17 Surgical Physician Assistant Interview Questions and Answers

A surgical physician assistant is a medical professional who assists surgeons in the operating room. As a surgical physician assistant, you will be responsible for prepping patients for surgery, assisting during the surgery, and post-operative care.

In order to become a surgical physician assistant, you will need to complete a physician assistant program and pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination. You will also need to obtain a state license. Once you have completed these steps, you will be ready to start your career. However, before you can start working, you will need to go through a job interview.

During a job interview, you will be asked a variety of questions. Some of these questions will be general questions about your experience and qualifications. Other questions will be specific to the surgical physician assistant role. In this guide, we will provide you with a list of common surgical physician assistant interview questions and answers.

Are you certified as a surgical physician assistant?

Employers may ask this question to see if you have the necessary certifications for the job. If you are not certified, they may want to know what steps you plan on taking to become certified. You can answer honestly about your certification status and explain how you plan to get certified in the future.

Example: “I am not currently certified as a surgical physician assistant. I do plan on getting my certification within the next year, however. I will be enrolling in an accredited program that offers courses online. This way, I can complete the coursework while working full-time.”

What are the most important qualities for a surgical physician assistant to have?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your personality and how you would fit in with their team. They want someone who is compassionate, organized and detail-oriented. When answering this question, think of the qualities that helped you succeed as a surgical physician assistant. Explain why these are important and share an example of when you used them.

Example: “The most important quality for a surgical physician assistant is compassion. You need to be able to put yourself in your patients’ shoes and understand what they’re going through. I have worked with many patients who were nervous or scared before surgery. It’s my job to make sure they feel comfortable and safe. Another important quality is organization. Surgical procedures require precision, so it’s essential to keep track of all medical supplies and paperwork. Finally, I find that attention to detail is crucial because even small mistakes can lead to bigger issues.”

How would you describe the relationship between a surgeon and a surgical physician assistant?

This question can help interviewers understand your perspective on the role of a surgical physician assistant and how you interact with surgeons. It can also show them whether you have experience working with surgeons, which is important for this type of position. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe what you think the relationship should be like and then explain what steps you would take to ensure that it’s effective.

Example: “I believe that the surgeon and I should work together as a team to provide the best care possible for our patients. To do this, I try to make sure that I am always prepared before surgery so that I can communicate any questions or concerns I may have about the procedure to my surgeon. This helps me feel confident in my ability to perform my job well and allows the surgeon to focus on their own responsibilities.”

What is the most important thing for a surgical physician assistant to remember before a surgery?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the job and how you can be a valuable asset to the team. It also gives you the chance to talk about some of the skills that make you qualified for this role, such as attention to detail, communication and organization.

Example: “The most important thing I remember before a surgery is to double-check all my equipment and supplies. This includes making sure we have enough sterile gloves, gowns, sutures and other tools needed for the procedure. I also check with the surgeon to confirm their preferences regarding anesthesia, blood type and any other special instructions.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to make a quick decision during a surgery. What was the outcome of your decision?

This question can help the interviewer gain insight into your critical thinking skills and how you make decisions in a fast-paced environment. Use examples from previous work experiences to highlight your ability to think quickly, analyze information and make appropriate choices.

Example: “In my last position as a surgical physician assistant, I was assisting with a surgery when one of the surgeons asked me to assist them with an emergency procedure. The patient’s vital signs were dropping, so we had to act quickly. I immediately began assessing the situation while the surgeon continued working on the original procedure. After determining that the patient would not survive if we didn’t perform the emergency procedure, I helped the surgeon complete it successfully.”

If a patient experienced a complication during a surgery, how would you handle it?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you would react to a challenging situation. It’s important to show that you have experience handling these situations and know what steps to take to resolve them.

Example: “If a patient experienced a complication during surgery, I would first assess the severity of the issue. If it was minor, I would handle it myself, but if it was more serious, I would ask for assistance from my supervising physician or another surgeon on staff. In either case, I would communicate with the patient and their family members about the situation and provide updates as they were available.”

What would you do if you noticed a surgeon making a mistake during a surgery?

This question can help interviewers understand how you would respond to a challenging situation. In your answer, try to demonstrate that you have the ability to think critically and communicate effectively with others.

Example: “If I noticed a surgeon making a mistake during a surgery, I would first make sure that the patient was safe and stable. Then, I would approach the surgeon calmly and respectfully to discuss what happened. If it was something minor, like misreading an instrument, I might ask if they want me to perform the rest of the surgery. However, if it’s something more serious, such as not following proper sterilization procedures, I would let them know that I’m reporting their actions to the hospital administration.”

How well do you work under pressure?

Working as a surgical physician assistant can be stressful at times. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the ability to work under pressure and complete your tasks in a timely manner. In your answer, explain that you are able to stay calm under pressure and prioritize your tasks effectively.

Example: “I am very organized and methodical when it comes to my work. I know how to manage my time well and always meet deadlines. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with surgeons who expect their PA’s to perform well under pressure. I feel confident that I can handle any situation that may arise during surgery.”

