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University of Cambridge Medicine Interview Questions
This article was updated in December 2023 with the latest information, and we will continue to regularly update it!
For statistics and general information about Cambridge Medical School, click here: Cambridge Medical School
In this guide we provide an expert insight into past University of Cambridge panel interviews, the University of Cambridge interview day and tips for converting your University of Cambridge interview into an offer!
How Is Cambridge Interviewing for 2024 Entry?
What is the University of Cambridge interview style?
All Cambridge applicants will sit at least two panel interviews, typically lasting 20-45 minutes each, and assessed by at least one current clinical practitioner. For 2023-24 entry, interviews will be held virtually, either via Zoom or Whereby.
What are the common topics covered at the University of Cambridge?
The Cambridge Medicine Panel Interview is an intensive assessment tool designed to assess scientific, professional and skills-based competencies of their candidates. This includes (but is not limited to);
- Ability to hypothesise and apply basic scientific concepts to medical problems
- Communication skills, specifically listening and professional interaction
- Ability to cope with stressful situations
- Appreciation and application of ethical, legal and social concepts to medicine
- Personal qualities of good medical practice
- Awareness of key issues in the NHS
- Understanding of the realities and challenges of a career in medicine
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recommendedHow many interviewed applicants received an offer from University of Cambridge?
In 2020/21, 306 offers were given. Applicants had a 1 in 5.9 success rate. These statistics look at the success rate of the overall candidate pool as individual interview rates are not publicly available.
At Medic Mind we’ve helped many students secure offers from Cambridge and other medical schools. If you’re applying to Cambridge, we can do a high quality 1-1 mock with you with a Cambridge tutor and realistic panel questions uniquely for Cambridge.
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List of Recent University of Cambridge Interviews Panel Stations
| Theme | Cambridge Example Questions |
|---|---|
| Motivation for Medicine | Suitability for the course |
| Work Experience | Professional qualities observed |
| Personality & Skills | Interpreting data Qualities of a good doctor Resilience Extracurriculars Scientific aptitude |
| NHS Hot Topics | Healthcare expenditure Resource allocation |
| Medical Ethics | Gene editing |
| Personal Statement | Discussion of diseases mentioned in PS |
| Other | Limitations of the Cambridge course |
If you wish to practice Cambridge Medicine Panel mocks, here are some sample questions:
- What are some of the ethical issues surrounding gene editing?
- What is something you dislike about the Cambridge Medicine course?
- What would you consider the most important quality of a doctor? Why?
- Why are you suited to the Cambridge course?
- What have you recently read (relating to medicine/science) that you found interesting?
- What are your biggest strengths and weaknesses?
- What are the ethical issues of a patient refusing life-saving treatment?
- Tell me about something you saw during work experience that confirmed that you wanted to study medicine?
- A 13 year old patient comes to see you and asks for the contraceptive pill. What do you do?
- Why is confidentiality important?
A Cambridge Medical Student’s Perspective
Name 3 Reasons why you picked Cambridge
- Reason 1 – The traditional course structure of Cambridge means the first three years give you an excellent foundation in the basic clinical sciences. As a consequence, when you move to the clinical years you are able to problem solve from scientific principles. This gives strong basis on which to build your clinical skills and diagnostic reasoning.
- Reason 2 – The collegiate system. Your college not only organizes your supervisions but is a community and a home away from home. This special environment is a key part of the Cambridge experience. It means even though you are in a year of several hundred medical students within this you belong to a smaller college group who are able to support each other through the highs and lows of the course.
- Reason 3 – Cambridge is a center of research excellence. There are lab groups which are making huge advances in areas ranging from genetics to Dementia research. As a student not only are you lectured and supervised by these scientists but there are also a huge number of opportunities to get involved. This means you are able to contribute to the research and advances in medicine.
What makes Cambridge unique to other medical schools?
Not only are you studying at a university which is making significant contributions to advancing medical science, but you are also surrounded by people on other courses who are at the top of their respective field’s. This creates an amazing environment of likeminded people with a huge range of interests making the city a very exciting place to live and work.
Insider Guide: University of Cambridge Interview Day
How does the University of Cambridge Medicine Interview day work?
Traditionally, both interviews are conducted on the same day with a short break in between. This is followed by an unguided tour of the campus. For the 2023-24 intake, interviews will be held virtually. Very little information has been released by the university as of November 2023 but it is expected to take place via Zoom or Whereby.
Is any pre-reading required for the Cambridge Medicine Interview?
Cambridge recommends reading the Medical Schools Council’s Consensus Statement on the role of the doctor (Consensus Statement on the Role of the Doctor), as well as Guiding Principles for the Admission of Medical Students (Guiding Principles for the Admission of Medical Students) to help candidates prepare.
Additionally, a strong grasp of Chemistry, Biology, Maths and Physics at a sixth form level is required. Finally, a thorough understanding of key issues in the NHS as well as recent medical advancements, social determinants of healthcare and medical ethics will hold candidates in good stead.
How do you receive information for each University of Cambridge Panel Interview?
Some information will be sent to students in the weeks leading up to the Cambridge interviews, and the rest is typically given verbally during the course of the interviews.
