Common Interview Questions
Clinical Experience
"Tell me about your clinical experience and how it has prepared you for this role."
"Describe a challenging patient case and how you handled it."
"How do you stay current with medical literature and best practices?"
Collaboration & Communication
"How do you handle disagreements with supervising physicians or colleagues?"
"Describe your experience working in an interdisciplinary team."
"How do you communicate complex medical information to patients with limited health literacy?"
FQHC-Specific
"Why are you interested in working at a Federally Qualified Health Center?"
"How would you handle a high patient volume while maintaining quality care?"
"What experience do you have with patients who face barriers to care?"
Questions to Ask the Interviewer
Asking thoughtful questions shows your interest and helps you evaluate if the position is right for you.
Practice Environment
- What is the typical patient panel size and daily patient volume?
- What is the patient population like? (demographics, common conditions)
- What EMR system do you use?
- What support staff will I work with? (MAs, RNs, care coordinators)
- Is there opportunity for same-day appointments vs. scheduled?
Professional Development
- What CME allowance and time off is provided?
- Are there opportunities for leadership or specialization?
- How is performance evaluated?
- What mentorship or onboarding support is available?
Compensation & Benefits
- What is the full compensation package including benefits?
- Is this position eligible for NHSC loan repayment?
- Are there productivity bonuses or quality incentives?
- What is the call schedule like?
- Is there flexibility for scheduling or part-time options?
Organizational Culture
- What do you enjoy most about working here?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the organization?
- How has the organization adapted to recent healthcare changes?
- What is the typical tenure of providers here?
Salary & Offer Negotiation
Know Your Worth
Research salary ranges for your specialty and location. Use our salary benchmarking tool to understand market rates.
Consider Total Compensation
Salary is just one component. Factor in loan repayment, sign-on bonus, CME, PTO, retirement, and benefits.
Get It In Writing
Any verbal promises should be documented in your offer letter. This includes loan repayment, scheduling, and bonus structures.
Understand Clawback Clauses
Sign-on bonuses and loan repayment often come with service commitments. Understand the terms before signing.
Negotiate Thoughtfully
Be professional and collaborative. Focus on mutual benefit rather than demands. Start with your most important items.
Take Your Time
Don't feel pressured to accept immediately. Most employers will give you at least a week to review an offer.
FQHC Interview Tips
What FQHCs Look For
- • Commitment to serving underserved populations
- • Cultural competency and language skills
- • Ability to work in resource-limited settings
- • Team-oriented approach to patient care
- • Flexibility and adaptability
NHSC Loan Repayment Questions
- • Is this site NHSC-approved?
- • What is the current HPSA score?
- • Are there other providers with NHSC awards?
- • Will the organization support my application?
- • What happens if NHSC approval status changes?
Pre-Interview Checklist
Before the Interview
- Research the organization (mission, services, patient population)
- Review the job description and requirements
- Prepare STAR method examples for behavioral questions
- Research salary ranges for the position
- Prepare questions to ask the interviewer
- Plan your route and arrive 10-15 minutes early
What to Bring
- Multiple copies of your resume/CV
- List of professional references
- Copies of licenses and certifications
- Portfolio of relevant work (if applicable)
- Notepad and pen for taking notes
- List of prepared questions