40 Most Common General Surgery Interview Questions

TL;DR: In interviews you’ll be asked questions ranging from General, to In-Depth and Procedural questions. This list of 40 questions takes you through how to structure your answers in ways that will make you stand out to interviewers.

Interviewing is a science and an art form that takes practice. No matter what stage of your career you’re in, now is always the right time to brush up on your interviewing techniques for general surgery positions. Keep in mind, you have a short amount of time to convey to a potential employer that you have the expertise, experience and skills to provide exceptional patient care to the communities they serve.

To help you prep for your interview, today we’re going to take you through the top 40 questions surgeons are asked in locums role interviews. We encourage you to think about ways that answer these questions simply, with clarity and outcomes-focused language as you tailor your responses to each potential surgery interview.

Most Common General Surgery Interview Questions

• How to Prepare for a General Surgery Interview
• General Questions
• In-Depth Questions
• Procedural Questions

How to Prepare For A General Surgery Interview?

Preparing for your interview means not only having your documents, credentials and licensure together, but also thinking through the logistics of interviewing. You need to set aside time in your schedule to perform your best during the interview. This might mean scheduling time off or re-arranging care plans for infants or elders. It also means that you’ll need to map out your journey if you need to travel, know exactly where you have to be and when, and figure out parking arrangements.Taking care of the logistics side is going to help ease your mind on the day-of, making every movement feel natural instead of rushed. 

The two most important things in the interviewing process are professionalism and clarity. Good interview prep goes beyond knowing best practices because it’s about your contribution to a specific workplace. That means you'll need to do a bit of research on the place you're applying to. You should be able to clearly state your career goals and explain your career history, including your training and any gaps in your CV or resume. Your answers to interview questions need to be focused and clear, but they should never feel like you’re reading off a cue card. Interviewers want to see the authentic self you bring to your work and understand how you think and problem solve. 

To help you strategize and prepare, we’ve collected the most common interview questions that surgeons are asked in interviews for their locum tenens roles. These range from run-of-the-mill asks about your work and career history, to more in-depth questions and procedural questions that might be asked in subsequent interviews.

General Questions

The first part of the interview process is about getting to know you. Opener questions asked in a first round interview are all about gauging your fit to move to the next round and whether you understand best practices. But they’re also about being respectful of your interviewer’s time. 

Let’s take a look:

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

This is not the time to start off with a life story so much as it is a chance for the interviewer to see how you present yourself. You should plan out your answer to be focused on your career goals, citing your most recent employment, any publications or accomplishments you’re proud of, and/or fellowship or residency. But keep your answer focused and clear about why you are interested in this particular role at this specific healthcare provider.

Example: "I'm a board-eligible general surgeon with a background in [e.g., surgical oncology/trauma surgery/minimally invasive techniques], recently finishing my residency at [Institution]. Clinically, I’m particularly drawn to complex abdominal surgery and building longitudinal relationships with patients. Beyond the OR, I’ve been actively involved in [e.g., quality improvement projects on reducing SSIs or mentoring medical students]. Outside of medicine, I recharge by [e.g., hiking with my family or woodworking], which helps me maintain the balance necessary for this demanding field."

Why are you the best candidate for this role? 

Much like the first, this question is about positioning yourself as uniquely qualified for this position. Your answer needs to demonstrate both a knowledge of your field and in-depth insights into the healthcare provider’s specific practice and needs. This might mean integrating your previous experiences working with a similar patient population or unique knowledge of surgical specialty into your answer.

Example: "I believe my combination of robust technical training in advanced laparoscopic procedures, a demonstrated commitment to patient safety through my work on [specific initiative], and a collaborative temperament makes me an ideal fit. I’m not just looking for a job; I’m seeking a long-term partnership. I’ve researched your group's reputation for [e.g., multidisciplinary cancer care or surgical innovation] and am confident I can contribute immediately to your team’s efficiency and high standards of care while growing into a future leader within the practice."

Would you be willing to live in x location? 

This question is about finding out if you’re committed to being here for the term of your role and might be testing to see if you would be comfortable there for a longer term stay. How you answer this question may determine whether they consider you for a longer-term role, if that’s something you’re looking for.