Do you have experience performing minor surgeries on your own?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience and skill. If you have previous experience performing minor surgeries, share that information with the interviewer. If you do not have any experience, you can explain what other skills or training you have to support your ability to perform this task.

Example: “I have performed minor surgeries on my own in a hospital setting before. I was able to assist surgeons during procedures like removing stitches and draining abscesses. I also assisted surgeons with more complex surgeries such as knee replacements and appendectomies.”

When performing a pre-operative assessment, what are the most important things to check for?

This question is an opportunity to show your interviewer that you know how to perform a thorough assessment before surgery. Use examples from previous experiences and explain why these things are important for the patient’s safety during surgery.

Example: “The most important thing I check for when performing a pre-operative assessment is any allergies or sensitivities my patients may have. For example, if they’re allergic to latex, we’ll need to use non-latex gloves during their procedure. Another important factor is whether or not they’ve had recent surgeries because this can impact what kind of anesthesia they receive. If they haven’t had a surgery in over a year, then they’ll likely be able to receive general anesthesia. However, if it’s been less than six months since their last surgery, they’ll probably only be able to receive local anesthesia.”

We want our patients to feel comfortable communicating with our surgical physician assistants. How would you make a patient feel at ease before a surgery?

This question helps the interviewer evaluate your interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with patients. Use examples from previous experiences where you helped a patient feel more comfortable before surgery.

Example: “I always make sure that I introduce myself to my patients before their surgeries, so they know who I am and can ask me questions about the procedure or what to expect during recovery. I also like to explain the surgical process in simple terms so they understand exactly what will happen during their procedures. This helps them feel more at ease and confident in our care.”

Describe your experience performing diagnostic tests.

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with diagnostic tests and how you apply the results of these tests to patient care. Use your answer to highlight your ability to perform diagnostic tests, interpret test results and use that information to provide quality care for patients.

Example: “In my previous role as a surgical physician assistant, I performed diagnostic tests such as blood pressure monitoring, pulse oximetry and temperature readings on patients before and after surgery. These tests helped me monitor patients’ vital signs during surgery and ensure they were in good health before entering the operating room. After performing these tests, I would review the results with surgeons and other medical professionals to discuss any concerns or issues.”

What makes you stand out from other surgical physician assistants?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your skills and abilities. They want to know what makes you unique from other candidates applying for the position. When answering this question, think of a skill or quality that you have that others may not. Try to choose something that is relevant to the job.

Example: “I believe my communication skills make me stand out from other surgical physician assistants. I am able to clearly explain medical procedures to patients and their families before surgery. This helps them feel more comfortable with the procedure and reduces any anxiety they may be feeling. It also allows them to ask questions so they understand everything that will happen during the operation.”

Which surgical specialties are you most interested in working with?

This question can help the interviewer determine if your interests align with their needs. It also helps them understand whether you have experience working in a specific specialty or if you’re open to learning new skills and techniques. When answering this question, it’s important to be honest about which specialties interest you while also showing that you are willing to learn more about other surgical fields.

Example: “I’m most interested in working as a general surgery physician assistant. I’ve always been fascinated by how surgeons can repair damaged organs and limbs and get patients back on their feet. However, I am also very interested in working with orthopedic surgeons. I love watching sports and seeing athletes return to the field after an injury, so I think I would enjoy helping people recover from injuries.”

What do you think is the most important thing for a surgical physician assistant to remember during a surgery?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the role and how it can impact a patient’s experience. A good answer will include information about safety, communication with other members of the surgical team and maintaining a positive attitude.

Example: “The most important thing for me as a surgical physician assistant is to keep my patients safe during surgery. I always make sure that I am following all protocols and procedures so that I don’t miss any steps or cause harm to the patient. Communication is also very important because it allows me to work effectively with the rest of the surgical team. Finally, I think it’s essential to maintain a positive attitude throughout the entire process.”

How often do you perform pre-operative assessments?

This question can help interviewers understand your experience with pre-operative assessments. They may also want to know how often you perform other tasks, such as administering anesthesia and monitoring patients during surgery. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention the specific skills or knowledge that helped you complete these tasks successfully.

Example: “In my previous role, I performed pre-operative assessments for every patient before they went into surgery. This included taking their vital signs, checking their medical history and reviewing any medications they were currently taking. It was important to me that I understood each patient’s unique situation so I could provide them with the best care possible.”

There is a shortage of qualified surgeons in this area. How would you convince a surgeon to work with you?

This question is a great way to show your interpersonal skills and ability to convince others. It also shows the interviewer that you are aware of the shortage in their area. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention specific reasons why you would want to work with a surgeon who is currently not practicing.

Example: “I know there is a shortage of surgeons in this area because I have had difficulty finding one for my family members. However, if I were looking for a surgeon myself, I would choose someone who was compassionate, kind and knowledgeable. Someone who could answer all of my questions and make me feel comfortable before, during and after surgery.”