Medical Interview Questionnaire

Be as explicit as possible when describing how you differ from others in terms of what you can provide.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of being a doctor, in your opinion?

Give a balanced, well-researched answer. Discuss what aspects of being a doctor you think you'll love as well as the problems you'll experience. Visit the NHS Careers page to learn about the realities of a medical profession, in addition to RCS career information.

Positive features may include job satisfaction, knowing that you are making a difference in people's lives, and continuous skill growth.

Negative elements could include: being on-call can be stressful; training takes a long time and waking up frequently in the middle of the night.

How would you find a balance between your extracurricular activities and your academic pursuits?

It is critical that you have a stress outlet and a life outside of medicine; doctors must be people as well.

How do you cope with stress?

Try to frame your response in a positive light: what strategies and diversions helped you get through your GCSEs.

How do you mentally prepare for and recover from difficult situations?

How would you find a balance between your extracurricular activities and your academic pursuits?

It is critical that you have a stress outlet and a life outside of medicine; doctors must be people as well.

How do you cope with stress?

Try to frame your response in a positive light: what strategies and diversions helped you get through your GCSEs.

How do you mentally prepare for and recover from difficult situations?

Be truthful, but frame your response in terms of being a doctor. It's also worth mentioning what you're doing to overcome your flaws.

For instance, 'In the past, I've found it difficult to focus on editing.' I've made an effort to construct a schedule and have rewarded myself with delightful treats during my breaks to encourage me to focus during my revision periods.'

Avoid claiming that you have no flaws; this is unlikely to be true.

What responsibilities do you have?

Consider your hobbies and any roles you now or previously held at school, such as sports captain, team leader, or prefect. Discuss your responsibilities and what you took out from the experience.

What do you believe will be the most difficult aspect of completing medical school or learning to be a doctor?
Consider what obstacles you'll face along the way, such as working independently or achieving financial independence, and how you'll overcome them.

Most medical schools receive at least ten applications for each position, so having a backup plan in case you don't get in is crucial.
Other choices include pursuing a medical-related degree such as biomedicine or audiology and afterward enrolling in a graduate entrance medicine program. You can also consider taking a year off to work on your application. The clearing is not an option for medical school admission.

Do you read any medical publications?

You won't be expected to study prestigious medical journals. Consult publications such as the Student BMJ, the RCS Bulletin, and the health sections of newspapers.

Because this question can be scary, it's critical to plan beforehand. Bright Journals, Student BMJ, and newspaper health sections can provide you with the most up-to-date medical information.

How do you tell the difference between primary and secondary health care?

Primary care is healthcare given by General Practitioners on a local level (GPs). General practitioners (GPs) are the primary point of contact for all patients and account for the vast majority of doctors in the UK.

Secondary care is hospital-based healthcare for life-threatening emergencies and expert treatment.

Despite its name, the NHS is not a single entity. It is divided into regional services (called NHS Trusts). The Trusts decide how money is spent on a particular area or treatment; not all do so in the same way.
As a result, care quality and accessibility may differ across the country. As a result, there is a 'postcode lottery,' in which healthcare is provided based on geography rather than necessity.
Try to provide a perspective on the concerns and problems that this can cause, preferably with an example.

What do you think makes a good team?

Consider successful teams you've been a part of. What distinguishes them from unsuccessful teams? Work, sports teams, or other endeavors might be used to illustrate your idea.

Discuss how the skills you've acquired will help you thrive in your future profession in medicine or how they've just helped you grow as a person.

What did you do in your year out? (If you had one)

Explain how whatever you did aided your development.

What do you think about abortion/euthanasia etc.?

It's critical to demonstrate that you're informed of both sides of the debate. Remember that as a doctor, the patient's choice and/or the law frequently override your personal opinions and perspectives. In all ethical disputes, make sure to give a balanced argument.

Attempt to appear upbeat, or say why you aren't. Make suggestions for how to improve the situation.
What would you spend £1 billion on if you only had £1 billion to spend on one aspect of healthcare, and why?
Be imaginative. For example, by supporting healthy lifestyles, problems such as obesity and lung cancer can be avoided.

What single healthcare action might have the greatest impact on the health of the UK population?

If possible, support your answer with an explanation, an example, and data.