Example: "Absolutely. My family and I have researched [City/Region] extensively and are very excited about the prospect. We’re drawn to [e.g., its strong sense of community, outdoor amenities, or excellent schools]. For me, a supportive environment outside the hospital is crucial for sustainability in surgery. We’re fully prepared to relocate and put down roots here for the long term."

Why have you decided to leave your current role?

You have the opportunity to explain your career goals and how your work choices align with them. If you're coming out of a workplace that really didn't serve you, the best way to do it is to keep things professional. Re-frame the question toward the understanding that the role you’re interviewing for is more aligned with your goals and that you’re excited about contributing to the positive work culture they’re known for creating. Keep things specific, career focused and positive.

Example: "My current training/residency has provided an excellent foundation, and I’m grateful for it. Now, I am seeking a [permanent/locum tenens] position where I can invest in a community and a practice. I am specifically looking for a group like yours that offers [e.g., a broad general surgery scope, a collegial partnership model, and opportunities for growth], which aligns perfectly with my long-term professional goals. This feels like the natural and positive next step."

Tell us more about your research.

For those who are doing research, this is a great place to show your expertise in your chosen field and the healthcare provider you’re seeking a role with. But, we advise that you “exhaust the topic, not the listener.”

Example: "During my residency, I was involved in a project examining [e.g., the impact of enhanced recovery protocols on length of stay for colectomy patients]. My role involved [e.g., data collection and analysis]. While I don't plan a primary research career, the experience honed my ability to critically evaluate literature and implement evidence-based changes at the bedside. It reinforced that good research directly translates to improved patient outcomes and system efficiency."

What accomplishment are you most proud of? This could be either personal or professional.

Here you’re being invited to show you’re a well-rounded person. Think through which accomplishment would best fit the bill for this specific interview. This might include volunteer work you did with the same type of patient population which the healthcare provider serves or it might be a publication or new surgical technique you’ve been honing. Either way, tailor your example to the interview.

Example: "I'm most proud of leading a multidisciplinary initiative to reduce central line infections in the SICU. By championing a new checklist and education program, our team achieved a 12-month infection-free period. It taught me the power of persistence and teamwork in changing culture for patient safety."

What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

This is definitely not the time for a vague answer about “being perfect.” Instead, you’ll want to share honestly about a time you struggled with a task or situation, and - most importantly - what you did to address the issue. It's an opportunity to give a proactive answer that sheds lights on the ways you’re growing.

Example: "My greatest strength is my deliberate and calm demeanor under pressure. In the OR, this allows me to maintain focus and clear communication during complex cases. As for a weakness, I've learned that my desire for thoroughness can sometimes lead me to be overly detailed in preoperative planning. I'm actively working on this by setting clear time limits for my decision-making and trusting the well-established protocols of my team, ensuring we are both efficient and comprehensive."

Tell us about a time you received critique and how you responded.

This is about whether you have the people and self reflection skills to be a team player who can correct their own mistakes. Answer with a brief story that emphasizes what happened, what the critique was, your self evaluation and the actions you took to correct the situation.

Example: (Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result)
"SITUATION: As a chief resident, my attending pointed out that my instructions to juniors during a busy trauma activation were too vague. TASK: I needed to improve my leadership communication under stress. ACTION: I immediately thanked him for the feedback. Later, I reflected and adopted a more structured communication model (like SBAR) for urgent situations. I also asked a colleague to observe me and give pointers. RESULT: My team’s efficiency improved, and I received positive feedback on my clearer directives in subsequent emergencies. It was a valuable lesson in leading effectively."

Why surgery?

Questions like this one are about your shared values. Take a look at the healthcare provider’s mission statement before the interview to understand their perspective. Keep your answer to two minutes or less to provide them with insights into why this is your chosen career path and how previous training shaped you.

Example: "For me, surgery is the perfect intersection of decisive problem-solving, technical skill, and profound human connection. There's a unique privilege and responsibility in being able to directly intervene, alleviate suffering, and often provide a cure. I thrive in the focused, team-based environment of the OR and cherish the longitudinal trust built with patients through their surgical journey. It's intellectually, technically, and personally demanding in a way I find deeply fulfilling."

