American Medical Association Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

The American Medical Association (AMA) is the nation's largest professional association of physicians dedicated to improving public health and advancing the art and science of medicine.

As a Software Engineer at the AMA, you will play a pivotal role in developing innovative software solutions aimed at enhancing physician data management and credentialing processes. Your responsibilities will include designing and implementing scalable backend services primarily using Java or Python, contributing to the full software development lifecycle within an agile framework, and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to ensure the delivery of high-quality products that align with the needs of healthcare professionals and stakeholders. Key skills required for this role include strong backend development experience, proficiency in cloud technologies—specifically AWS—and the ability to craft performant APIs for seamless data access. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter, possess excellent communication skills, and demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

This guide will help you anticipate the types of questions you may encounter during the interview process, allowing you to prepare effectively and articulate your qualifications in alignment with AMA's mission and values.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at the American Medical Association is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. Candidates can expect a multi-step process that typically spans several weeks.

1. Initial Phone Screen

The process begins with an initial phone screen, usually conducted by a recruiter or HR representative. This conversation lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on your background, experience, and motivation for applying to the AMA. The recruiter will also gauge your communication style and assess whether your values align with the organization's mission in healthcare.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screen, candidates typically participate in a technical interview. This may involve a video call with a hiring manager or a senior engineer. During this session, you will be asked to demonstrate your technical expertise, particularly in programming languages such as Java or Python, and your understanding of software development principles. Expect to discuss your previous projects and how you approached problem-solving in a technical context.

3. Team Interviews

Candidates who progress past the technical interview will meet with multiple team members, often in a panel format. This stage usually consists of two to three interviews with various stakeholders, including product managers and senior engineers. These interviews will delve deeper into your technical skills, your experience with cloud-based infrastructure (especially AWS), and your ability to work collaboratively in a scrum team. You may also be asked to provide examples of processes you have created or improved in past roles.

4. Final Interview

The final interview typically involves a meeting with senior management or directors. This round is designed to assess your fit within the organization and your alignment with AMA's mission and values. Expect questions that explore your leadership abilities, your approach to agile methodologies, and how you handle challenges in a highly regulated environment. You may also be asked to present a proof-of-concept or a previous work product relevant to the role.

5. Follow-Up and Offer

After the final interview, candidates may experience a waiting period for feedback. Communication during this phase can vary, and it’s important to follow up if you haven’t heard back within a reasonable timeframe. If selected, you will receive an offer, which may include discussions about benefits and other employment details.

As you prepare for your interviews, consider the types of questions that may arise during this process.

Here are some tips to help you excel in your interview.

Understand the Company’s Mission and Values

The American Medical Association (AMA) is deeply committed to improving public health and supporting physicians. Familiarize yourself with their mission and values, particularly their focus on equity and diversity. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with the AMA's mission and how you can contribute to their goals. This will demonstrate your genuine interest in the organization and its impact on healthcare.

Prepare for a Multi-Round Interview Process

Expect a thorough interview process that may include multiple rounds with various team members, including HR, hiring managers, and potential peers. Each round may focus on different aspects of your experience and skills. Be ready to discuss your technical expertise, particularly in Java and Python, as well as your experience with AWS and API development. Highlight your ability to work collaboratively in a scrum team and your understanding of the software development lifecycle.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Given the AMA's focus on healthcare solutions, be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've tackled complex problems in your previous roles. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses. This will help you convey your thought process and the impact of your contributions effectively.

Communicate Clearly and Confidently

Communication is key in the AMA's collaborative environment. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing technical concepts. Be prepared to explain your past projects and the technologies you used in a way that is accessible to non-technical stakeholders. This will demonstrate your ability to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical team members.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

Expect behavioral questions that assess your interpersonal skills and how you handle challenges. Questions may include scenarios about working with difficult colleagues or managing conflicts. Reflect on your past experiences and prepare to share how you navigated these situations, emphasizing your ability to maintain professionalism and foster collaboration.

Demonstrate Your Passion for Healthcare

Since the AMA operates in a highly regulated industry, express your enthusiasm for contributing to healthcare solutions. Be prepared to discuss why you want to work in this field and how your background can help advance the AMA's mission. This passion can set you apart from other candidates.

Follow Up with Thoughtful Questions

At the end of your interviews, ask insightful questions that reflect your interest in the role and the organization. Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or how the AMA measures success in its initiatives. This not only shows your engagement but also helps you assess if the organization is the right fit for you.

