There is no denying that doctors have a lot of work to do, as well as quite a bit of paperwork to keep up with. The job of medical scribe was created to assist doctors by doing some of the paperwork so that the doctor can focus more on the patient. Working as a medical scribe is an opportunity for people interested in medicine to learn more and to work one-on-one with a doctor.

As with most jobs, the interview step is a critical one in the process of becoming a medical scribe. From why you want the job to what to wear, here are some ways to prepare for a medical scribe interview.

Dress

First impressions matter, so while preparing for an interview to be a medical scribe, make sure you are wearing the appropriate clothing. Jeans are not a good idea, and stay away from anything with writing on it or that is too revealing. Before you even start to talk, the interviewer is forming an impression of you. By looking professional, you show that you are taking the position seriously and care about your appearance. If you care about the details of your appearance, people can assume that you are detail oriented. If you really aren’t sure what you should wear, talk to Human Resources. But remember, it is better to be too formal than not formal enough.

Why Scribing? And What Is It?

One of the most important questions you can prepare for is the question of why you are interested in scribing in the first place. Try to have an answer in mind that shows how seriously you take the work. You may also be asked why you are interested in medicine. This is another place to show what you know and how passionate you are about medicine. Some medical schools want their students to have a background in medical scribing.

Another important thing to know is what the job of a scribe is. You should also know about the hospital or clinic you are applying to. The Emergency Physicians Professional Association has information about becoming EPPA scribes, a list of Minnesota hospitals and clinics, and information about other services offered by the EPPA.

Be Calm

Many jobs are stressful, and tend to ask questions about your worst day at work. The medical profession has some additional challenges, however. What would you do if someone threw up on you? What are your weaknesses? Be prepared to answer some challenging questions and show that you can be unflappable in the face of chaos. Sometimes, when a patient is concerned and scared, the best thing for them is to see a calm medical staff reassuring them that everything is alright.

Medical scribes are an important part of the medical profession. Supporting doctors and nurses in their work, the scribes help keep things in the hospital running smoothly. The interview process in every job can seem daunting, but knowing why you are seeking the job, illustrating a sense of calm, and being well-dressed can certainly help you in pursuing that dream.