Multiple mini interview (MMI) for medical school admission

The Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) is a common interview format used by many medical schools in Canada to assess applicants. The MMI is designed to evaluate a candidate's skills and attributes that are important for success in medical school and the medical profession, such as communication, ethical reasoning, empathy, problem-solving, and teamwork. Here’s an overview of the MMI process:

Structure of MMI

1. Stations: The MMI consists of a series of stations, typically 6-10, each lasting about 5-10 minutes. At each station, candidates are presented with a scenario or question and are required to respond or engage in a task.
2. Scenarios: Scenarios can vary widely and may include:
   • Ethical dilemmas: Discussing how you would handle specific ethical issues in a healthcare setting.
   • Role-playing: Interacting with an actor portraying a patient, family member, or colleague.
   • Behavioral questions: Reflecting on past experiences and discussing how you handled specific situations.
   • Problem-solving tasks: Demonstrating your ability to think critically and solve problems.
   • Policy discussions: Providing your opinion on current healthcare policies or issues.
3. Interviewers: Each station typically has a different interviewer or assessor, who may be a faculty member, clinician, or trained layperson. They will observe and score your performance based on predefined criteria.

Preparation for MMI

1. Understand the Format: Familiarize yourself with the MMI format and the types of stations you may encounter.
2. Practice Scenarios: Engage in practice sessions with sample MMI scenarios. Work with peers or mentors to simulate the MMI experience.

3. Develop Communication Skills: Focus on clear and concise communication. Practice articulating your thoughts logically and confidently.

4. Ethical Reasoning: Review common ethical principles in healthcare, such as patient autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. Think about how you would apply these principles in various scenarios.
5. Reflect on Experiences: Reflect on your own experiences and how they have prepared you for a career in medicine. Be ready to discuss these in a structured and thoughtful manner.
6. Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with current events and issues in healthcare, as these may be relevant to some of the stations.
7. Mock Interviews: Conduct mock MMIs with friends, family, or mentors. This will help you get comfortable with the format and receive feedback on your performance.

Tips for Success on MMI Day

1. Stay Calm and Focused: Each station is an opportunity to start fresh. If you feel you did not perform well at one station, put it behind you and focus on the next.
2. Listen Carefully: Make sure you understand the scenario or question before responding. Ask for clarification if needed.
3. Be Genuine: Authenticity is important. Be yourself and answer honestly rather than trying to give the answer you think the interviewer wants to hear.
4. Manage Time: Be aware of the time limits at each station. Practice managing your responses to fit within the allotted time.
5. Body Language: Maintain good eye contact, sit or stand confidently, and engage with the interviewer or actor appropriately.

Example MMI Scenarios

1. Ethical Scenario: You are a medical student and notice a fellow student cheating on an exam. What do you do?
2. Role-Playing: An actor plays the role of a patient who is upset about their diagnosis. You are tasked with explaining the diagnosis and providing support.
3. Behavioral Question: Describe a time when you had to work as part of a team to achieve a common goal. What was your role, and what did you learn from the experience?
4. Policy Discussion: Discuss your opinion on a current healthcare issue, such as the legalization of physician-assisted suicide.
5. Problem-Solving Task: You are given a hypothetical scenario where resources are limited, and you must decide how to allocate them to benefit the most patients.

By understanding the MMI format and preparing thoroughly, you can approach the interview with confidence and effectively demonstrate your suitability for a career in medicine.