Medical School Interviews Kieran Ferrier, 3rd Year Student Kay

Medical School Interviews Kieran Ferrier, 3rd Year Student Kay McGillivray, 2nd Year Student University of St Andrews

Content Why Do Universities Interview? On the Day The Interview Types of Interview: MMI, Panel Types of Question: Academic, Work Experience, Ethics, Role Play Scenarios Example Questions The Successful Candidate Personal Advice

Why Do Universities Interview? http://www.medschools.ac.uk/SiteCollectionDocuments/MSC-Entry-requirements-for-UK-medical-schools.pdf In 2016, 33 of the 34 UK medical schools interviewed their undergraduate medical applicants (University of Edinburgh did not interview, under review for 2017 cycle). To get a better idea of the candidate as a person, instead of as a piece of paper! Some debate over the efficacy of interviewing for medicine Across all UK medical schools, the mean applicant : offer ratio at interview is; 2.75:1 Applicant : Offer at Interview 4.5 4 3.5 3 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0 l l r r r s r t s s en am MS sto dge diff dee EA rgh te ow MS ICL ele KCL ste ed ste oo ste stle am ord uth ary fas eld 'ton ew rt' CL e i e r e f U Y p l g S a U i h h a o e r r u M n e r d a L c e he c g ffi o x s H x r a K O ym en Be he S nd B i iv c w in er ing B B b C Du nb E Gla nc e i b l s m t a e A S L L an N P ue n' A irm L ot Ed Ca St M N Q ee B u Q

On the Day Get a proper night’s sleep. First impressions matter. Show up on time (early if possible, and convenient!) Interview begins the second you walk into the medical school. Dress for the occasion. Take some time to calm your nerves. Leave your parents at the door (works better for some than others!) If offered, stay for the tour.

Types of Interview Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) e.g. Aberdeen, Dundee, St Andrews Question Types General “Interview” Questions Interactive Stations Roleplay Scenarios Ethical Scenarios Panel Interviews e.g. Glasgow Question Types General “Interview” Questions Ethical Scenarios

Types of Question “Standard” Interview Questions Work Experience Questions Ethical Scenarios Roleplay Scenarios

How to Deal with “Standard” Interview Questions Prepare for some of the “standard” interview questions. Take some time to think about what really got you to apply to medicine. Preparation is good Over-preparation is not good. Work Experience Questions Quality over quantity. What you learned, not what you’ve done.

How to Deal with Medical Ethics Questions Often seen as one of the most difficult parts of an interview. Time restrictions mean that full exploration of the topic is not possible. Appreciate the complexities. Read some of the literature around; Euthanasia Abortion Law Contraceptive Pill Treating Minors Jehovah’s Witnesses Patient Confidentiality Beauchamp & Childress’ (B&C) Four Principles Patient Autonomy Non-Maleficence Beneficence Justice

How to Deal with Medical Ethics Questions How do you feel about Prescribing the contraceptive pill to a sexually active 14 year old? A patient refusing to tell their partner that they’re HIV positive? Spending taxpayer money on funding IVF treatment in smokers? Performing Ebola drug trials in developing countries? Doctors going on strike? NHS resource allocation (e.g. dialysis)? A legal, NHS-mediated, for-profit organ market in the UK? For-profit healthcare providers (e.g. healthcare in the USA)?

“Only flesh with its soul-its blood-you must not eat” Genesis 9:3-4 Scenario “Whilst on attachment to a local A&E department, a 12 year old female is brought in by the local ambulance crew, followed quickly by her two parents, after a major RTA. Both parents are devout Jehovah’s Witnesses. Your multidisciplinary team concludes that, amongst other courses of treatment, a blood transfusion is required to save the life of this patient. In accordance with their interpretation of Scripture, Jehovah’s Witnesses are staunchly opposed to receiving blood transfusions, believing it to be sinful. The parents refuse to give consent for the child to receive the blood transfusion.” Using your knowledge of medical ethics, please discuss the considerations you must make before continuing with your treatment plan.

How to Deal with Role Play Scenarios Test of communication “Counselling”/”Breaking bad news” role play Interactive station Key communication skills: Listening Empathetic Build rapport Deal with criticism well

Role Play Examples 1. Your friend (Nathan) complains to you that his flat-mate is stealing their clothes. Nathan is upset about the situation and would like to talk to you about it. You may wish to provide appropriate advice. 2. John has visited a very busy A&E with a sore arm, and has been waiting for over an hour to see a doctor. He is very unhappy and would like to speak to someone. Please discuss with John that there are other people waiting and he will be seen to as soon as possible. 3. An elderly lady, Mary, has fallen down the stairs and is complaining of pain. Normally she looks after her husband and works as a part-time gardener. Please gather information about the incident and how she is feeling. 4. You were babysitting for your neighbours whilst they were on holiday, and accidentally broke a vase of sentimental value. They have now arrived back to the house and thank you for your service. Please break the news to them.

The Successful Candidate Good communication skills Enthusiastic Critical Thinker Listening Maintaining eye-contact Medicine The University Uses experiences Explains thought process

Our Advice Prepare (but not too much!) Be yourself. Think before you speak. Stay calm. SMILE! Answer the question, and explain your opinions. Good Luck!