Interviews are crucial in the medical school admissions process. Many otherwise qualified applicants are rejected from medical school because of the interview process. This is, in a nutshell, how medical schools function. Therefore, we have compiled 30 common interview questions and answers for entering medical school.
1. Explain Why You Want To Work In The Medical Field.
When I was twelve years old, I decided to pursue a career in the medical field. Although I have always been interested in assisting others and finding solutions to issues, it wasn’t until my younger brother was diagnosed with a liver illness that I decided to become a nurse. During the months my brother was getting treatment, I assisted my mother in providing care for him and making him as comfortable as possible. Since then, I’ve wanted to major in nursing to help others as I helped him.
2. Why Did You Decide To Apply To This Medical School?
This institution’s dedication to achieving the highest standards, together with its exceptional reputation in the field of medicine, has left an impression on me. I greatly admire the teachers at this institution, and Professor Malcolm is one of the professors whose classes I am most enthusiastic about attending. I believe that obtaining a medical degree from this school would equip me with the knowledge and abilities necessary to be an efficient physician and offer me a head start in my professional life.
3. What Do You Consider To Be The Most Significant Challenge Medical Professionals Are Confronting In The Modern Era?
My opinion is that the shortage of qualified medical professionals in underserved and rural areas is the most critical challenge facing the modern healthcare system. As a result of the increasing prevalence of diseases that I may treat, I believe that there is an ever-increasing demand for high-quality medical treatment in these areas. It is my opinion that those working in the medical field should make it a top priority to provide medical attention in locations that are more difficult to reach.
4. What Would You Say To A Family Member If They Requested You To Provide Confidential Information About One Of Your Patients?
If disclosing the material they want to know would break the doctor/patient confidentiality agreement, I would have to decline their request for more information gently. I would try to calm their fears and clear up any confusion by explaining patient confidentiality and giving them any non-private information I have about the patient.
5. Give Me A Little Background On Yourself.
I have two siblings and grew up in Brisbane with both of my parents and my sister and brother. My father has been a general practitioner for the past 35 years. He has always been someone I’ve looked up to, and I’ve always liked how fulfilling and demanding the career can be. My education at the University of XYZ culminated in awarding a Bachelor of Biomedical Science degree. My current position is as an administrative assistant in the surgical ward at ABC Hospital, where I have worked for the past few months.
6. What Motivates You To Become A Doctor?
I’ve always been fascinated by learning everything about the human body. At my father’s office, I would spend hours poring over anatomical models and back issues of medical journals. From then on, if one of my siblings got sick or hurt, it was usually me who took charge. Even my dad made me comfortable stepping in as the primary care physician.
7. So, How Do You Feel About Abortion?
This is a complicated subject with arguments on both sides. When you’re a physician, everything revolves around the patient and their requirements. Within the first 22 weeks of a woman’s pregnancy, it is permissible for a doctor to perform an abortion in the state of Queensland. In my opinion, within the confines of this regulation, the patient ought to be given the option to go through with an abortion. Without a clear and present danger to the patient’s health or life, I am against applying pressure to them.
8. What Employment Experience Or Comparable Volunteering Work Have You Done?
In addition to my studies at the university, I have spent the past two years working as an administrative assistant in a surgical unit. My participation in two research studies led by candidates for the doctoral degree has been as a volunteer. The projects have investigated the usefulness of aspirin as a preventative strategy for adults at a high risk of a heart attack. In addition, I completed a work experience placement with Dr. Smith at client DEF that lasted for six weeks.
9. What Do You Consider To Be Your Greatest Areas Of Weakness?
Over the past few years, I’ve made it a point to minimize what I consider to be my two most significant areas of weakness. To begin, I will be the first to say that my spelling is not up to the expected standard. I find that I rely on “spell check” quite much, and one of the things I’m doing to enhance my skills is disabling spell check while I’m working on my first draft. This will help me develop more independent spelling skills. I also find that in certain areas, such as the projects I am particularly enthusiastic about, I am hesitant to hand over control and delegate authority to others.
10. Give Me An Example Of A Moment When You Had A Disagreement With A Professor Or Supervisor.
When I was working at my former job, my boss and I disagreed about how we used to receive orders from clients. I felt that we should change the method. I moved the conversation to a more private office rather than continuing it in the public space of the business where everyone could hear it. I gave the person an explanation as to why I employed that strategy, as well as the results I got from doing it. They presented their viewpoint on the matter and brought up some fascinating issues in the process. I acknowledged that there were problems I was unaware of and modified a component of my system to address their concerns.
