Neurologist Interview Questions

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Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Neurologist interview questions and answers.

  1. Why did you become a neurologist? See answer
  2. What neurological conditions have you treated in your career? See answer
  3. What academic qualifications, training, or licences do you have as a neurologist? See answer
  4. How well do you work with other healthcare professionals? See answer
  5. How do you stay up-to-date with recent developments in neurology? See answer
  6. What would you do if a patient showed symptoms of an unknown neurological condition? See answer
  7. How do you examine patients with neurological conditions? See answer
  8. How do you deliver diagnoses of neurological conditions to patients and family members? See answer
  9. What would you do if a patient had side effects to your prescribed neurological treatment plan? See answer
  10. As a neurologist, how do you handle stressful situations? See answer
  11. What experience do you have with health record software? See answer
  12. What would you do if a patient refused to undergo a neurological treatment or procedure after diagnosis? See answer
  13. Why do you want to work here as a neurologist? See answer
  14. Imagine you made a mistake with a patient’s diagnosis. What would you do to correct the situation?
  15. What’s your greatest strength as a neurologist?
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Hire your next Neurologist today.

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Hire your next Neurologist today.

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Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

15 Neurologist Interview Questions and Answers

Why did you become a neurologist?

Candidates may choose to pursue a career in neurology for various reasons. This question evaluates the candidate's passion for the profession and their career motivations. What to look for in an answer:

  • Passion for providing medical care
  • Self-motivation and ambition
  • Enthusiasm for the role and your healthcare facility

Example:

"I've always loved the idea of becoming a doctor. My mother was a nurse, and I'd play with her stethoscope when she got back from work. By the time I reached high school, my favourite science subject was biology. I remember learning about the nervous system and being fascinated immediately. I knew I wanted to work in a field that had ongoing research work, so choosing neurology felt natural to me. My job is very rewarding, and I'd love to join your medical team."

What neurological conditions have you treated in your career?

Neurologists typically meet patients with various conditions affecting their brain, spinal cord, and nervous system. By asking this question, you can determine what experience a candidate has treating neurological conditions. What to look for in an answer:

  • Knowledge of various neurological conditions 
  • Practical experience as a neurologist
  • Neurological expertise 

Example:

"As a neurologist, I've diagnosed and treated patients with various conditions, including epilepsy, brain tumours, peripheral neuropathy, and Alzheimer's disease. My six years of work experience helps me manage patients with these conditions effectively. I've treated a lot of women with epilepsy, and know how to guide them through specially developed treatment programmes during pregnancy."

What academic qualifications, training, or licences do you have as a neurologist?

This question determines whether a candidate's education and training have prepared them to work as a neurologist. It also reveals whether the candidate has a valid licence to practise neurology in your province or territory. What to look for in an answer:

  • Graduation from medical school
  • Neurology residency training
  • Licencing from a provincial or territorial regulatory authority

Example:

"I earned a bachelor of science degree from the University of British Columbia and completed my medical school training seven years ago. Shortly after graduating, I started my residency training programme and neurology rotations at Vancouver General Hospital and St. Paul's Hospital. I'm licenced to practise neurology in British Columbia."

How well do you work with other healthcare professionals?

Neurologists work with psychiatrists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat neurological conditions. This question assesses a candidate's ability to work effectively with their colleagues. What to look for in an answer:

  • Good teamwork and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to build trusting and respectful working relationships
  • Enthusiasm for working in a team environment

Example:

"I really enjoy working with other medical professionals. Neurology is a broad field, and I always seek opportunities to expand my knowledge and share ideas. I also value the health and office administration team and like to collabourate with them to ensure we're providing the best patient care. I'm an excellent team player who's always ready to listen actively to others."

How do you stay up-to-date with recent developments in neurology?

Candidates need to stay current with new treatments, procedures, and approaches. This question seeks to understand how a candidate keeps their skills relevant and learns about developments in the field. What to look for in an answer:

  • Desire to improve their skills constantly and expand knowledge
  • Positive attitude towardss continuing education and training
  • Networking skills to stay connected with other medical professionals in the field

Example:

"I enjoy learning about medicine and researching how neuroscience relates to the immune system. To stay current with developments, I subscribe to medical journals, such as the Annual Review of Neuroscience. I also attend conferences and network with my peers. In my free time, I read dissertations, blogs, and technical reports."

What would you do if a patient showed symptoms of an unknown neurological condition?

While a neurologist should know how to manage various conditions, a patient may show symptoms of an unfamiliar neurological condition. This question assesses a candidate's ability to deal with challenges tactfully. What to look for:

  • Commitment to diagnosing rare medical conditions
  • Extensive research capabilities
  • Ability to think critically and find solutions to problems

Example:

"If I couldn't diagnose a patient's condition, I'd ask a series of in-depth questions. This allows me to work with them and get a detailed understanding of their symptoms. Next, I'd research those symptoms extensively to determine what neurological condition they could have. I'd also consult with my colleagues to get their views. I'd communicate my findings with the patient and prescribe a treatment or management plan."

How do you examine patients with neurological conditions?