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

We know it’s tempting to say “the beach,” but this question is about your long-term planning and you should have a clear answer on where you’re headed. Maybe that’s a role as Head Surgeon, maybe your work is in teaching at a Medical School or maybe it’s about establishing your own practice. Whatever that goal is, now is the time for you to sit down and plan out how you’d respond. This question is less likely to arise in a locum tenens interview, but it's still a good idea to have an answer in mind.

Example: "In ten years, I see myself as a well-integrated, high-volume surgeon within this group, respected by my colleagues, patients, and the referring community. I aim to have developed a subspecialty focus in [e.g., breast or colorectal surgery] that benefits the practice, and to be actively involved in mentoring residents and shaping quality initiatives here. Ultimately, I envision a career where I’ve achieved excellence in clinical care and have become a pillar of both this practice and the wider medical community."

Do you have any questions for me/us?

Generally, you should prep at least one question for a moment like this. Be thoughtful about the type of question you ask depending on the round of interview. For a first round interview you might ask a question about following up or something about one of the healthcare providers’ programs of interest to you. 

Example: "Absolutely, thank you. I have a few: First, how would you describe the culture of collaboration between surgeons and the broader care team here? Second, what are the group's most pressing goals for the next 2-3 years, and how could a new surgeon like me contribute? Finally, for you personally, what has been the most rewarding aspect of practicing with this group?"

Tell me something interesting that’s not on your application.

You should always have one thing that isn’t on your application materials that you can discuss as part of your career or 10 year plans. But be cautious about over-disclosure. This is not about your personal life so much as it is about passion projects related to your field of expertise.

Example: "You won't see it on my CV, but I have a passion for historical carpentry. I've been slowly learning to build furniture using traditional joinery techniques. It requires immense patience, precision, and planning—skills that directly translate to the OR. More importantly, it's a tangible, creative outlet that provides a complete mental break from medicine, which I find essential for sustainability."

If you could be a specific type of disease, which one would you choose?

Whew- this one is always a curveball. Asking non-standard questions is about gauging how you respond to the unexpected and whether you fit in with the work culture. Don’t be afraid to get creative while still keeping your answer to-the-point.

Example: "I would choose a curable bacterial infection, like one treated with a straightforward course of antibiotics. While it sounds counterintuitive, my reasoning is this: It represents a problem that is definitive, understandable, and has a clear, effective treatment pathway. It reflects my ideal role as a surgeon—to be a definitive solution. It also carries a humility; the 'disease' is gone, and the credit goes to the patient's own healing and the science, not to me."

Have you applied to any other roles?

The interviewer wants to know more about your job search process and whether you have other options. Be clear about whether you have applied elsewhere, especially if it’s in a different location. But you do not have to disclose too many specifics. 

Example: "Yes, I am exploring a select number of opportunities in [geographic region or type of practice, e.g., the Midwest/academic hybrid models]. My priority is finding the right long-term fit. I'm looking for a practice with a strong clinical reputation, a collaborative culture, and a need for my skill set, which is precisely why this position is at the top of my list. This isn't just a job for me; it's the specific opportunity I am most excited about."

In-Depth Questions

After the general round and the interviewers have a better feel for who you are, they’ll ask more in-depth questions that get at your “why.” These will sound a little something like:

Why do you want to work with [healthcare organization or practice]?

Focus on showcasing your knowledge of the healthcare provider and/or facility. You should review their mission statement, recent press releases and any awards that might be relevant to your decision to apply. It’s also always good to mention when a specific provider cultivates a positive work environment, especially if employees have said so online.

Example: "My decision is based on three key aspects of your practice. First, your established [e.g., multi-disciplinary breast center or robust trauma program] aligns perfectly with my clinical interests. Second, I've heard from colleagues about your group's supportive and non-hierarchical culture, which is essential for me. Finally, your commitment to [e.g., adopting robotic technology or community outreach] shows a forward-thinking approach I want to be part of. I see a clear path here to grow as a surgeon and a contributor."

Do you have experience in managing or leading a team?

This question is about the balance between leadership and collaboration. Your answer needs to emphasize your previous leadership experience and how that developed from your work with surgical teams. It should also capture your leadership philosophy, showing that you are someone who can be depended on to make good decisions and communicate clearly.

