University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy Interview Questions

Ethical Situations

• You discover a fellow student cheating on an exam. How do you handle the situation?
• A patient refuses a medication you know is crucial for their health. How do you approach this situation?
• You disagree with a senior pharmacist’s decision regarding a patient’s medication. What steps do you take?
• You suspect a colleague is impaired by substance abuse while at work. How do you proceed?
• A patient confides in you about a potentially harmful secret. How do you balance patient confidentiality and safety?

Communication Skills

• Describe a situation where you had to effectively communicate complex information to someone.
• How do you handle a patient who is not following their prescribed medication regimen?
• How would you explain the importance of medication adherence to a patient?
• Describe a time when you successfully resolved a conflict or misunderstanding with a colleague or peer.
• What strategies do you use to establish rapport and trust with patients?

Critical Thinking

• How do you approach solving a complex problem in a high-pressure situation?
• You encounter a difficult problem while on rotation. How do you gather information and make an informed decision?
• Describe a situation where you had to make a decision with limited information. What was your thought process?
• How do you keep up with advancements in the pharmacy field and ensure your knowledge remains current?
• A patient presents with an adverse drug reaction. How do you investigate the cause and develop a solution?

Personal Attributes

• Describe an instance where you demonstrated empathy in a healthcare or personal setting.
• How do you handle stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance?
• How have you demonstrated adaptability and flexibility in your academic or professional life?
• Can you provide an example of when you exhibited strong leadership skills?
• Describe a time when you overcame a significant challenge or obstacle.

Teamwork and Collaboration

• How have you contributed to a successful team project or collaboration?
• Describe a time when you had to work with someone with a different communication style or personality.
• How do you approach working with a team member who is not contributing equally?
• How do you promote a collaborative and inclusive environment in a team setting?
• What is your strategy for resolving conflicts within a team?

Motivation for Pharmacy and Understanding of the Profession:

• Why did you choose to pursue a PharmD at the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy?
• How do you envision the role of pharmacists evolving in the coming years?
• What are the most pressing challenges facing the pharmacy profession today?
• How do your personal experiences or background influence your motivation for pursuing a career in pharmacy?
• How will you use your PharmD education to address healthcare disparities and improve patient outcomes?

Future Plans and Goals:

• How do you see yourself contributing to the field of pharmacy in the next 10 years?
• What steps will you take to ensure your professional growth and development as a pharmacist?
• How do you plan to stay involved in professional organisations and advocate for the pharmacy profession?
• What specific area of pharmacy practice are you most interested in pursuing after graduation, and why?
• Describe an innovative idea or project you would like to implement in your future pharmacy practice.
• How will you address the evolving needs and expectations of patients in your future practice?
• How do you plan to contribute to public health initiatives and health promotion efforts as a pharmacist?
• In what ways do you hope to impact healthcare policy and regulations as a pharmacy professional?