Cambridge adopts a more traditional approach to their interview process, with most candidates having at least two interviews, each lasting between 20 and 45 minutes. There are usually two people in the interview, one of which is a current medical practitioner and an admissions tutor. Cambridge uses the following criteria to inform their selection process:
- Knowledge of the scientific basis of medicine, including its most recent developments – this is an area which is relatively unique to Cambridge.
- Personal qualities relating to good medical practice – honesty, caring, patient respect, knowledge and competency and equipped to maintain good medical practice
- Excellent communication skills
- An understanding of the importance of the physical, psychological and social aspects of patient care
- A sound appreciation of ethical, legal and community issues related to medicine
- Demonstrates teamwork – can work effectively in multidisciplinary teams
- Possess the capacity for inquiry and are prepared to continue learning, teaching, evaluate and research throughout their careers and to prepare them fully for their roles as doctors.
Cambridge medicine interviews are, in general, designed to mimic the structure of a ‘supervision’ (small-group teaching session), and one of the interviewers’ main aims is to establish how you adapt to such a situation. In a typical interview, the interviewer will introduce a scientific problem and will expect you to talk them through your thought process as you attempt to establish ‘the answer’.