Example: "Yes, throughout my chief year, leading the surgical team was a core responsibility. Beyond running trauma activations, I specifically initiated weekly "huddles" for our service to anticipate discharges and potential complications. This required coordinating with NPs, case managers, and floor nurses. As a result, we improved our weekend discharge rate and reduced page burdens—a lesson in how leadership is about enabling the team's success."

What do you believe is the most challenging part of being a surgeon?

There are many answers to this question. Make sure you’ve thought about yours in advance and that your response touches on both people and process.

Example: "The most profound challenge is carrying the weight of irreversible decisions. While we operate as a team, the ultimate responsibility for the incision, the resection, and the outcome rests with the attending surgeon. Balancing that gravity with the need for confident, decisive action is a constant. It requires a deep well of knowledge, humility to ask for help, and the resilience to learn from every outcome without being paralyzed by the inherent risks of our work."

Why did you choose to go into medicine?

Deceptively simple. But your answer will reveal a lot about your motivations, career objectives and your personality as a physician. Your response should be personal and detailed, but not over-practiced.

Example: "My initial draw was the chance to apply rigorous knowledge to directly alleviate human suffering. During my clinical rotations, that abstract idea became real. I was captivated by the diagnostic puzzle, but more so by the privilege of guiding someone through a vulnerable time. Surgery ultimately presented itself as the discipline where I could most fully engage that combination of intellectual challenge, manual skill, and longitudinal care."

What role do you see yourself playing in the education and mentorship of medical students, residents, or junior colleagues in our practice?

This question assesses your commitment to the collective future of the profession and the practice's culture. It evaluates whether you see mentorship as a burden or a privilege, your teaching philosophy, and your potential to attract and retain talent. It also probes your collaborative spirit and long-term investment in the group's legacy.

Example: "I see it as a fundamental responsibility and one of the most rewarding parts of our profession. In the short term, I aim to be the approachable, available surgeon who takes time in the OR to explain the 'why' behind decisions. Long-term, I hope to develop more structured teaching, perhaps leading skills workshops or journal clubs. My philosophy is 'see one, do one, teach one' with a heavy emphasis on safety and graduated autonomy. I believe that investing in the next generation is how we elevate our entire practice's standard of care."

Tell us about a patient encounter that taught you something about yourself.

They’re asking you to reveal a bit about how the personal intersects with your professional identity. Stories about the patients who shape the way you give care or your understanding of patient needs can be deeply moving and profound. Give this one some serious thought before going into the interview.

Example: (Use the STAR method)
"SITUATION: I was caring for a veteran with a complex wound who was consistently gruff and dismissive. TASK: My task was to provide effective care despite the interpersonal challenge. ACTION: Instead of taking it personally, I spent extra time asking about his service. He eventually shared his PTSD struggles. I realized my job wasn't just to debride a wound, but to see the person within the patient. RESULT: His demeanor softened, compliance improved dramatically, and he thanked me upon discharge. It taught me that resilience in surgery isn't just about physical stamina, but about emotional perseverance and the power of simple, human curiosity to break down barriers."

What do you believe is most important in establishing long-term trust with patients and referring physicians?

This two-part question tests your understanding of professional relationships beyond the OR. For patients, it assesses your patient-centricity, communication skills, and empathy. For referring physicians, it evaluates your professionalism, reliability, and understanding of the broader care ecosystem.

Example: "For patients, the cornerstone is consistent, transparent communication and managed expectations. It means being honest about risks, delays, and uncertainties, and always following through on what you promise. For referring physicians, trust is built on reliability and closed-loop communication. They need to know that when they send a patient, they will receive a timely, clear update on my assessment and plan, and that their patient will feel cared for. Essentially, for both groups, trust is built by being predictably competent, communicative, and respectful of their role in the patient's journey."

How do you solve a communication issue with team members?

Clarity and mutual respect should be at the heart of your response to this question. Interviewers want to know they’re hiring someone who will be able to fit the culture of the workplace and that they’re a good colleague.

Example: "My approach is immediate, private, and focused on the goal of patient safety. For instance, if I sense tension or confusion about a plan in the OR, I would call a brief 'time-out' to verbally reconfirm the critical steps with the entire team, framing it as a safety check. If it's a recurring issue with an individual, I would seek a private moment to say, 'I've noticed we sometimes have different understandings on X. For the patient's sake, how can we align better?' This focuses the conversation on our shared objective rather than personal blame, and opens a collaborative path to a solution."

