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Some universities still use a traditional panel format for their Medicine interviews – so you may need to make this part of your interview prep, depending on where you have applied.

Panel interviews are good because they give you time to establish a rapport with your interviewer and really showcase why you’re a great candidate – but you might find them more intimidating than MMIs.

Which Medical Schools Use Panel Interviews?

The following Medical Schools typically use panel interviews:

Panel Interviews For 2025 Entry

For 2025 entry, most Medical Schools will continue to conduct their panel interviews online, while some will return to in-person interviews at the university. When you receive an invitation to interview, check the details carefully.

If your panel interview is going to be online, you can find out more in our guide to online interviews.

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What Is A Panel Interview?

Panel interviews are question-focused, rather than task-based. Instead of having to role-play a scenario or communication task, like in MMIs, you’ll be asked a number of questions by a panel that you need to answer.

The interview may feel more like a conversation between you and the panel, rather than a series of back-to-back questions.

Plus, you’ll have longer to think about and elaborate on your answers than you would have in an MMI. These are strengths of the traditional medical interview format.

Who Will Interview Me?

In a Medical School panel interview, you can expect to be interviewed by a panel made up of people who are linked to the university.

You could be interviewed by a GP or Nurse, a lecturer, an Admissions Tutor, a Junior Doctor or a current medical student – or someone else altogether.

How Long Does A Panel Interview Last?

The length of your panel interview will vary, depending on the Medical School. It is common for panel interviews to last somewhere between 20 and 40 minutes.

What Questions Will I Be Asked?

The questions you’ll get asked at a panel interview will vary by Medical School, and could vary between candidates too. They aren’t generally released ahead of time, and you aren’t allowed to discuss the questions with other candidates after your interview.

However, Medical Schools are good at giving you clues about the types of questions you could face. There is usually information on their websites about what they’re looking for during interviews and what topics may be covered.

Some common themes come up every year, so it’s possible to practise and think about your answers in advance. Our Interview Question Bank has over a hundred questions and example answers that you can practise for free.

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How Can I Stand Out In A Panel Interview?

If you can give spontaneous, well thought-out answers, you’ll perform better than if you give answers that seem robotic and rehearsed. It’s better to convey genuine interest and passion.

It’s important to practise answering questions – but you need to prepare in a way that lets you keep your responses organic and engaging.

Tips To Prepare For Panel Interviews

  • Make sure you’re familiar with your Personal Statement. Be prepared to answer questions about anything you mention in it, especially volunteering or work experience placements.
  • Do your research. Know what the Medical School is looking for in its applicants and what they want you to show in the interview. You can find this on their website.
  • Understand the university and the course. Research their teaching methods and be ready to discuss why wanted to apply, and why you would suit this style of course.
  • Familiarise yourself with online interviews if necessary. Make sure you can work the technology and practise so you’re comfortable with the format.
  • Check our guide on how to prepare for Med School interviews.
  • Consider working with a Medicine Interview Tutor to refine your performance.
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