1. Interviews for medicine
Dr Fiona Cameron
Consultant anaesthetist
Ninewells Hospital

2. Interviews Why interview Who is interviewed Different medical schools
Potential probity/ conflict of interest

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

4. What qualities are assessed
Evidence of commitment
Probing questions about personal statement
Learning from volunteering etc
Knowledge of medical curriculum/ career
Why medicine/ why this university
Understanding of learning styles

5. What qualities are assessed
Knowledge of specific course
Websites/ open days (cross checked by registration)
Knowledge of life in chosen career path
As a junior doctor – foundation programs/ professional examinations
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

6. qualities Understanding confidentiality and probity
Evidence of team working and team leading

7. Methods of assessment Different for each university
Information on the websites
Aberdeen 5 stations
Dundee 7 stations
St Andrews- traditional panel
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

8. Example 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

9. presentation at interview
Arrive on time
Dress appropriately (medical students have a dress code)
Try to look like a medical student/ junior doctor
girls
No short skirts/ silly high heels-/ open toes- they don’t impress
Make up discreet
Hair tied back and neat
Nails short and clean
Keep jewelry to a minimum
Boys
Clean
Short hair
Suit or jacket and tie

10. Presentation at interview
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

11. Presentation at interview
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

12. Who would I select and why
Well prepared
Enthusiastic
Clear ideas of why medicine
Clear ideas about the course
Shows genuine interest
Really wants it

13. Essential 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
Integrated vs traditional
Systems based
Spiral learning
Opportunities for intercalated BMScs
5 or 6 years- value of St Andrews- future benefits for application for Specialty training
Remote and rural
Mention something very specific to that course

14. What 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

15. MMI 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

16. Useful websites www.medical-interviews.co.uk www.thestudentroom.co.uk/
You tube

17. No guarantee of a place Highly competitive Keep cool and calm
Remember
No guarantee of a place Highly competitive Keep cool and calm

18. PRACTICE

19. GOOD LUCK

20. Questions
QQuestions