What role does continuing education play in your career plans?

Physicians are always learning something new. It’s one of the remarkable things about the profession and the work of caring for patients. Your response should contain specific examples of continuing education opportunities that you’ve participated in recently. These might include surgical seminars about a new technique, training for the use of AI or automated surgical procedures, or other courses and conferences.

Example: "It is the non-negotiable foundation of safe and modern practice. My plan is tripartite: First, formal education through board recertification and targeted courses (e.g., advanced laparoscopy). Second, self-directed learning via journals and tumor boards to stay current. Third, and perhaps most importantly, peer-based learning—discussing challenging cases with colleagues here and at conferences. I view CME not as a box to check, but as an integral part of providing the standard of care my patients deserve."

Tell us about the actions you take to exceed patient expectations.

Every physician knows that hospital metrics have become increasingly important over the years. This question is as much about care as it is about your understanding of how your work with patients impacts healthcare providers. Explain the actions you’ve taken and also have a metric on hand to show your results.

Example: "While meeting expectations is about clinical competence, exceeding them is about human connection and anticipating needs. I make a habit of sitting down during consultations to eliminate physical barriers. I provide my patients with a handwritten card with my name and a direct clinic line. Post-op, I personally call them on day one after discharge to check in—a small act that often catches them by surprise and provides immense reassurance. It signals that my care doesn't end at the hospital door."

Tell us about a time you faced an unexpected resource constraint in the OR (e.g., equipment malfunction, lack of a specific implant) and how you managed it to ensure patient safety and a successful outcome.

This is a classic behavioral question assessing crisis management, ingenuity, and absolute commitment to patient safety. It moves beyond theoretical skill to reveal how you think on your feet under pressure. The interviewer wants to see a calm, systematic approach where you prioritize safety, utilize the team, and demonstrate surgical judgment, proving you are a reliable problem-solver when plans fall apart.

Example (STAR Method):
SITUATION: During a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the staple/ligature device malfunctioned on the cystic duct stump, leaving an incomplete seal. TASK: Secure the duct safely without the planned technology, avoiding conversion to open if possible. ACTION: I remained calm, asked anesthesia to keep the patient deep, and communicated clearly with the team: "Device failure. We need alternatives. Please have clips and an endoloop ready." I placed a laparoscopic grasper to temporarily occlude the duct, then carefully dissected a longer, more mobile stump to allow for secure placement of two standard titanium clips under direct vision. RESULT: The duct was securely ligated. We completed the case laparoscopically without compromise. Afterward, I personally filed the device malfunction report with biomed. The takeaway was that fundamental technique and a calm team are the ultimate backup systems.

Can you describe a time you had to adapt to a significant change in clinical guidelines, hospital policy, or a new piece of operating room technology?

This question evaluates your adaptability, commitment to evidence-based practice, and approach to change management. Healthcare is dynamic, and the interviewer needs to know if you are rigid or a flexible lifelong learner. It also probes whether you take a passive or active role in implementing change—do you merely comply, or do you help lead and educate others through the transition?

Example (STAR Method):
SITUATION: During my residency, our hospital mandated a rapid transition to a new ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocol for colorectal cases, which significantly altered pre-op, intra-op, and post-op routines. TASK: I needed to not only adapt my own practice, but also help persuade skeptical senior surgeons and educate nursing staff to ensure consistent implementation. ACTION: I took the initiative to deeply review the literature supporting the protocol. I then created a one-page "cheat sheet" for the surgical team and floor nurses highlighting key changes (e.g., carbohydrate loading, multimodal analgesia). In the OR, I became the informal point person, gently reminding attendings of the new steps and explaining the rationale. RESULT: Our service saw a faster adoption curve than others. Within months, we documented a measurable reduction in average length of stay. It taught me that adapting to change is proactive—it requires understanding the 'why' and being a collaborative champion for improvement.

Procedural Questions

Once you’re a bit further into the interview, you should expect more detailed questions designed to gauge your mastery of best practices as a surgeon. These are going to focus on both soft and hard skills that shape your work ethic.

Describe how you comfort patients and their families.

