Graduate Entry Medicine Interviews
Graduate entry medical interviews are very similar to their undergraduate entry counterparts, some are even identical interviews, however the expected standard of answer is much higher, and therefore requires far more pre-interview preparation to get your answers to a level good enough to secure you an all important place at medical school. Similar to undergraduate interviews they can take several formats. Either an MMI (multiple mini interview) or traditional panel interview. In addition there may also be group tasks as part of an assessment/selection centre day.
Table of Contents
ToggleHow should I prepare for my graduate entry medicine interview?
Preparation for any medical interview should cover some basics such as:
- Why do you want to study medicine? And your motivations for a career as a doctor
- Work experience – what have you learnt
- Communication/ Teamwork/ Leadership skill demonstrations
- Understanding of medical ethics
- NHS Values, and structure
- Understanding of the current issues faced in healthcare and the NHS
However, there are some additional things that you are expected to be able to do as a graduate student. One way to think about it is by being able to demonstrate that you have the core knowledge and aptitude required to skip the first year, or complete and accelerated year of medicine.
Scientific knowledge
You will be expected to be able to demonstrate your basic scientific knowledge that is above A-level standard. Remember, you are competing against candidates who have not just a bachelors of science degree but some who have master of science degrees and some may even have a PhD. Many may also have worked in laboratories doing scientific research for years. Therefore, your scientific knowledge on core topics such as; cancer, diabetes, COPD, and heart disease, to name a few, is essential.
Data handling and calculations
The universities want to see that you have the basic skills that are taught to students during the early stages of a medical degree which you may miss as a graduate entry student. Therefore, testing your data handling, interpretations and also calculations for drug calculations especially will often be tested at interview.
Maturity
In any medical interview the examiners are looking for maturity of thought, however at a graduate entry medicine interview this is essential. This will also help to demonstrate that you have full knowledge of the career, financial and time commitments required to complete the lengthy training programme, without the risk of dropping out of medical school.
Top Tips for Graduate entry medicine interviews:
Know the university
You have the benefit of understanding how universities work, so use that to your advantage and find out as much as you can about the university you are interviewing at.
Consolidate your basic scientific knowledge
Make sure you are up on you basic knowledge from your degree. If you are non-science subject graduate applying for graduate medicine make sure you are comfortable with A-level biology and chemistry, and try to read around key topics as mentioned in the article.
Practice, Practice and Practice
Especially with strangers. At a graduate interview there is no room for nerves to interfere with your answers.
Confidence
Confidence in your answers is key and this will only come with practice. Try practicing with family, friends, work colleagues on commonly asked questions, as well as role-plays, as everyone will interpret them differently. When talking about practice, it is highly recommended that you have a full practice interview. At Medic Mind we have university specific mock interviews to best prepare our students for their interviews, click here for more information. [LINK TO SALES PAGE FOR MOCK INTERVIEWS]
Frequently Asked Question
→What is a Graduate Entry Medicine Interview?
A Graduate Entry Medicine Interview is a part of the application process for entry into a graduate-level medical program. The interview is designed to assess the applicant’s knowledge, skills, experience, and suitability for the program.
→What should I expect during a Graduate Entry Medicine Interview?
During the interview, you can expect to be asked a range of questions about your academic background, work experience, and personal motivation for pursuing a career in medicine. You may also be asked situational and ethical questions to assess your problem-solving and communication skills.
→How can I prepare for a Graduate Entry Medicine Interview?
To prepare for the interview, you should review the program’s requirements, research the program and its faculty, and practice answering common interview questions. You should also be prepared to discuss your academic background, work experience, and personal motivations for pursuing a career in medicine.
→What are some common questions asked during a Graduate Entry Medicine Interview?
Common questions asked during a Graduate Entry Medicine Interview may include: Why do you want to study medicine? What experiences have you had that have prepared you for a career in medicine? How do you handle stress and difficult situations? What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the medical profession today?
→What should I wear to a Graduate Entry Medicine Interview?
You should dress professionally and conservatively for the interview. Men should wear a suit and tie, while women should wear a suit or a professional dress or skirt. It is important to make a good first impression and present yourself in a professional and polished manner.
→How important is the Graduate Entry Medicine Interview in the application process?
The interview is an important part of the application process and can significantly influence the admissions decision. The interview allows the program to assess the applicant’s knowledge, skills, experience, and suitability for the program, and helps the program to determine which applicants are best suited for the program.
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AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor
26 June 2021
Hi, I am a final year Econ student and am looking to apply for GEM – I have A-levels in Chemistry, Maths, Econ. I have only recently decided I would like to pursue GEM and as such I do not have any clinical work experience – how much of a disadvantage would this be for me?