11. Why Is It So Crucial To Work Together?
If team members can work together effectively, they will typically be able to construct a more effective solution than if they worked alone. It is possible to make the process simpler and more productive by allowing everyone the opportunity to voice their opinions in their own time. The most recent research project I was a part of required teamwork. I felt that structured brainstorming sessions and opportunities for each participant to voice their thoughts made the project more effective and inventive in its approach and outcomes.
12. What Are Some Things You Enjoy Doing While You’re Not Practicing Medicine?
Even though I don’t have formal hobbies, I am intensely interested in going on hikes and discovering new natural areas. I will hike into the woods for sixty minutes in a typical week. In addition to helping me maintain my physical fitness, I find that engaging in this sport helps me de-stress and concentrate better.
13. Imagine That You Are A Doctor Who Is Responsible For The Care Of A Patient Who Has Liver Disease And Is Also An Alcoholic. What Are Your Thoughts Regarding This Circumstance, And What Steps Would You Take To Assist Those Involved?
Because alcoholism is an addiction, those suffering from it will have difficulty quitting alcohol and may not even want to try to manage how much they drink. Because of this, it is crucial to have empathy for those who are in this situation. I won’t criticize the person’s behavior throughout the session because they might be trying to hide their guilt or be susceptible to the subject. I would treat them the same way I treat other patients with a similar diagnosis. If they wanted information on how to manage their alcoholism, I would assist them in finding programs and support groups to help them.
14. What Knowledge And Abilities Did You Gain During Your Pre-Med Study That Will Be Of Use To You Once You Begin Working In The Medical Field?
My studies in pre-medicine allowed me to refine my planning, organizing, and time-management skills to a fine point. Even though I had already gained specific capacities when I started college, the difficulties connected with a pre-med curriculum meant I needed to refine them. I developed a system for keeping track of crucial tasks by merging assignment lists and study timetables into an organizational plan I established. Because of this, I have never been late for a deadline, and I have been able to space out my studying and adjust to it when certain classes have examinations coming up, making the process more manageable and adaptable.
15. In What Ways Do You Hope Your Work In The Medical Field Will Make A Difference?
As a person who works in the medical field, one of my goals is to broaden access to medical treatment for those who live in areas that are currently underserved. I plan to look for chances to volunteer at community health clinics, particularly in regions where poverty makes it difficult to purchase even the most basic medical care. In an ideal world, if the local community where I now reside does not have a free clinic, I would like to establish one so that anyone who needs medical assistance will have somewhere to go.
16. How Do You Keep Up With The Latest News And Developments In The Medical Field?
I enjoy reading healthcare blogs that provide information and news about the industry. In addition, I am a member of several healthcare groups on LinkedIn, which has enabled me to keep abreast of the most recent developments in the healthcare industry.
17. Give Me An Example Of A Moment When You Behaved In An Unprofessional Manner.
I once couldn’t accept feedback, even constructive input. In my first year of college, an English Literature professor gave me a bad grade and supplied many notes, revisions, and comments on a term paper. She even let me resubmit my essay with her feedback. I was saddened when my outstanding essay got a low mark. I went to my professor’s office hours after receiving the essay to complain. When we reviewed her comments and corrections for my work, my perspective altered dramatically, and I felt embarrassed that I hadn’t read them. It improved my paper significantly. This closed-off approach toward feedback held me back as a student and future professional. How can I learn if I refuse to hear feedback openly? I apologized to my lecturer for my hasty judgment and reviewed her notes. I resubmitted my paper with revisions based on her remarks, obtained a better grade, and reconsidered a brilliant piece of literature I thought I understood well. Indeed, another person’s perspective can open up a whole world. This humiliating event inspired me to form an English Lit book group. Hearing their perspectives on the novels we read was equally eye-opening. Since then, we’ve continued virtually. I know feedback is vital in medicine, but this topic has never come up in my professional or academic career. I’m ready to learn from my lecturers, researchers, and medical school peers. I’ve learned humility and feedback acceptance.
18. Besides This One, Have You Applied To Any Others? Which Ones Specifically? For What Reason Did You Pick Those Institutions Of Higher Learning?