What were the University of Cambridge Panel examiners like?
Typically, the panel examiners are extremely friendly and appreciate students who show originality of thought, regardless of the accuracy of their answers.
Did the University of Cambridge Medicine interviewers ask a lot of follow up questions?
The Cambridge interviewers ask lots of follow-up questions based on the answers that they are given in an effort to gain a deeper insight into one’s candidature. There is no generic, predetermined list. Follow-ups can be a very good thing as they show that something you’ve said has caught their attention!
How long are the actual University of Cambridge Medicine Interviews?
Each of the two Cambridge interviews are typically around 25 minutes long, but they can be anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes long. As panel interviews are not as time pressured as multiple mini interviews, candidates are given ample time to finish their responses.
Logistical advice for the day?
For virtual interviews, ensure you have a quiet and bright space with a strong wifi connection and working camera and microphone. Ensure you will not be disturbed during your interview and avoid sitting in front of a bright light or window to prevent glare. Ideally, set up your interview space prior to the day and practice in that setting a few times to ensure comfort and logistical ease. If the university allows, it is helpful to have water to sip on throughout the interview.
Top Tips for University of Cambridge Medicine Panel Interview
1. Prepare for scientific questions. Cover all of the main A-Level Biology human content, and learn some content beyond the A-Level syllabus – the interview is very science-based and mirrors the traditional approach of the course. Learn how to hypothesize and apply concepts to real-world problems!
2. Practise problem solving scenarios. Practice doing problem-solving questions based on scientific topics or illnesses – push yourself to research more on topics you are not as confident on. Furthermore, reading up on latest advancements in fields such as genomic medicine or digital healthcare can further strengthen your responses.
3. Know your Personal Statement well. Review your personal statement and make sure you know the scientific basis’ of the illnesses that you have discussed in your PS. When discussing these, focus on communicating a thorough understanding of the bio-psycho-social aspects of the disease to show a penchant for holistic care provision. For example, when discussing chronic illnesses (Cystic Fibrosis, for example), focus on the biology of the pathophysiology and therapeutic options as well as the psychological and social impacts of the disease.
4. Read our 10 tips for panel interviews! Medicine Guideline . We also have a very useful video for Oxbridge medicine interviews! .
5. Review your work experience notes. Review your work experience notes and make sure you know examples of where key skills were being shown by the doctors during your placement. Self-reflection is key and is a skill tested for by the assessors at Cambridge. Learn to reflect on the things you see during work experience and relate them to your own experiences and personal and professional development.
6. If you have an area medical science you are interested prepare to speak about it with confidence. If you are asked about it this will means you are able to make the most of the opportunity to take the interview in a direction that you are comfortable with. The Cambridge course has strong scientific foundations, the interviewers want to find students who will do well in this environment and enjoy the process. The ability to discuss an area of interest with confidence allows you to demonstrate this.
7. Don’t panic if you are questioned about an area of science you are unsure about. Be honest that this something you are not confident in. Then use what you do understand and use this as a basis to work out a possible solution to the question. Doing this and showing your thought process may be more important to the interviewer than if you give the correct answer.
8. Enjoy it! This may sound strange, but the interview can be a lot of fun. The questions are designed to push you, to get you to think and give you the opportunity to demonstrate what you are capable of. They simulate the environment of the small group supervisions you get over the following years so if you enjoy it you are likely to also get on well with the style of teaching Cambridge offers
Covid – 2024 Changes
Is the University of Cambridge Panel Interview different this year?
The University of Cambridge has stated that they are making plans to interview applicants this year without requiring them to travel to Cambridge in December. This page will be updated with more information: Interviews
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FAQs
Cambridge Interviews usually take place over the first three weeks of December, however, candidates have attended interviews up until January. This year, interviews will be held virtually.
The Cambridge Medicine interview is a challenging and rigorous process designed to assess the academic and personal suitability of candidates. The interview typically involves a series of one-on-one interviews with experienced medical professionals, including doctors, academics, and researchers. The interview questions will focus on a wide range of topics, including scientific knowledge, ethical considerations, and personal attributes.
As with all interviews, the dress code is very smart. Additionally, if you are attending an online interview, a strong wifi connection, working webcam and microphone is a minimum requirement given the format of the interview. Candidates are also asked to show photo ID.
Graduates of the University of Cambridge Medicine programme are highly sought after by employers in the medical profession. Many graduates go on to work as doctors, medical researchers, or healthcare professionals. Some graduates also pursue careers in academia or the pharmaceutical industry.
The University of Cambridge provides a range of support services for its Medicine students, including academic support, pastoral care, and access to state-of-the-art facilities. Students are also encouraged to get involved in extracurricular activities, such as medical research or volunteering in healthcare settings.
The selection process for the University of Cambridge Medicine programme is highly competitive and rigorous. Candidates are selected based on their academic achievements, personal qualities, and performance during the interview process. Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate a strong academic background, excellent problem-solving and communication skills, and a commitment to the medical profession.
All Cambridge interview candidates for all courses are typically given decisions on the 15th of January. This applies for all colleges.
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