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OwlMD Interview Guide

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MMI

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

Queen's MMI is asynchronous. You have 2 minutes to read the initial prompt and 5 minutes to answer. You are allowed to take notes and consult them if you wish, though doing so may impact your delivery to the camera. There are usually follow up questions as well, with a shorter amount of time for thinking and a shorter response.

McMaster MMI

McMaster's MMI is synchronous. You have 2 minutes to read the prompt in the absence of the interviewer (and you are not allowed to take any notes). Then you are moved to a room with the interviewer to answer, discuss, or roleplay throughout the 8 minutes. You can talk for the entire 8 minutes or cut it short to allow for follow-up questions. This repeats for 8 stations total, with 2 x 10 minute break stations randomly throughout the duration of your interview.

UofT vMPI

The vMPI is an asynchronous format used by UofT for their MD admissions. It is essentially a shorter and more personalized version of the MMI, with 4 independent stations instead of 6 or 8. These stations will likely test your character and alignment with the CanMEDS roles, through personal and ethical questions rather than situational judgment or roleplay like you'll see in the MMIs.

You will have 2 minutes to think and write notes down if you'd like, followed by 5 minutes to respond. During your response, UofT makes it clear that you should not look back at your notes—they are for brain dumping only.

Panel Interviews

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

Ottawa's Panel interview is a semi-structured interview. It is a very standard traditional interview: There will be three panelists, typically two members of admissions and one fourth-year medical student. The evaluation will be based on motivation, empathy/compassion, conflict resolution/teamwork, communication skills, professionalism, critical thinking/ethics, and resiliency. Role-play scenarios are possible.

Western Panel

Western uses a Virtual Panel Interview style (via Kira Talent) for its MD admissions. The interview lasts 30 minutes. The panel is made of 3 people: a physician, a community member, and a current medical student. The interview is very brief, so practice answering questions quickly and efficiently.