Pediatrics Physician Interview Questions (2026 Guide)

General pediatrics interviews in 2026 weight panel-size + vaccine conversation skill + ADHD/anxiety treatment confidence. Comp $235-310K base depending on private vs hospital-employed.

Clinical scenarios

"Vaccine-hesitant family at 12-month visit. Approach?"

Strong-recommend (presumptive). Address specific concerns. Acknowledge vaccine schedule complexity. Use motivational interviewing. Document. Follow-up appointment if delaying.

"7yo with ADHD diagnosis from outside provider. Plan?"

Confirm DSM-5 criteria via Vanderbilt. Behavioral strategies first-line under 6, can layer stimulant if 6+ with severe symptoms. Family + school engagement. Sleep + diet review. Follow-up at 4-6 weeks.

"Adolescent female depression screen positive. Plan?"

SAFE-T suicide risk assessment. Mom in/out of room conversation (privacy). PHQ-A. Therapy first-line. SSRI consideration with appropriate counseling re: black-box warning. Crisis plan + follow-up.

Operational

"Panel size + visits per day?"

2026 medians: 1,200-1,800 panel, 18-24 visits per 8-hour day. Some peds groups higher (24-30/day) for high-volume sick visits.

"Call structure?"

Mostly phone-only after-hours triage. 1:5 to 1:8. Weekend rounds for inpatient peds varies (most general peds outpatient-only).

Comp

2026 medians: Base $235-310K. RVU $40-55/wRVU after threshold. Sign-on $30-65K. Subspecialty premium for peds cards/heme-onc/ID: $50-100K above general peds.

Related: Pediatrician Comp 2026, Family Medicine Interview Questions.