OwlMD Interview Guide
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MMI
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The Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) involves a series of short, structured interview stations. Each station focuses on a different scenario or question, allowing evaluators to assess critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and communication skills.
There are some things that we know for sure that McMaster is assessing applicants on (according to their Manual for Interviewers). This should also serve as a good guideline as to what Queen's looks for in their MMI too:
- Analytical and Critical Thinking: It is important to be creative! Try to be thoughtful when tackling the prompts so that you provide insights or angles that other applicants are not. This is easier said than done, but practice makes perfect. Do not just listen to others and replicate their performances; spend time truly thinking about prompts and exploring every nook and cranny of how you feel about the topic. Remember, the interviewer hears similar ideas from many applicants; be the one to make them wake up and give them food for thought.
- Exploration of Multiple Perspectives: Do not get stuck on one point. Use your 2 minutes to consider all parties involved, and use your speaking time to articulate the viewpoints of multiple stakeholders.
- Understanding Professional and Ethical Principles: Demonstrate your maturity as a future physician by ensuring that the interviewer understands you have thoughtfully considered important issues and evaluated them through an ethical lens.
Queen's MMI
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Every applicant completes a virtual asynchronous early-phase MMI through Acuity Insights after OMSAS, in addition to Casper unless an ISAP exemption applies. Applicants selected through QARS or the applicable pathway have that MMI independently evaluated. Queen's may use a secondary virtual MMI in January. Selected applicants then complete a virtual synchronous panel, historically held in February or March. Prompt, preparation and response times are not published.
McMaster MMI
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For 2027 entry, McMaster releases interview decisions on January 13, 2027 and holds interviews on March 6, 7, 10 and 11, 2027.
UofT vMPI
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For 2027 entry, Toronto holds vMPIs on February 7, March 6 and March 21, 2027. Invitations are released at least 2 weeks before each date.
TMU MMI
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For 2027 entry, TMU sends invitations during the week of February 16, the scheduling deadline is February 21, and interviews run February 27–28 and March 6–7, 2027. TMU says core medical knowledge isn't required.
Other school interview formats
UBC: UBC confirms an MMI model with approximately 10 interviewers but has not published station count, timing or platform. Northern and Rural applicants may also complete a virtual panel interview.
SFU: The in-person MMI has 8 timed assessed stations and 2 rest stations. SFU says Cycle 1 used 8-minute stations plus 2 minutes for reading and transition and expects similar timing.
Calgary: Virtual MMI format.
Alberta: Virtual MMI format.
Saskatchewan: MMI format.
NOSM: Virtual structured interview format.
Panel Interviews
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Panel interviews involve a group of interviewers assessing your responses in a more traditional interview format. These interviews often focus on both your technical knowledge and interpersonal skills.
Ottawa Panel
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Every applicant first completes the Acuity Insights asynchronous early-phase MMI. Ottawa uses that score with CGPA and ABS to rank panel interview invitations. The subsequent panel is semi-structured, with three panelists, typically two members of admissions and one fourth-year medical student. The evaluation is based on motivation, empathy/compassion, conflict resolution/teamwork, communication skills, professionalism, critical thinking/ethics, and resiliency. Role-play scenarios are possible.
Western Panel
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Western uses a Virtual Panel Interview style (via Kira Talent) for its MD admissions. The interview lasts approximately 30-45 minutes. The panel consists of 3 people: a physician, a community member, and a current medical student.
The interviews are structured and standardized. Questions may include personal, situational, ethical, or opinion-based prompts. The interview is very brief relative to the scope of questions, so practice answering concisely and efficiently.
Note: Western also requires a separate Western ABS assessment on Kira Talent (with video and written components) completed after the OMSAS deadline—this is separate from the interview.
Queen's Panel
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Queen's Panel Interview is a short (~20 minute) assessment of character and your opportunity to demonstrate the depth of your commitment to medicine and show how you align with Queen's values beyond what can be assessed in the MMI stations. It is typically conducted with a faculty member and a current medical student. Like the other panel interviews, you can expect the questions to be more personal compared to the MMIs.