Top 15 Physician Candidate Interview Questions
Interviewing physician candidates is a critical step in the recruitment process — one that requires both structure and strategy. Beyond assessing qualifications, these conversations provide your team with the opportunity to evaluate how well a provider aligns with your culture, values, and long-term objectives. Given how little time you may spend with a candidate before making a decision, it’s essential to ask the right physician candidate interview questions at the right stages.
These 15 carefully selected physician candidate interview questions are designed to help your recruitment team guide the conversation and uncover key insights — from early interest and relocation logistics to clinical fit and cultural alignment.
Prior to the First Interview
Best for screening calls or early outreach as candidates are sourced.
These questions help you determine if a candidate is a potential match before investing time in a formal interview. They provide insight into the candidate’s motivations, expectations, and personal circumstances.
1. How did you learn about our opportunity & what caught your interest about it?
Helps identify your most effective recruiting channels and what aspects of your organization are resonating with providers.
2. Are you interested in a specific type of practice structure? (private practice, partnership, or employment)
Understanding preferred practice models early can help avoid misalignment later.
3. Would you be relocating for this opportunity? If so, would anyone else be relocating with you?
This offers a window into family needs or potential relocation challenges.
4. What interests do you have outside of practicing medicine?
A well-rounded candidate can contribute to both team culture and community life.
First Interview Questions
Ideal for site visits or video calls — dig deeper into clinical expectations & cultural fit.
By this stage, you’re evaluating the candidate’s compatibility with your organization’s operations, values, and patient care expectations. These questions aim to clarify their clinical experience, personal preferences, and long-term goals.
5. Are the accommodations satisfactory?
Ensures the candidate feels supported during the site visit and reinforces attention to detail on your part.
6. What do you feel constitutes a busy practice? (patients per day, surgeries per month, etc.)
Reveals their expectations for workload and practice pace.
7. How many patients do you currently see per day? (for practicing physicians)
Establishes a performance baseline if the candidate is already practicing.
8. How many patients would you like to see a day?
Aligns expectations with reality — helpful for workforce planning and scheduling.
9. Do you plan to follow your patients in the hospital or admit them to the hospitalist service? (for primary care physicians)
Clarifies inpatient care responsibilities and collaboration preferences.
10. Do you have any prior experience referring patients to our organization?
Can signal existing trust in your system or gaps in awareness you may want to address.
11. What interests do you have outside of practicing medicine?
Repeating this question at a deeper stage helps gauge consistency and establish rapport.
After the Site Visit
Use these questions to assess interest level, identify concerns, & understand decision-making timelines.
As the site visit wraps up, it’s essential to gain clarity on the candidate’s impressions, any lingering questions, and the next steps. These questions support proactive follow-up and help your team stay ahead in the candidate selection process.
12. What would help you feel that this community is a good fit for you and your needs?
This invites open feedback on what matters most to them — whether it’s school systems, local activities, or housing.
13. Do you have any additional interviews scheduled now?
Knowing the competition helps inform your urgency and positioning.
14. What is your time frame for deciding?
Helps you coordinate internal timelines and prioritize next steps.
15. Are there any other questions about the organization or role requirements I can help answer?
A final open-ended question to ensure all concerns are addressed and show continued interest.
Interested in learning more about how Marketware’s Physician Recruitment platform can simplify your efforts? Schedule a customized tour of our Physician Strategy Suite with a recruitment specialist today!
Demo — Physician Recruitment
An Inside Look at Marketware’s Recruitment Platform
Our healthcare-specific recruitment and onboarding platforms are designed by industry professionals to streamline your hiring process — helping you source, qualify, and retain the best providers with ease. Interested in learning more about how Marketware’s Recruit Platform can help?
Tool Kit — Physician Recruitment
Physician Recruitment Playbook
A recruitment playbook serves as a comprehensive guide to help in-house recruitment teams streamline their processes, enhance efficiency, and successfully attract and retain top physician talent. By following the four key steps outlined in this tool kit, organizations can build a robust recruitment strategy that aligns with their mission and long-term goals.
Enter your email below to join Marketware’s community of healthcare professionals & thought leaders for the latest tips, trends & best practices!