Medicine & Dentistry Interview Skills Day
Last Friday, the Upper Sixth aspiring medics and dentists attended a full day interview preparation workshop led by Dr Khan and Dr Ahmed. The workshop was designed to provide comprehensive insights into the qualities of a doctor while helping our understanding of medical ethics and the practical skills involved in interviews.
Writes Mohanan T (U6th)
The day began with an in depth discussion of the qualities of a doctor/dentist. The importance of compassion, empathy and sympathy was emphasised as these three terms are commonly misunderstood. We explored how compassion involves taking action whereas empathy relates to understanding and sympathy is more about feeling concern for others. The next part of the workshop introduced us to various reflection techniques and frameworks to structure interview answers effectively. We were shown how to approach questions in a methodical manner, gaining insights into the importance of both verbal and non-verbal communication, which are crucial for an interview setting but also for a career as a doctor/dentist. Talking about the NHS, we were provided with an informative overview as we discussed key NHS values such as patient centred care and challenges faced by the system due to funding and the population. This provided a useful foundation to tackle questions related to healthcare in the UK.
One of the most engaging parts of the workshop, and my favourite section of the day, was the segment on medical ethics. We were taught about fundamental ethical principles leading into a little bit of ethics covered in philosophy. Being challenged with scenarios surrounding capacity, consent and confidentiality, we were required to use GMC guidelines to determine the correct course of action. This practical approach helped solidify our understanding of the ethical dilemmas doctors face in clinical practice. We also practiced interpreting data from diagrams and engaged in drug calculations to mimic some of the unique challenges we could face at an MMI station; these gave us a glimpse into the analytical side of medicine.
Throughout the day, we were involved in various interactive scenarios and discussions which simulated real-life medical decision making. These exercises pushed us to think critically, collaborate with peers while applying knowledge practically. The workshop was an invaluable experience and provided us with a solid foundation for medical school interviews.