How I Prepare to Interview a Subject Matter Expert

When I have an idea to pitch, the first thing I do (obviously) is research. Typically, a current study or news item has piqued my interest. I have found that the author of a research paper or article is often eager to talk about their work, and it’s usually easy to identify the author of a published study. Major medical centers and professional organizations are also great places to find Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), or I search via LinkedIn, Google, or Qwoted.

If I’m starting with a published study, I read it thoroughly multiple times, making sure I understand the hypothesis, methodology, results, any limitations, and the conclusion. If any aspects of the article are unclear, I note them so I can ask clarifying questions. I also jot down questions about the study itself, particularly the methodology and conclusions.

With every SME, I research their professional background, credentials, and any other studies or publications credited to them. Understanding their work and expertise helps build rapport and enables me to ask deeper questions. I like to ask:

• What inspired the research study (or their work in general)?

• How will the study advance the field?

• Questions about the methodology, such as:

  • Why did they choose this specific methodology?

  • How did they collect the data, and what challenges did they encounter?

  • How did they validate the results?

• Were there unexpected or surprising results?

• Have there been similar studies, and how did they compare?

• Is further research warranted?

• What are the broader implications of their findings, and

• How do they see the information being applied?

Depending on how technical the paper or my intended publication is, I plan to ask for definitions of any jargon and for explanations of complex ideas in layman’s terms. I also try to anticipate potential follow-up questions based on the SME’s responses, where I might want to probe deeper. I usually send the SME at least the initial questions in advance, letting them know this is just a starting point- sometimes interviews take off in a completely different direction than originally intended!

A layperson or “real person” source might include a patient who experienced a particular condition or treatment, or a family member or caregiver. Asking friends and colleagues or putting out a request on a social media account or through a university health system are all potential ways to find a “real person” source. Once located, I start by making sure they understand terms such as “on the record”.  I would prepare a few general questions about the condition or treatment, but I’m primarily asking them to share their story. Genuine concern and curiosity, expressed with sensitivity and respect, are crucial when interviewing a “real person” source.

Once the appointment is scheduled and confirmed, and my recording/transcribing app is ready to go, comes the fun part of connecting with another person to gain some insight for my piece, and hopefully a great quote or two!