By following these tips, you can present yourself as a well-prepared and enthusiastic candidate who is ready to contribute to the American Medical Association's mission and goals. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during an interview for a Software Engineer position at the American Medical Association. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and your fit within the organization's mission to improve public health. Be prepared to discuss your experience with software development, particularly in a healthcare context, as well as your approach to teamwork and communication.

Technical Skills

1. Can you describe your experience with Java and Python in developing software applications?

This question aims to assess your technical proficiency in the primary programming languages used at AMA.

How to Answer

Discuss specific projects where you utilized Java and Python, highlighting your role and the impact of your contributions.

Example

“I have over seven years of experience using Java and Python for various software applications. For instance, I developed a credentialing API using Java that improved data retrieval times by 30%. Additionally, I used Python for data analysis in a healthcare project, which helped identify trends in patient outcomes.”

2. How do you ensure the quality and performance of the software you develop?

This question evaluates your understanding of software quality assurance practices.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to testing, code reviews, and performance monitoring, emphasizing any tools or methodologies you use.

Example

“I prioritize quality by implementing unit tests and conducting code reviews with my team. I also use performance monitoring tools to identify bottlenecks in the application, allowing us to optimize the code before deployment.”

3. Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot a complex software issue. What was your approach?

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and technical troubleshooting abilities.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example, detailing the issue, your analysis process, and the resolution.

Example

“In a previous project, we encountered a significant performance issue with our API. I conducted a thorough analysis of the logs and identified a memory leak. By refactoring the code and optimizing our database queries, we reduced response times by 50%.”

4. What experience do you have with cloud-based infrastructure, particularly AWS?

This question gauges your familiarity with cloud technologies, which are essential for the role.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience with AWS services, including any specific projects where you implemented cloud solutions.

Example

“I have extensive experience with AWS, having deployed several applications using EC2, S3, and Lambda. In one project, I migrated a legacy application to AWS, which improved scalability and reduced operational costs by 20%.”

5. How do you approach designing APIs for data access?

This question focuses on your understanding of API design principles and best practices.

How to Answer

Explain your design process, including considerations for usability, security, and performance.

Example

“When designing APIs, I prioritize RESTful principles to ensure they are intuitive and easy to use. I also implement authentication and rate limiting to secure the API and monitor its performance to make necessary adjustments.”

Teamwork and Communication

1. Describe your working style in professional settings.

This question seeks to understand how you collaborate with others and contribute to team dynamics.

How to Answer

Share your preferred methods of communication and collaboration, and how you adapt to different team environments.

Example

“I thrive in collaborative environments where open communication is encouraged. I regularly use tools like Jira and Confluence to keep everyone updated on project progress and facilitate discussions during sprint meetings.”

2. How do you handle disagreements with team members or management?

This question assesses your conflict resolution skills and ability to maintain professional relationships.

How to Answer

Discuss a specific instance where you navigated a disagreement, focusing on your approach to finding a resolution.

Example

“In a previous project, I disagreed with a team member about the direction of a feature. I scheduled a one-on-one meeting to discuss our perspectives and ultimately proposed a compromise that incorporated both of our ideas, which strengthened our collaboration.”

3. Can you provide an example of how you have improved a process within your team?

This question evaluates your initiative and ability to drive improvements.

How to Answer

Share a specific example of a process you improved, detailing the steps you took and the results achieved.

Example

“I noticed our code review process was slowing down development. I proposed implementing a peer review system where team members could review each other’s code in smaller batches, which reduced review times by 40% and improved code quality.”

4. How do you stay updated with industry standards and emerging technologies?

This question assesses your commitment to professional development and staying current in your field.

How to Answer

Discuss the resources you use to keep your skills sharp and your knowledge up to date.

Example

“I regularly attend industry conferences and webinars, and I follow several tech blogs and forums. I also participate in online courses to learn about new technologies, which helps me bring innovative solutions to my projects.”

5. How do you approach working with cross-functional teams?

This question evaluates your ability to collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders.

How to Answer

Explain your experience working with different teams and how you ensure effective communication and collaboration.

Example

“I have worked closely with product managers and data scientists in previous roles. I make it a point to understand their goals and challenges, which helps me align my technical work with their needs and fosters a collaborative environment.”