1. What is your position in health care?

I would choose a healthcare professional that aligns with your interests, then research their specific title and responsibilities. For example, if you’re interested in nutrition and its impact on health, you could consider a registered dietitian or a diabetes educator.

2. What degrees do you hold and what other practice preparation did you have for your current position?

This allows you to understand the educational background and training required for their profession. Research typical qualifications for the chosen role and ask follow-up questions about their specific experiences.

3. What are the best and easiest parts of the work you do in health care?

This helps gauge their enthusiasm and satisfaction. They might mention seeing patients improve, building relationships, using their skills to solve problems, or making a positive impact on someone’s health.

4. What are the challenges you face in your role and in the health care system?

This offers insight into the difficulties they encounter. This could involve administrative complexities, limited resources, time constraints, patient non-compliance, or systemic inequalities within the healthcare system.

5. What role do you think social factors (income, education, race/ethnicity, sex) play in the health care that you provide?

Define the social determinants of health, then ask how these factors influence their interactions with patients and the effectiveness of their interventions. They might mention difficulties with access to care, cultural differences, language barriers, or the impact of poverty on health outcomes.

Here are some additional questions you can ask, tailoring them to the specific healthcare professional you choose:

• Can you describe a particularly rewarding experience you’ve had with a patient?
• What are some of the ethical considerations you face in your work?
• How do you approach patients from different cultural backgrounds?
• What do you think is the future of your profession?
• What advice would you give someone considering a career in healthcare?

Remember to be respectful of their time, take notes if needed, and express your appreciation for their insights.

I hope this information helps you prepare for your interview and gain valuable perspectives on the social aspects of healthcare from a real professional.