The United States and Canada are both on my list of potential colleges to attend. Since my alternatives for medical schools in Canada were restricted since I live in Ontario, I decided to apply to Canadian-friendly US medical schools like yours. Although I did apply, I did not do so blindly. Look at my list of potential universities. You’ll see that I was primarily interested in attending medical schools whose goals include enhancing healthcare delivery in geographically isolated and underprivileged communities. As I get more expertise, I hope to be able to provide care to these types of patients.
19. Patients Visiting Primary Care Physicians Or The Emergency Room May Soon Be Required To Pay A $10 Fee That Won’t Be Covered By Insurance Or Public Health Programs. Your Thoughts On This?
I understand why the government imposed a price. This would operate as a deterrent price, making people rethink when to see the doctor or hospital. Our aging population and rising need for services have put a financial strain on the healthcare system. It has positives and cons. First, as I’ve said, this $10 cost will curb unnecessary doctor and ER visits. This would relieve some of our healthcare system’s strain and generate revenue that we can utilize to improve it, but we must prove this idea. Problems emerge when the deterrent fee prevents persons from lower socioeconomic strata from getting care. For some, a $10 cost may be too much, and they may not seek medical treatment when needed. This can cost the healthcare system more over time as chronic illnesses require more resources. In the near term, a fee may save us money on doctor visits, but it can cost us more eventually. I don’t think a deterrent cost will help the healthcare system. We can lessen our system’s load in different ways. We can educate the public on when to seek medical help from doctors or the ER. Telehealth or web health services, where people can contact a healthcare expert for guidance, are fantastic ways to educate the public. Preventative interventions are a long-term solution to our healthcare system’s demands. This involves public education about healthy and active living, which will lower the number of people who need medical care over their lifetime. “
20. Which Branch Of Medicine Piques Your Interest The Most?
I’m interested in family medicine. I want to be my patients’ lifelong health educator. Dr. X, a primary care physician, showed me the link, trust, and obligations of caring for patients from infancy to old age. Many patients in an underprivileged Los Angeles area relied on continual monitoring to improve. In many circumstances, teaching patients about the need for lifestyle management was crucial. Family medicine is enjoyable because of patient relationships. I’m delighted to use this special connection and expertise to make patient-specific treatment strategies. I like family medicine because I can form a lifetime partnership with my patients and contribute to community health.
21. What Circumstances Prompted You To Apply Here?
My sister was born early and weighed less than 2 pounds. This happened when I was four years old. She was put in the NICU, the Newborn Intensive Care Unit. When she came home, I did everything I could to help take care of her. During her childhood, she had several primary care doctors whose skills enabled her to get all the care she needed. This experience made me want to work more in clinical medicine, especially with kids. Also, my volunteer and leadership work has given me more experience with primary care and helped me understand how rewarding it is to be a primary care doctor. In college, I volunteered in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), followed a pediatric psychiatrist around, and joined Dance Marathon, an organization whose goal is to find cures for diseases that can’t be cured in children and treat them early so that sick children can grow up to be healthy adults. I’m sure the X program is right for me because my volunteer work and wide range of interests have helped me connect with patients in a meaningful way. I like many different things, and I think primary care will give me the best chance to help people of all ages and backgrounds. Currently, I’m a certified nursing assistant who helps college students and adults get better. This job is rewarding because I act as a “gatekeeper” for health care and ensure that patients get the proper care and are sent to the right place when needed. I also get to help promote health. I’m applying to the X program because I want to be the first person my patients talk to, work with a wide range of patients, and be part of a team of people from different fields.
22. Someone In Your Family Decides That The Only Way To Treat A Serious Illness Is Through Alternative Medicine. What Do You Think?
My relative’s safety and health are my top priorities in this situation. I must avoid drawing hasty conclusions. Therefore I will first do some research. I’m going to talk to my relative in private. I’ll start by asking them an open-ended question. I can then inquire about how they are handling their disease. I can then inquire about the therapies they are using. They might be receiving both conventional medical care from their doctor and alternative treatments as a supplement, in which case I can offer my support and make sure I keep in touch with them frequently. On the other side, they can avoid conventional allopathic therapy instead of exclusively alternative ones. I would advise them to tell their doctor about any alternative remedies they are doing because they can interfere with conventional therapies or perhaps make their condition worse.
