Interviews

Medical interviews are a crucial part of the medical school admissions process. They are typically conducted to assess a candidate's suitability, motivation, and interpersonal skills.

Here are the important details of medical interviews:

• Purpose:

  • Medical interviews are conducted to evaluate candidates beyond their academic qualifications (such as grades and test scores). They aim to assess a candidate's communication skills, motivation for studying medicine, ethical and moral judgment, and their ability to work well in a healthcare environment.

• Types of interviews:

  • There are several types of medical interviews:

    • Traditional (Panel) Interviews: These are one-on-one or panel interviews where candidates are asked a series of questions by interviewers.

    • Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs): In MMIs, candidates rotate through a series of stations, each with a different scenario or task. They have a short amount of time to respond to each station.

• Preparation:

  • Research the interview format specific to the medical schools you've applied to, and prepare accordingly.

  • Review your application materials, including your personal statement, to be ready to discuss your experiences, skills, and motivations.

  • Practice answering common interview questions and ethical scenarios.

  • Consider doing mock interviews with mentors, teachers, or advisors.

• Interview Content:

  • Be prepared to discuss your motivation for pursuing medicine, your experiences in healthcare or related fields, and your understanding of the medical profession.

  • Expect questions about your personal qualities, teamwork, leadership, ethical dilemmas, and communication skills.

  • Some interviews may include questions about current healthcare issues or ethical scenarios, where you'll be asked to analyze the situation and provide reasoned responses.

• Interview Etiquette:

  • Dress professionally in business attire.

  • Be punctual; arrive early for your interview.

  • Maintain good eye contact and offer a firm handshake.

  • Be respectful and polite to interviewers and fellow candidates.

• Communication Skills:

  • Practice effective communication, both verbal and non-verbal. Ensure your responses are clear, concise, and relevant to the questions.

  • Active listening is crucial; give interviewers your full attention.

• Ethical & Professional Behaviour:

  • Demonstrate a strong understanding of medical ethics, professionalism, and the principles of patient care.

  • Be prepared to discuss your commitment to confidentiality, empathy, and the welfare of patients.

• Mock Interviews:

  • Consider participating in mock interviews to get comfortable with the process, receive constructive feedback, and improve your interview skills.

• Post-Interview Follow-Up:

  • Simply say thank-you email to your interviewers to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. It leaves them a good impression of you.

• Multiple Offers:

  • If you receive multiple offers, take time to carefully evaluate the medical schools and programs to make an informed decision.

• Interview Feedback:

  • Some medical schools provide feedback on your interview performance. Use this feedback to improve your skills for future interviews.

• Acceptance & Waitlist:

  • If you are placed on a waitlist, be patient and consider your options. If you receive an acceptance, follow the school's instructions for confirming your spot and meeting any additional requirements.

Medical school interviews are a competitive and essential step in the admissions process. It's important to be well-prepared, professional, and thoughtful in your responses to maximize your chances of securing a spot in a medical program.