Interviews for Interviews for medicinemedicine

Dr Fiona CameronConsultant anaesthetist

Ninewells Hospital

InterviewsInterviews• Why interview• Who is interviewed• Different medical schools• Potential probity/ conflict of interest

Why interviewWhy interview• Achieved minimum academic requirements• Assessment of personal attributes• Confirm evidence of personal statement• Rank applicants• Weed out the ‘nutters’

What qualities are What qualities are assessedassessed

• Evidence of commitment

o Probing questions about personal statemento Learning from volunteering etco Knowledge of medical curriculum/ careero Why medicine/ why this universityo Understanding of learning styles

What qualities are What qualities are assessedassessed

• Knowledge of specific courseo Websites/ open days (cross checked by registration)

• Knowledge of life in chosen career patho As a junior doctor – foundation programs/ professional examinationso Differences between primary/ secondary care

• Evidence that you have considered why you have the attributes to excel

• Evidence that you can solve difficult problems• Evidence of taking responsibility for your actions

and that of others

qualitiesqualities

• Understanding confidentiality and probity• Evidence of team working and team leading

Methods of Methods of assessmentassessment

• Different for each university• Information on the websites

o Aberdeen 5 stationso Dundee 7 stationso St Andrews- traditional panelo Glasgow- panel

• Change or updated annually- i.e will NOT be the same questions as last years applicants and will not be the same each of the weeks

• No point at all in finding out what your friends got asked as it might actually be detrimental

Example questionsExample questions• Websites/ books• Obvious questions- why do you want to study in

this university• What should we offer you a place here• What challenges have you encountered to reach

this stage• Tell me about a difficult situation that you have

had to resolve• Some universities use role play to assess how you

would deal with situations

presentation at presentation at interviewinterview

• Arrive on time• Dress appropriately (medical students have a dress

code)• Try to look like a medical student/ junior doctor• girls

o No short skirts/ silly high heels-/ open toes- they don’t impresso Make up discreeto Hair tied back and neato Nails short and cleano Keep jewelry to a minimum

• Boyso Cleano Short hairo Suit or jacket and tie

Presentation at Presentation at interviewinterview

• Be confident• SMILE• Don’t be arrogant• Maintain eye contact, no giggling, looking at the

floor• Speak slowly• Don’t use slang• Avoid using the phrases you all use- eg ‘like’

between each word• PRACTICE SPEAKING IN FRONT OF A MIRROR

Presentation at Presentation at interviewinterview

• Say good morning• Shake hands and introduce your self• If they make a joke- laugh• Don’t be flippant – even if they seem to be• If your are not sure what an answer is take a few

seconds to think before saying something• Often there is no correct answer its how you

approach the answer and they are assessing your thought processes based on what you have learned

Who would I select Who would I select and whyand why

• Well prepared• Enthusiastic• Clear ideas of why medicine• Clear ideas about the course• Shows genuine interest • Really wants it

Essential preparationEssential preparation• Know your personal statement well• Be able to talk about its contents and what you

have learned from each achievement/ experience• Know ALL about the course you have applied to• Each course is different

o Integrated vs traditionalo Systems basedo Spiral learningo Opportunities for intercalated BMScso 5 or 6 years- value of St Andrews- future benefits for application for

Specialty trainingo Remote and ruralo Mention something very specific to that course

What not to sayWhat not to say• ‘i want to work in anaesthesia in Scotland- its very

beautiful which is why I am looking forward to working in Wales’- serious cut and paste issues here

• I would tell a junior that anaestheisa is an interesting job but even when you are old you still need to get out your bed at night- true but not the right answer

• Don’t say you you want to be a doctor to earn lots of money (you don’t)

• Don’t say its because your mum/ dad is one- counts against you

MMIMMI• Academic ability and intellect• Empathy• Initiative and resilience• Communication skills and problem solving• Team work• Insight and integrity• Effective learning style from St Georges medical school

Useful websitesUseful websites• www.medical-interviews.co.uk• www.thestudentroom.co.uk/• www.medical-interviews.co.uk/interview

-questions-medical-school• www.medschoolsonline.co.uk/index.php?

pageid=85• You tube

RememberRememberNo guarantee of a place

Highly competitiveKeep cool and calm

PRACTICE

PRACTICE

PRACTICE

• GOOD LUCK

QuestionsQuestions• QQuestions