An MMI is a set of multiple mini interviews. You will complete a series of stations, which typically take 10 minutes or fewer. You’ll be given a situation and time to think of a response before each.

Either an interviewer will ask you a question, or you’ll have to act out a scene with an actor while the interviewer watches. As a result, it differs significantly from a conventional panel interview.

Key facts that you should know:

• MMI interviews last around 60-90 minutes on average
• They typically consist of 10 or fewer MMI stations
• Each station lasts at most ten minutes.

In this article, we’ll provide tips to handle your MMI interviews, and look at which medical schools use this format.

Understanding the Interview Structure for the MMI Interview

In our MMI interview course, we cover everything you need to know to succeed in MMI interviews.

Tips To Tackle MMI Interview

As a part of our MMI interview course program, we will provide you with detailed guidelines and processes. Here is an overview of some:

1.      Understand the MMI procedure

Before you begin studying for the MMI, it’s critical to understand how you are being assessed. Different schools will use different mark schemes, but they will typically use a scoring system of 1-5 for each station, with your communication skills, understanding and engagement with the question, and suitability for Medicine being overarching factors in this assessment.

2.      Learn To Control Your Stress

Thinking clearly will result in a better performance – stress and anxiety in this situation is normal, and should be harnessed, rather than rejected.

Here are some short- and long-term stress management techniques: First, practise realistic, timed mock interviews, ideally with professional input. Through familiarisation, you eliminate the element of the unknown, and in turn increase your confidence.

Second, find techniques that allow you to relieve tension during the interview. You might try deep breathing techniques, for example, or keeping your body relaxed by opening your arms wide and extending your shoulders. Since everyone is unique, you must determine what works for you.

3.      Read Every Question Carefully

Take your time and read each question carefully outside the interview room – then re-read to check your understanding. Rushing increases the likelihood of overlooking important details and providing an inadequate or judgmental response. You typically have 1-2 minutes to read each prompt and 6-8 minutes to respond within the interview room. Keep this in mind.

4.      Make use of the primacy effect

Upon entering the room, you must greet everyone, identify yourself, and, if appropriate, shake hands before giving your response. Remember that the MMI is assessing your suitability as a future doctor, rather than just as a potential student. Your first actions are likely to stick in the interviewer’s mind – something called the Primacy Effect. You will need to make a strong first impression on each assessor that you encounter.

5.      Master Your Non-Verbal Communication Skills

Numerous studies have shown that people use non-verbal cues and body language more frequently to communicate than verbal clues. This includes keeping a confident body stance, smiling honestly, and making efficient use of eye contact.

How Can You Prepare For Your MMI Interview?

Here are some pointers to aid in your MMI interview preparation:

• Recognize the qualities a good doctor must possess. Prepare a list of attributes, then practise them in your responses.
• Practice answering typical MMI interview questions in 8 minutes. It will make time management easier that day.
• Ensure you are familiar with fundamental medical ethical concepts such as the four pillars and patient confidentiality.
• Keep up with medical news, and become familiar with NHS Hot Topics.
• Make use of assistance from others in the medical field, or current medical students.
• Think about working with an interview tutor for medical school who can help you concentrate on improving your performance, or schedule a practice interview to get some in-depth feedback.

About Blackstone Tutors

BlackStone Tutors is a professional training institute. We help students enter Medicine and continue to succeed beyond medical school as they progress towards  specialisation. We also educate healthcare professionals – from nurses to pharmacists.

We offer specialised courses for medics, dentists, pharmacists, doctors training to become GPs, and more.