Advice & Insight From Interview Specialists
These are common MMI questions, and most of the time the interviewers want you to recognise specific skills required by doctors (which are demonstrated in the respective station). The best candidates often go further and provide examples of when these skills are used in the medical setting.
MMI interviews are all about providing structured answers. Whilst the scenarios may change from one university to the next, the structure required for each of the MMI interview types (eg. Data interpretation, role plays etc.) remains exactly the same. The BlackStone Tutors MMI Interview Course focuses on providing you with trusted structures for each station type.
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Commencing stations without a clear understanding of the station requirements or background information often results in candidates unintentionally providing inaccurate information. Unfortunately, this can be regarded as unprofessional conduct; as such, reading the station guidance twice can be vitally important, especially in challenging cases.
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If in the middle of the station you are unclear regarding the background information, it is more appropriate to ask the examiner for clarification or permission to re-read the guidance, than to provide inaccurate information based on your assumptions.
Learn the best interview strategies and practice with past interview questions & model answers.
Candidates are often faced with dilemmas in role play scenarios where they are either required to offer a ‘white lie’ or a statement which may aggravate the patient potentially making your task more challenging. Whilst a ‘white lie’ may be said with good intentions, unfortunately it would be classified as unprofessional conduct, and lead to failing the MMI station at the very minimum.
An example of where this can become challenging is in cases where a relative requests test results for one of your patients, which you are aware have returned abnormal. Providing this information to the relative without the patient’s consent would be breaching confidentiality (unprofessional conduct), however refusing to provide the information may result in the relative making a statement to the effect of:​
In the pressure of the situation, many candidates are lured into agreeing with the relative’s statement, or attempting to ‘brush this statement to one-side’ often not providing an answer, but giving the impression that the relative’s statement is correct and that the test results are not back yet. Unfortunately, this type of ‘white lie’ would also be regarded as unprofessional conduct.
In these cases, candidates should make their duty of confidentiality and honesty clear, even though this is likely to aggravate the relative further:
Prior research regarding the specific MMI process and historical questions/stations at your chosen university(s) can be an invaluable part of your preparation process. Over 100 past MMI Stations with Model Answers are available in the Online MMI Question Bank.
Whilst MMI interviews are notorious for being creative and novel, many universities have at least one MMI station focused on asking questions about your personal statement, work experience and motivations to study medicine.
Some universities request that you bring certain information with you to the interview (eg. University of Bristol request work experience details, other universities request exam certificates etc.) Ensure that you are fully aware of any requirements prior to attending your interview.