This is a great chance to explain your philosophy of care, but it might take some practice to strike the right balance between passion and professionalism. 

Example: "Comfort comes from clarity and presence, not platitudes. I use plain language, never euphemisms. I sit down, make eye contact, and give them my undivided attention. I acknowledge the emotion first ('I can see this is very scary for you all') before explaining the facts. I outline the plan clearly: what we know, what we don't know, and what the next concrete steps are. I also offer realistic hope by focusing on what we can control. Finally, I make a specific commitment about when I'll update them next, and I always follow through. This structure provides a sense of predictability in an unpredictable situation."

How do you approach a situation where you must advocate for a patient's surgical need against initial pushback, perhaps from a referring specialist, an insurance provider, or even within a multidisciplinary team meeting?

This question assesses a candidate's real-world ability to champion a patient's clinical needs in the face of resistance from colleagues, systems, or protocols. The intent is to uncover whether they can advocate while maintaining crucial professional relationships, using evidence and diplomacy rather than confrontation to navigate complex institutional dynamics and keep the patient's welfare at the center.

Example: "In a tumor board discussion for a healthy patient with a single resectable liver metastasis, the medical oncologist advocated strongly for chemotherapy alone. My approach was to first listen and acknowledge my colleague's valid perspective, then reframe the conversation around our shared goal of long-term survival for this specific patient. I presented data supporting surgical candidacy based on favorable clinical criteria and proposed a collaborative path of presenting both options to the patient alongside seeking a specialist second opinion. The result was that the patient, after full consultation, chose surgery. We performed it successfully, and by handling the advocacy through evidence and partnership, the multidisciplinary team remained intact and fully engaged in the patient's ongoing care, proving that effective advocacy strengthens, rather than fractures, collaborative relationships."

Describe a conflict with a staff member and how you resolved it.

When you answer this question, you need to briefly explain the situation, describe the challenge you were facing, the action you took and the overall outcome. When answering a behavioral question like this one you should provide interviewers with a clear case that shows how you used your people skills for conflict resolution and team cohesion.

Example (STAR Method):
SITUATION: A seasoned scrub nurse and I had a recurring tension; she felt I was sometimes impatient during instrument exchanges in complex cases. TASK: Repair the working relationship to ensure seamless, safe teamwork. ACTION: I requested a brief, private conversation after a clinic day. I used "I" statements and focused on the goal: "I value your expertise, and I feel our rhythm in the OR hasn't been optimal lately. I'm concerned it might impact safety. Can you help me understand your perspective?" She explained that my hand signals were occasionally ambiguous. I listened without defensiveness. RESULT: We agreed on a set of clearer verbal cues for high-stress moments. I also made a point to verbally acknowledge her excellent setups. The conflict dissolved, and our efficiency improved significantly. The lesson was that most conflicts stem from miscommunication, and addressing them directly and respectfully is a professional obligation.

Ethical dilemma about a patient question.

Much like the previous behavioral question, this one is about problem solving and your knowledge of best practices. The interviewer wants to know that you know how to do due diligence and protect the patient, yourself and the healthcare provider from legal liability. You should review legal standards and documents about your ethical duties of care if you have questions.

Example: "A family once asked me not to tell their elderly mother her new cancer diagnosis, fearing it would crush her spirit. This created a tension between cultural/familial wishes and the patient's autonomy. I explained to the family that my ethical and legal duty is to the patient, and that honesty is the foundation of trust and informed consent. I offered to have the conversation together, with me providing clear, compassionate medical facts and them providing emotional support. We did so, and while the news was difficult, the patient was grateful for the honesty and able to participate in her care decisions. It reinforced that transparency, done with empathy, is always the right path."

What is your most preferred surgical procedure to perform?

Use this question to showcase your skills by choosing a procedure you’re deeply familiar with. Describe your own approach to the procedure, or maybe a new approach you’ve learned about and its results.

Example: "I genuinely enjoy the breadth of general surgery, but I find a well-performed laparoscopic cholecystectomy particularly satisfying. It's a common procedure where precision and efficiency directly impact patient recovery. There's a clear anatomy, a definitive solution to a painful problem, and it allows me to focus on perfecting the nuances hat exemplify high-quality, routine surgery. It’s a reminder that excellence in common operations forms the backbone of a successful practice."

