Quick thoughts on 6 medical interview questions
Hello future doctors,
My last few articles / YT videos have covered strategies and frameworks to answer specific high return questions. This article is different. It covers 6 interview questions in a rapid-fire format.
"If you could be an X, what would you be?"
This question can take numerous forms. I have seen X be "vegetable", "animal", "Harry Potter character" and "medical instrument". You'll probably meet something else.
This question is meant to take you off guard. The interviewer wants to see how you recover, and if you can keep your cool.
Here’s what I recommend:
Pick a quality you want to highlight about yourself. Pick an X that has that quality. Walk your interviewer through why this comparison makes sense.
For example,
I'd be a grape. A single bunch of grapes is made up of many smaller grapes. Each one has to work with the others to make the whole bunch. Similarly, I believe in teamwork. I also demonstrate strong leadership skills. I am a single grape, and with my team, we make the whole bunch. By working together, we become a complex system with emergent properties. We can do better. Just as a bunch of grapes tastes better than a single one.
"Explain a concept Y to a five-year-old."
This one shows up especially if you already have a prior degree.
Remember to start with first principles, and build upon them. Use analogies, and walk your interviewer through the concept step by step.
"Tell me about yourself."
I recommend you prepare a couple of stories that paint you in a good light. Because even if you do not get asked this question, you should integrate these stories into your other answers throughout the interview. You will peel back the layers of your personality onion, and possibly forge a connection with the interviewer. If not, you will at least better illustrate your points, and paint yourself as a holistic human.
"What are 3 adjectives that describe you?"
I'd also recommend you prepare for this one. It's hard to think on the spot for something like this. And even if the question does not come up, you know what direction to guide some of the personal questions in.
"Biggest accomplishment?"
Do not state something academic.
They have interviewed people smarter than you. If you give an academic answer, you've put yourself on a scale against which they can compare you. You have commoditised yourself.
Instead, think of something you're actually proud of. A hobby is great, because it shows you have a balanced life. Bonus points if it's unusual. Like competitive downhill unicycling.
"Role model"
This is part of a family of questions. Others include "What 3 people would you invite to dinner, dead or alive?" and "Who's your inspiration?".
Based on your role model, the interviewer will judge you. So, stay away from divisive figures.
Choose someone you actually know about. Especially if you have done research on them. You'll likely get a follow up question, and in my case it has led to bonding over Roman emperors.
If asked for multiple inspirations, try not to pick three people from the same historical period. Especially not three modern figures.
In my own interview, I named Emperor Marcus Aurelius. I think he was great for Rome. He ushered in a period of peace for the empire (the Pax Romana). He was also a firm (but fair) decision maker, and made much social reform.
Concluding thoughts
Make him an offer he can't refuse.
This is the fourth article in my medical school interview prep series. Past articles have analysed specific interview questions like “Why Medicine?”, “Why Our University?” and “Any Questions?”. The last one is often slept on.
Got an interview coming up? Get the Free Interview Prep Guide. I'll respond to every one of you.
Michael
First-year AUSoM medical student,
Future Swiss doctor
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