When one applies for a job or a position, it is expected that the interviewer will assess if the applicant has the necessary skill set and experience. Doesn’t this make sense? Consider these examples.
A clarinetist applies for a position in a symphony
orchestra. While many criteria will be
assessed, he will surely need to audition to demonstrate his musicianship. Would he ever be hired without playing a
note?
A college student wants to join the swim team. The applicant can expect to show off her
speed and technique as she cuts across the pool. Would any coach accept a new swim team member
without watching her swim?
A journalist for a town paper applies for a job at a large
metropolitan newspaper. The interviewing
editor will surely review the applicant’s prior work product to gauge his
competence and suitability for the new position. Would an editor bring on a new reporter
without ever reviewing his writings?
A college graduates applies to the State Department as a
translator. Would such a hire ever occur
without determining if the applicant has the requisite language skills?
So how does the medical profession hire on new medical
professionals? I should certainly know
this since I’ve been in the trade for 3 decades and have had enough job
interviews to know how the process works.
I’ll ask readers to peruse the following 5 sample gastroenterologist
applicant questions. Can you spot the ones I was asked during my prior job
interviews?
Which antibiotics do you typically prescribe for
diverticulitis?
What is your age cutoff for offering screening colonoscopies?
What is your complication rate for colonoscopy and other medical procedures?
When is the right time to prescribe steroids in Crohn’s
disease?
Does a patient who is having a gallstone attack and a fever
need to be hospitalized?
Which ones were I asked?
None of the above. For reasons I
cannot easily explain, I have never been asked any medical question during any prior
job interview. Similarly, when I have
interviewed job applicants myself, I have never queried them on any medical
issue. The profession, at least in my
experience, assumes that physician applicants have all of the necessary medical
skills and knowledge, even though this does not seem to make much sense. Shouldn’t the applicant at the very least be
asked to review case histories of assorted patients and to comment? It seems it’s a lot tougher to get a job as a
clarinetist than as a gastroenterologist. Does this put your mind at ease?