Medical examinations reveal the condition a patient is facing. This question aims to assess whether a candidate understands the best practises for conducting medical examinations. What to look for:

  • Compassion, patience, and respectfulness while examining patients
  • Effective examination processes
  • Ability to analyse situations and identify conditions quickly

Example:

"I start by reviewing the patient's medical history. Then, I ask the patient important questions that relate to their symptoms and perform a complete physical assessment. After my evaluation, I order neurological tests for the patient. Based on my examination and the test's results, I diagnose the patient and present the next treatment or management steps."

How do you deliver diagnoses of neurological conditions to patients and family members?

Delivering results of neurological tests is an important duty of neurologists. This question aims to determine the candidate's ability to convey sensitive information compassionately and professionally. What to look for:

  • Professionalism in their approach
  • Excellent communication skills
  • A sympathetic bedside manner

Example:

"I always try to be direct and compassionate when conveying my diagnoses to patients and their family members. In my experience, building healthy relationships with patients helps keep them relaxed. When presenting a diagnosis, I speak calmly and pay attention to the patient's emotions. I counsel patients, listen to their questions, and discuss treatment or management plans."

What would you do if a patient had side effects to your prescribed neurological treatment plan?

This question assesses a candidate's ability to adjust treatment plans to suit a patient's medical needs. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to adjust plans to new information 
  • Familiarity with various treatment plan options
  • Good decision-making skills

Example:

"I once had a patient with Lou Gehrig's disease. After my diagnosis, I prescribed a riluzole-based treatment. However, the medication had a paradoxical effect and was causing her pain. I immediately switched to a different brand of medication, and it was a much better fit for her. As an experienced neurologist, I make sure I monitor the cognitive and behavioural impact of any medication or treatment I prescribe to patients."

As a neurologist, how do you handle stressful situations?

There are several factors that may cause a neurologist stress, including long and irregular hours. This question aims to determine a candidate's ability to deal with the demanding nature of the role. What to look for:

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced healthcare facility 
  • Effective stress-management skills
  • Professionalism 

Example:

"I understand my job's demanding nature, and I love being a neurologist. I have various strategies for reducing stress, such as taking coffee breaks, having a good meal after work, working out, and making the most of my "me" time. I enjoy meditating or catching a yoga class before work, which helps me stay relaxed and focused."

Imagine you made a mistake with a patient's diagnosis. What would you do to correct the situation?

By asking this situation question, you can determine how a candidate handles their mistakes and learns from them. What to look for in an answer:

  • Professionalism, honesty, and commitment to patient care
  • Good problem-solving skills
  • Ability to acknowledge mistakes and learn from them

Example:

"As an experienced neurologist, I've learned how to think critically and diagnose my patients accurately. However, if I made an error with a patient's diagnosis, I'd inform them immediately. I'd schedule an appointment and apologise for the mistake when they arrive. I'd also double-check test results to ensure I made the right diagnosis the second time. I'm highly organised and attentive when interpreting results of neuroimaging studies."

What's your greatest strength as a neurologist?

Use this question to assess how well a neurologist's strengths help them perform their primary duty of diagnosing and treating neurological conditions. What to look for in an answer:

  • Skill or character-based strength
  • Desire to add value to your medical facility
  • Example of how they've used their strength in their career

Example:

"One of my greatest strengths is my ability to manage my team. I was the head of the neuroscience club at my university, and this leadership experience helped me when I worked at a general hospital. I know how to motivate my medical team, especially when they feel angry, frustrated, or stressed. I'd love to help train resident doctors and other medical professionals at this facility."

What experience do you have with health record software?

Neurologists now use health record software instead of keeping paper records. This is an important question because it helps you determine the specific software a candidate is familiar with. What to look for:

  • Proficiency with relevant health record software
  • Positive attitude to learning new electronic health record systems
  • Ability to keep up with changes in technology

Example:

"I know how to use various health record software, such as CareCloud, Kareo Clinical EHR, and AdvancedMD EHR software. In my previous role, we used AdvancedMD EHR. It helped in tracking my patients' progress, sending information to the pharmacy, reviewing medical histories, and scheduling appointments. I'm not sure which software you use at this facility, but I'm confident I could learn it quickly."

What would you do if a patient refused to undergo a neurological treatment or procedure after diagnosis?

Patients may sometimes refuse medical care, especially if they think it's life-threatening. This question tests how a candidate handles uncooperative patients. What to look for in an answer:

  • Excellent communication skills to ensure patients understand the risks 
  • Emotional intelligence and the ability to build trust with patients
  • Ability to explain the importance of their treatment plan or procedure

Example:

"I'd first ask why they didn't want to undergo the procedure or start a treatment plan. I'd listen actively to their reasoning and ensure they felt heard. I'd also explain the risks of foregoing treatment and the benefits of starting a treatment or procedure early. If the patient still opposed my recommendations, I'd respect their decision and detail our discussion for their record."

Why do you want to work here as a neurologist?

Use this question to find out what attracted a neurologist to your medical organisation. What to look for in an answer:

  • Enthusiasm for the role and your healthcare facility
  • Ambition and commitment to patient care
  • Preparation for the interview and understanding of the role's requirements

Example:

"I'm passionate about diagnosing and treating patients with neurological conditions. I believe your organisation offers exciting opportunities for me to apply my well-developed research skills. I'm confident my years of experience in neurology, and reputation for a gentle bedside manner make me an excellent candidate for this role."

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