MMI Interviews

MMIs are popular because they help interviewers to assess many different soft skills, and get a better picture of you as a candidate. Plus, you’ll get multiple opportunities to impress during the different stations.

Which Medical Schools Use MMIs?

The following Medical Schools will use MMIs in 2021:

MMIs For 2022 Entry

Bristol and Norwich have both confirmed their MMIs will be in-person for 2021/22. However, all other Medical Schools are either doing their MMI interviews remotely, or haven’t shared details yet.

Last year all MMIs were held online, and most people found that it was a seamless transition. Find out more in our guide to online interviews.

What Is A MMI Interview?

MMI stands for Multiple Mini Interviews. It’s when you’re put through several short assessments – and it’s very different to a traditional panel interview.

MMIs are broken down into ‘stations’ – or mini-interviews – that usually last 10 minutes or less. Before each one, you’ll be presented with a scenario and given a bit of time to prepare an answer. You’ll either be asked a question by an interviewer or have to engage in a role-play scenario with an actor whilst an interviewer watches.

Here are the key things you need to know about MMIs:

• MMI interviews will probably take about two hours
• Each mini-interview will usually take no longer than 10 minutes
• Most universities will have around 10 MMI  ‘stations’

MMI Stations

MMIs will vary by school, but some common MMI Stations that you’re likely to face include:

• Role-play stations
• Professional judgement stations
• Prioritisation stations
• Giving instruction stations
• Calculation and data interpretation stations
• PBL stations

What Are Medical Schools Looking For?

MMI interviews are about showing your interviewer what you’re capable of doing, rather than just telling them. It’s a chance for you to show that you’ve got what it takes to be a medical practitioner — not just the grades and know-how, but the right attitude and skills as well.

The Medical School is testing your ability to make ethical and informed decisions, as well as your critical thinking and communication skills. They will also be interested in your knowledge of current healthcare and social issues,  which our Hot Topics section will help with.

How Can I Prepare For My MMI Interview?

Some tips for how you can prepare for your MMI interview:

• Use your work experience. Lean on this and use specific examples when giving a response.
• Know what it takes to be a good doctor. Make a list of qualities and practice demonstrating them in your responses.
• Practice giving eight-minute presentations in response to common MMI interview questions. This will help with time management on the day.
• Make sure you understand key ethical concepts relating to medicine, like the four pillars and patient confidentiality.
• Keep up to date with medical news, and check out our Hot Topics section. Questions may be inspired by stories or debates in the media.
• Get some help. Though you can rehearse certain scenarios, MMI interviews are a lot harder to practice at school or at home, so it’s worth attending our MMI circuits.
• Consider working with a Med School Interview Tutor who’ll help you focus on improving your performance – or book a mock interview to get some detailed feedback.