You’ll be happy to know that the medical industry is more welcoming than ever if that’s something you’ve been considering. For a long time, there has been a severe shortage of medical professionals despite the fact that they work long hours and see traumatic occurrences on a regular basis. This is not a career for everyone and proper training is essential.
However, this scarcity is partly attributable to problems that have always been a part of the profession but are just now being effectively identified and addressed.
The Predicament: Why the Shortage Has Persisted for So Long
Consider doctors as an example. Dr. Allen J. Frances of Psychology Today claims that a scarcity of general practitioners is the result of a bias in the medical profession that leads many medical students to choose subspecialties.
Additionally, federal budget cuts have led to a scarcity of residency openings. There is a growing shortage of medical professionals since fewer can be trained to meet the demand for their services. By 2034, there will be a deficit of between 37,800 and 124,000 physicians, as reported by the American Association of Medical Colleges.
In practical terms, this implies that if you want to become a doctor, there are jobs out there for you to apply for, but it may be very challenging to actually land one. And that’s just one area of medicine; the hiring process is complicated and competitive across the board for many reasons.
Everything is Doable if You Just Try Hard Enough
While it may be challenging, it is not impossible. If you’ve put in the time and money to get an education in one of several medical specialties, all you need to do to get hired is to ace your interviews.
Here are some frequent questions posed by interviewers you need to have responses prepared for, whether you’re just starting out in the medical industry or are trying to advance your career.
Tell me about yourself; what brought you here?
Interviewers in all fields ask this question to gauge candidates’ interest in the position and potential growth within the organization. In a healthcare interview after the COVID outbreak, this question can also be used to gauge your level of resilience.
Medical professionals are leaving their jobs in droves because of the stress they’re under during the COVID pandemic; they’ve lost their motivation and don’t think their efforts are making a difference. When asked this question, if you choose to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field, you’ll show the interviewer that you’re committed to the field, believe in the work you want to accomplish, and want to put your energy toward caring for others in this time of stress.
Relationship-Building Exercises with Patients
As important as it was before the pandemic, your prospective employer will likely ask you how you intend to handle communication with patients and their families. Since doctors, nurses, and other medical staff often have to keep relatives of COVID patients informed while the patient is in isolation, they face an extra challenge in doing so with sensitivity and compassion.
A Proper Attitude Towards Patients
There may also be instances where you have to relay bad new to a patient. Answering this question correctly demonstrates your understanding of key components of effective communication:
- Make sure you have everything you need before you talk to the patient so you can give accurate answers to their concerns.
- Make sure the patient is not interrupted and is either alone or with individuals who the patient wants to hear the news. If there is anyone else in the room when the news is given, get their permission to tell them.
- Describe the circumstance openly and sympathetically, without sugarcoating anything, and in language that is simple and straightforward.
- Before you leave the room, make sure all questions are answered and everyone knows what to expect next.
Risk Assessment and Management
Questions on how you handle pressure and danger will also be included. If you’re considering a career in medicine, you should expect to come into contact with someone who has C.O.V.I.D., whether or not they show symptoms.
If the interviewer brings up the topic of potential dangers, you should be prepared to discuss situations like treating a patient with COVID or engaging with coworkers who may be infected. Make it clear that you understand the dangers you’re taking and that you intend to take every precaution to safeguard your physical and mental health. In the healthcare industry, showing that you are ahead of the curve by caring about your employees’ mental health is a plus.
Preparing for the aforementioned questions can help you rock the interview and land the profession of your dreams, whether you’re going into a highly competitive sector like medicine or starting out on a smaller scale like a hospital technician.