Medical School Interviews: A Student’s Guide

So, you’ve made it to the medical school interview stage, congratulations! Reaching this point means admissions tutors believe you’ve got the academic potential. Now they want to see whether you have the personal qualities, communication skills, and motivation that make a great doctor.

Whether you're facing a traditional panel interview or a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI), preparation is key. Here’s your complete guide to standing out for the right reasons.

Understand the Purpose of the Interview

Medical schools use interviews to assess:

• Your motivation for studying medicine
• Understanding of the medical profession
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to reflect and respond under pressure
• Ethical awareness and professionalism
• Commitment to teamwork, leadership, and resilience

Know the Interview Format

Panel Interviews

• Typically involve 2–3 interviewers
• More conversational in nature
• Can include academics, clinicians, and even current students

MMIs (Multiple Mini Interviews)

• A series of short stations (5–10 minutes each)
• Each station focuses on a different skill or scenario
• Can include role-plays, data analysis, ethics discussions, and problem-solving

Always check the medical school’s website for the specific format and structure used.

Key Preparation Areas

1. Know Your Personal Statement

• Be prepared to expand on any part of it
• Reflect on your work experience, volunteering, and hobbies
• Think about what you've learnt, not just what you did

2. Understand the NHS and Healthcare Issues

Familiarise yourself with:

• NHS core values and the NHS Constitution
• Key ethical principles (autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice)
• Current NHS issues (e.g., workforce shortages, waiting times, digital healthcare)
• GMC’s Good Medical Practice

3. Practise Common Interview Questions

Some typical ones include:

• Why do you want to study medicine?
• What makes a good doctor?
• Tell us about a time you showed empathy/leadership/teamwork.
• What did you learn from your work experience?
• How would you deal with stress?

Tip: Always use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for structured answers.

4. Prepare for Ethical Scenarios

• Read up on basic medical ethics
• Practise discussing dilemmas involving confidentiality, consent, or limited resources
• There’s often no single “correct” answer – they want to see your reasoning

5. Role-Play Scenarios (for MMIs)

• These may involve breaking bad news, dealing with a difficult patient, or teamwork tasks
• Practise staying calm and professional, even if it feels awkward

Hone Your Communication Skills

• Practise speaking clearly, confidently, and respectfully
• Make eye contact and listen actively
• Don’t try to “sound clever”—sincerity and clarity matter more
• Ask a teacher, friend, or mentor to run mock interviews with you

On the Day: Stay Calm and Be Yourself

• Dress smartly but comfortably
• Arrive early and bring necessary documents
• Take a deep breath before each station or question
• It’s okay to pause and gather your thoughts—don’t rush
• If you don’t know an answer, admit it honestly and explain how you would approach the problem

Dos and Don’ts

✅ Do:

• Show enthusiasm for medicine and learning
• Reflect on experiences (not just describe them)
• Be polite and professional with everyone
• Stay positive, even if a question goes badly

❌ Don’t:

• Memorise scripted answers – you’ll sound robotic
• Criticise healthcare professionals or institutions
• Panic if something unexpected happens
• Compare yourself to others – focus on your strengths

Final Thoughts

The interview isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being genuine, thoughtful, and teachable. Medical schools aren’t just looking for high achievers; they’re looking for future doctors who can connect with patients, work in teams, and reflect on their practice.

You’ve already come this far, and with good preparation and the right mindset, you’ll do brilliantly.

Best of luck and remember, they’re not trying to catch you out. They want you to succeed.