23. How Would You Decide Between A 20-Year-Old Drug Addict And A Successful Senior Member Of The Community Who Both Need Organ Transplants?
I need to start by being objective and gathering information. For example, I shouldn’t draw inferences about a patient’s age or drug use based on appearances. I will check to see if both patients are a match for this transplant first. I need to learn more about the medical issues of these people and what caused them to need organ transplants. I also need to learn about the post-transplant prognoses for both patients. Which patient has a higher chance of making a full recovery and benefiting from the transplant in terms of quantity and quality of life? I need more information first because organs are a scarce resource. I shouldn’t think this is a situation where only my viewpoint matters. I should consider the opinions of others since healthcare is a team effort, including the opinions of the patient’s doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals, as well as the hospital ethics or transplant board, which is frequently engaged in making these decisions.
24. Would You Prescribe Nsaid (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory) Medicines Like Nimesulide To A Patient Who Has A History Of Allergic Sensitivity?
Nimesulide is a member of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) family, and patients who take this medication may experience several undesirable side effects, both common and uncommon. Therefore, it is best to avoid prescribing this medication to patients with allergies or even those who are otherwise healthy. Diarrhea, vomiting, skin rash, itching, gastrointestinal side effects, nervous system side effects, and other side effects are included in the list of possible adverse reactions.
25. Could You Please Explain What Vertigo Is? How Is The Condition Known As Vertigo Treated?
Vertigo is a condition in which the patient perceives that they are moving, even if they are not. Vertigo can be broken down into two distinct categories: the first, known as subjective vertigo, and the second, known as objective vertigo. This condition can be brought on by a wide variety of factors, including, but not limited to, decreased blood flow of blood to the base of the brain, migraines, brain tumors, cold viruses, head trauma, neck injuries, and so on. Patients can be treated by administering medications such as diazepam or meclizine to their bodies.
26. How Do You Deal With Patients Who Are Difficult To Treat?
Because I know that healthcare may be a touchy subject for many people, I am cautious about how I interact with patients and respond to any questions or concerns they may have. Nevertheless, I never stop working to improve my skills to serve my patients’ requirements better. In general, I have picked up the ability to gain perspective and better comprehend the nature of a particular problem. I can provide better care for my patients if I do this first rather than springing into action.
27. Could You Please Explain The Function Of The Medications Known As Glucocorticoids?
One example of a glucocorticoid medication is prednisolone. Glucocorticoids are classified as a subclass of steroids. This medication is prescribed to patients suffering from various conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and inflammation. The human body typically produces glucocorticoids in the form of cortisol, which primarily inhibits information.
28. Please Explain How To Treat A Patient Who Has Been Submerged In Water And Has Drowned.
To heal a patient, what we can do are:
- Intubate if the patient is unconscious or continue CPR as necessary.
- Provide oxygen
- Hypothermia, hypoglycemia, seizures, low blood volume, and low blood pressure must all be treated.
- If the patient is awake, keep an eye on it for at least 6 hours because pulmonary edema can develop in as little as 4
- High positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), intubation, and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
- Dialysis for renal insufficiency
- Antibiotics for prevention in case of drowning in contaminated water
- Nasogastric tube and catheter, if required
- Supplemental oxygen at high pressure, synthetic surfactant, and nitrous oxide
29. Please Define Stroke And List Its Various Subtypes.
Medical professionals call this a stroke when blood flow to an area of the brain is restricted or cut off. You can have one of two different strokes.
- Ischemic stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted because of a blockage in a blood artery.
- Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when an already compromised blood artery bursts, releasing blood into brain tissue.
30. What Are The Possible Causes Of Thyroid Issues In A Person?
The potential causes of thyroid issues in people are
- hazardous adenomas
- Chronic thyroiditis
- Cancerous thyroid gland growths or pituitary gland issues
- Hashimoto’s illness (body’s own immune system attacks thyroid tissue)
- The thyroid gland is removed
- Iodide exposure that is too high
- Lithium medication
Conclusion
Everyone who gets invited for an interview is deemed a qualified applicant by that particular medical school. It seems that everybody is in the same boat now. Getting into medical school is competitive even if you have flawless grades and test scores, but your interview performance is now more crucial than how you “appear on paper.” It makes sense, given the importance of being able to communicate with patients. That being said, we hope for the best for you.