Have you ever had to make a difficult decision during a procedure?

The answer is yes. But they’re asking for a specific story. Mine your career history for a story about that one procedure that stood out to you and discuss how you navigated the situation. Remember to be concise and use the S.T.A.R. method if need be.

Example: "Yes, during a laparoscopic colectomy for diverticulitis, I encountered a frozen pelvis with severe inflammation that distorted all normal anatomy. The difficult decision was whether to persist laparoscopically, risking injury, or to convert to an open procedure. I prioritized safety over pride. I called a 'time-out,' discussed the findings with my assistant and anesthesia, and made the decision to convert. I explained this to the waiting family as a necessary adjustment for safety. The open approach allowed for safe dissection and a controlled resection. It cemented that the right decision is the one that ensures the patient's safety, regardless of the approach."

Reflecting on your training, what is one specific technical or decision-making aspect of your surgical practice you are currently focused on refining, and what steps are you taking to do so?

This question probes your capacity for honest self-assessment and deliberate growth, moving beyond generic weaknesses to reveal a targeted, active commitment to refinement. The interviewer seeks to identify surgeons who are not only aware of their learning edges but have a structured, proactive plan for improvement, demonstrating humility, lifelong learning, and a dedication to mastering their craft.

Example: "One aspect I am consciously refining is my efficiency and precision in mobilizing the hepatic flexure during a right colectomy. While my technique is sound, I am focusing on minimizing instrument exchanges and achieving a more avascular plane through meticulous lateral-to-medial dissection. My steps include reviewing operative videos of experts to study their instrument use and tissue handling, and I have arranged to assist a senior colorectal colleague on several cases specifically to observe and discuss their approach to this phase. I then incorporate these refinements into my own cases, seeking brief feedback from my assistant afterward. This targeted practice aims to elevate a routine segment of a common operation into a model of consistent, fluid efficiency."

Tell us about your most interesting recent case.

This one is both humanizing you and also investigating your skills and expertise more deeply. Answer this question in an engaging way, but do not reveal identifying information about the patient or location.

Example: "My most interesting case was a young woman with recurrent, debilitating right lower quadrant pain and multiple unremarkable CT scans. She was being labeled with functional pain. Her story didn't fit, so I reviewed all her imaging myself. On one scan, I noticed a subtle density near the ileocecal valve. I advocated for a diagnostic laparoscopy. We found a Meckel's diverticulum with ectopic gastric mucosa that was ulcerating the adjacent ileum—a classic 'Meckel's scan' finding that was missed. It was resected, and she became pain-free. The case was a powerful reminder to trust the patient's history over negative tests and to be my own most critical radiologist."

How do you address burnout?

The interviewer wants to know they aren’t going to be back in this chair a month from now. Your response needs to be well-thought out and should address the main cause of burnout for surgeons in your specialty area. Setting boundaries with your time, prioritizing rest, healthy eating habits and exercise are key. Easier said than done, but it's important that you actually make time for self care! 

Example: "I address it proactively through intentional compartmentalization and renewal. In the hospital, I focus completely on my patients and team. Outside, I strictly protect time for my family and physical activity. I also practice mindfulness to process difficult outcomes rather than carrying them home. Professionally, I find that variety in my case mix and engaging in teaching are great antidotes to monotony. Most importantly, I believe burnout is often a systems issue, so I actively participate in efforts to improve workflow and culture, because a sustainable practice is a shared responsibility."

How do you deal with a case where despite your best efforts, a patient passes away?

This is again about best practice, but also experience. Losing a patient is deeply tragic for their loved ones as well as the provider team supporting them. Emphasize the importance of doing thorough due diligence, a proper post-incident investigation and responsive care.

Example: "First, I would ensure everything medically possible was done, engaging colleagues if needed. Then, I would lead a transparent and compassionate discussion with the family, explaining what happened in clear terms, expressing my condolences, and answering their questions without defensiveness. Personally, I would undergo a rigorous individual and team-based review—a morbidities and mortalities conference if appropriate—to examine the case for any lessons. I would allow myself to feel the grief, as it underscores the gravity of our work, but I would channel it into a renewed commitment to learning and improvement, not into paralysis. It is a loss to be honored, not a failure to be hidden."

