The Interview...
Friday, May 29, 2009
A few weeks ago, the results of this year's GAMSAT were posted to eager beavers around Australia, New Zealand and whoever else sat it. GAMSAT is the entry exam into the majority of Aussie Med Schools, and is analogous to the USA's MCAT.
Some schools select purely based on GPA and GAMSAT marks, others have an additional interview process for entry. When I entered UQ, they still had an interview process. I'm not sure how other Unis compare, but I thought I'd share some tips for people applying...
Secondly, know what to expect; I'll get onto this is in a bit.
Thirdly, Dress to impress. I hate ties, and this was one of the few times I didn't think twice about putting one on. I did not, however, wear three tonnes of hair goo or makeup.
Fourthly, smile and relax. The folks there are looking to get you IN to medicine, not to kick you out; that's why you're there, remember?
Okay, so the interview was in three parts, questions about you, explain a topic and discuss some ethics. There are usually two interviewers, one medical one non-medical. Smile when you meet them and write down their names, if you can. They'll offer you a glass of water and will usually do their best to set you at ease a little as the interview starts...
The first part is about knowing yourself; the folks who interviewed me started with: "Tell us about yourself..." and the conversation sort of unwound in a relaxed way and we discussed aspects such as:
- Roles within teams; Where do you see yourself?
- Conflict resolution;
- Previous community service;
- Leadership roles; From coaching to being an eldest sibling.
- How do you deal with criticism?
- Why do you want to be a doctor?
- And, why do you want to be a Doc more than a pharmacist? - This question is a common trigger for physios, dentists, nurses, radiographers too. My advice is DO NOT slag off your existing profession. I know that's sensible, but hey, worth remembering.
- What are the good and bad bits of Medicine?
- What are your main reference points for knowing what it is to be a doctor?
- What is your biggest dissappointment in life?
- What will you do if you don't get into Medicine?
- Where do you see yourself in ten years time? - Hot tip: 'Half way through my 20 year plan' is humorous, but lacks substance. If you've always wanted to be a dermatologist, mention it, but don't be too bloody minded.
- What are the current issues in QLD Health?
There are also a few questions about how you'll support yourself financially, and what kind of emotional and socialvsupport you've got. I get the feeling that this is a pretty cursory question for most candidates, but make sure you have a quick think about it.
For this section, the best advice I have is to think about each question and write down a few words that summarises how you feel. Don't memorise anything, but just have the answers in the forefront of your mind.
Regarding the QLD Health question, it pays to have a look at your state's website, as most have 'areas of concern' pages, in addition to reading the papers/web. On that point, generally being in touch with current ethical issues (such as Swine 'flu!) or whatever else may indeed give you a good step up.
The second section was about talking and listeining. The first bit was a 'radio interview'. The challenge is to explain a scientific concept in layman's terms. They give you two lists, the first contains usually biological words and the second a public health kind of list. You explain one from each list. The key here is to think about what you're going to say, then say it. And, if you can, use a simple analogy. For example, the myelin sheath around a nerve cell is like the insulation around wire - it makes the transmission more effective. There are other examples in the link below.
The other aspect of this section is listening to a short paragraph, and then answering questions about it. The first few questions are just remembering what was said, and then the interviewers will ask you to interpret the actions or events in the story to derive some meaning or to consider the character's thoughts. They're making sure that you can listen objectively and empathise.
The third section was an ethical 'debate'. You're given a list of five topics and asked to discuss a one side of the argument. Topics for me included Stem cell research, taxes and private schooling, the death penalty, compulsory immunisation and one other. So, make a considered argument for one side, then listen to the interviewers' points when they play Devil's Advocate, acknowledge them and then make at least one more point in favour of your argument. Don't back down, simply acknowledge what they're saying as valid points, and if you can, counterpoint them.
An important aside here is that you should NOT, under any circumstances, go near the Death Penalty question. I've heard at least two horror stories about people who jumped through all the hoops and argued that the Death Penalty should be reenacted in Australia. It's just not a good look for someone signing up to save lives, y'know?
The last question, and not really in 'a section', was "What's one thing about yourself that you'd like to change?" It seems that most people say things like 'I'm a perfectionist', but I think the key here is to be honest but not stupid. I made a comment about the ongoing challenges of 'work-life' balance, but prior to the interview I'd written down a list (I love lists) of good and bad things. This was mainly to answer the questions in the first section, but it also gave me a chance to work out what not to say. Let's face it, everyone has flaws and most are aware of them. It's just about the light in which you put that flaw and how you handle it. Think of a positive spin!
For this section, the best advice I have is to think about each question and write down a few words that summarises how you feel. Don't memorise anything, but just have the answers in the forefront of your mind.
Regarding the QLD Health question, it pays to have a look at your state's website, as most have 'areas of concern' pages, in addition to reading the papers/web. On that point, generally being in touch with current ethical issues (such as Swine 'flu!) or whatever else may indeed give you a good step up.
The second section was about talking and listeining. The first bit was a 'radio interview'. The challenge is to explain a scientific concept in layman's terms. They give you two lists, the first contains usually biological words and the second a public health kind of list. You explain one from each list. The key here is to think about what you're going to say, then say it. And, if you can, use a simple analogy. For example, the myelin sheath around a nerve cell is like the insulation around wire - it makes the transmission more effective. There are other examples in the link below.
The other aspect of this section is listening to a short paragraph, and then answering questions about it. The first few questions are just remembering what was said, and then the interviewers will ask you to interpret the actions or events in the story to derive some meaning or to consider the character's thoughts. They're making sure that you can listen objectively and empathise.
The third section was an ethical 'debate'. You're given a list of five topics and asked to discuss a one side of the argument. Topics for me included Stem cell research, taxes and private schooling, the death penalty, compulsory immunisation and one other. So, make a considered argument for one side, then listen to the interviewers' points when they play Devil's Advocate, acknowledge them and then make at least one more point in favour of your argument. Don't back down, simply acknowledge what they're saying as valid points, and if you can, counterpoint them.
An important aside here is that you should NOT, under any circumstances, go near the Death Penalty question. I've heard at least two horror stories about people who jumped through all the hoops and argued that the Death Penalty should be reenacted in Australia. It's just not a good look for someone signing up to save lives, y'know?
The last question, and not really in 'a section', was "What's one thing about yourself that you'd like to change?" It seems that most people say things like 'I'm a perfectionist', but I think the key here is to be honest but not stupid. I made a comment about the ongoing challenges of 'work-life' balance, but prior to the interview I'd written down a list (I love lists) of good and bad things. This was mainly to answer the questions in the first section, but it also gave me a chance to work out what not to say. Let's face it, everyone has flaws and most are aware of them. It's just about the light in which you put that flaw and how you handle it. Think of a positive spin!
In summary, the interview can be stressful. But knowing what to expect does a lot to remove that anxiety that comes with the unknown. Remember;
- If you know someone who's interviewed at your Uni of choice, talk to them about it.
- Think about your answers a week or two in advance, without memorising them
- Read the papers and be aware of medicine in the world around you
- Relax and be yourself (a doctor of the future); polite, well mannered, well dressed, intelligent and well-grounded.
- If you do no other research, then read this website; it got me through!
And then go and read the paper.
If you have questions about it, feel free to email me; captain DOT atopic AT gmail DOT com
Good luck!
Like the new look.