care or safety. In your answer, try to demonstrate how you stay calm under pressure while also showing the interviewer what steps you take to prevent these types of situations from occurring in the first place.

Example: “I always make sure I am prepared for any situation before it happens. For example, if I see a patient who is experiencing pain, I will do my best to determine the cause of their symptoms as quickly as possible so they can receive treatment sooner rather than later. This helps me avoid having to rush through an examination or diagnosis.”

17. What do you like least about being a registered nurse?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your personality and how you handle challenges. It’s important to be honest in your answer, but try to focus on what you learned from the experience rather than dwelling on it.

Example: “The thing I like least about being a registered nurse is when patients are upset with their care or don’t understand why they need certain treatments. I always make sure to explain things thoroughly so that my patients know exactly what we’re doing and why. In some cases, this means taking extra time to ensure they feel comfortable before moving forward.”

18. What specific skills make you qualified for the role?

This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your qualifications and how they relate to the job. When preparing for this interview, make sure you read through the job description thoroughly so that you can reference specific skills or experience that align with what the employer is looking for.

Example: “I have three years of experience as a nurse in an emergency room setting, which has given me valuable knowledge on how to handle stressful situations and work well under pressure. I also have two years of experience working as a medical assistant at a pediatrician’s office, where I learned how to communicate effectively with patients and their families.”

19. How often do you need direct supervision?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your ability to work independently. It’s important that you show your potential employer that you can be productive and efficient without constant supervision.

Example: “I am very comfortable working on my own, but I also enjoy collaborating with others. In my current position, I have been able to develop relationships with other staff members so we are all familiar with each other’s roles. This has allowed me to take on more responsibilities and projects, which has led to increased productivity.”

20. Do you have any questions for us?

This is a common question that employers ask at the end of an interview. It’s your chance to show how much you’ve researched Penn Medicine and what you’re looking for in a job. Before your interview, make sure to read through the job description so you can come prepared with questions about the position or company.

Example: “I have two questions for you. First, I noticed that there are many opportunities for research here. What would be my role as a resident physician? Would I have time to pursue research projects? Second, I’m very interested in working with children. How does this hospital support pediatric care?”