Tell us about a time you made a mistake with a patient and how you made it right.

This question is a direct assessment of a candidate's integrity, accountability, and resilience. The interviewer is less concerned with the mistake itself and far more interested in the candidate's response. They are looking for evidence of immediate transparency with the patient, a non-defensive acceptance of responsibility, a systematic approach to understanding the root cause (often through Morbidity & Mortality review), and, crucially, a proactive effort to implement changes that prevent future similar errors.

Example: "Early in my chief year, I misinterpreted a subtle air-fluid level on a post-op KUB as ileus in a patient who was actually developing an anastomotic leak. I delayed a CT scan by half a day. When the scan confirmed the leak, my first action was full disclosure to the patient and family. I apologized for the delay, explained the plan for intervention (which was percutaneous drainage), and took full responsibility. I then presented the case at M&M, focusing on the cognitive bias of anchoring. We implemented a new checklist for post-op abdominal concerns to standardize escalation criteria. The patient recovered well, and the family appreciated the honesty. It was a painful lesson in the necessity of immediate transparency and using error to improve systems."

Tell us about a time you disagreed with a colleague and how you resolved it.

Conflict resolution is essential. In a field where personal business can easily hinder collaboration, you need to explain how you respond to being in a situation where someone disagrees with you. This is about your capacity to work with others and to see things from another perspective.

Example: "I disagreed with a senior consultant who wanted to discharge a post-op patient on a Friday afternoon whom I felt had early, subtle signs of sepsis. Rather than challenge him publicly on rounds, I asked to speak privately. I framed my concern around patient safety and shared my specific findings: subtle tachycardia and a vague sense of the patient 'not being right.' I presented it as, 'I may be overcautious, but could we get a lactate and consider a few more hours of observation for my peace of mind?' He agreed to the labs. The lactate was elevated, confirming an infection. He thanked me for my vigilance. It taught me that resolving disagreement is best done one-on-one, with respect for hierarchy, and by framing concerns around shared patient-centered goals."

Skill demonstration.

Will they ask you to perform a coffee-bean pickup test? Not always, but in case they do, make sure you’re exercising and practicing to keep your dexterity on point. The skill demonstration question assesses a candidate's manual dexterity, composure under observation, and ability to articulate their technical reasoning in real-time. This reveals your practical skill level, confidence, and whether your hands match the experience claimed on your application.

Example: "Please demonstrate how you would perform a simple interrupted suture on this simulated skin pad, and talk us through your steps as if you were teaching a medical student."

Tell me about an uncertain diagnosis and how you went about coming to the correct diagnosis.

Handling uncertainty in complex diagnostic processes is a skill. Answering this question requires more than problem solving formula, so be sure to give enough context to show why diagnosing took longer than expected. Ultimately this question is giving you an opportunity to showcase your expertise as a surgeon. Practice your answer for this one and you’ll be able to deliver a clear and concise answer that may impress the interviewers.

Example: "I was consulted on a patient with severe, episodic abdominal pain and normal basic imaging. The differential was broad: visceral ischemia, porphyria, an atypical presentation. I started with a detailed history, which revealed the pain was post-prandial. I focused on mesenteric ischemia. Non-invasive duplex was equivocal. Instead of stopping, I escalated appropriately to a CT angiogram, which showed significant stenosis of the celiac artery. I then sought a collaborative opinion from vascular surgery. The key was not jumping to a psychosomatic label due to negative initial tests, but methodically refining the differential based on the history and pursuing the correct, higher-level imaging to reach a definitive vascular diagnosis, which was then successfully treated."

We’re with You Every Step of the Way

Looking for a smoother, more personalized job search experience? At Era Locums, we offer concierge support to physicians like you on your locums journey. From aligning roles with your lifestyle and career goals to streamlining the credentialing process, we take care of the details so you can get back to providing exceptional patient care.

Let us handle the logistics—reach out to our expert recruiters today and step into your effortless Era.

Additional Resources 

• Try This Physician CV Template to Get Interviews
• How to Ace Your Locum Tenens Interview
• How Health Insurance for Locum Tenens Physicians Works
• An Extended Guide to Locum Tenens Taxes in 2025
• Defining NPI Requirements for Healthcare Professionals