How to ace the MMI medical interviews

Here are top tips from our medicine experts on how to prepare for, and ace the MMI (the Multiple Mini-Interview), the interview style used by many of the medical schools in the UK. Happy preparation!

What is an MMI Interview

An MMI, or Multiple Mini-Interview, is a type of interview where you partake in a number of stations, normally lasting 10 minutes or less.  Before each station you will be given a brief to read, detailing what task you will have to perform. In contrast to panel interviews where questions such as “why medicine” or “tell me about your work experience” are very common, MMI stations can be much more random.  Every station tests different skills and attributes needed by applicants to excel in medicine, such as your ability to make ethical and informed decisions, communication skills, and knowledge of current healthcare and social issues.  MMI interviews tend to be highly interactive and can range from a series of questions by one examiner to a role-play situation involving an actor. Here is a list of real MMI stations:

• Build a giraffe out of lego using an instruction manual, whilst presenting the for and against arguments for legalising euthanasia.

• Have a conversation with a current medical student about life at the university.

• Explain to a patient what type 2 diabetes is, and how it is treated.

• Tell a patient that they have terminal lung cancer.

• Play 20 questions with the examiner.

• Answer a page of basic drug calculation questions.

Which universities use MMI?

The MMI has quickly become the most used interview format amongst UK medical schools. Here is a list of the medical schools currently using MMI.

• Aberdeen

• Anglia Ruskin

• Aston

• Birmingham

• Brighton and Sussex

• Bristol

• Brunel

• Buckingham

• Cardigg

• Edge Hill

• Edinburgh

• Exeter

• Dundee

• Hull York

• KCL

• Keele

• Kent and Medway

• Lancaster

• Leeds

• Leicester

• Manchester

• Newcastle

• Norwich

• Nottingham

• Plymouth

• Queen’s University Belfast

• Sheffield

• St Andrews

• St George’s

• Sunderland

• UCL

• UCLan

• Warwick

How to prepare for the MMI

• Practise as many different scenarios as possible. The most common themes that come up include: knowledge of the medical school and NHS, ethics, communication, professional judgement and prioritisation, calculation and data interpretation. Find lists of questions and stations online and ask friends/family/tutors to go through these with you. Don’t forget to practice under timed conditions!

• Make sure you know how to discuss your work experience and volunteering. Take time to reflect on what you have done and think how best to incorporate examples into your answers.

• Make sure you understand key concepts of medical ethics, such as the four pills, patient confidentiality and capacity.

• Keep up-to-date with medical news. BBC Health is a great place to start!

• Practise debating NHS Hot Topics, such as euthanasia and abortion.

• Consider working with a J&J interview tutor, who can help you improve your performance and gain confidence. Mock interviews are particularly useful, giving you detailed feedback and helping you uncover areas of improvement.

How can I stand out at my MMI interview?

MMI interviews are a chance to show the medical school that you’ve got what it takes to succeed as a doctor; not only do you have the grades, but you also have the communication skills, empathy and dedication.

Below is a list of ways to make sure you stand out:

• Don’t memorise answers and repeat them word for word in the interview. It is much better to carefully think through the question and tailor your answer.

• Ensure you are as sensitive and compassionate as possible in communication/role play stations. Actively listen and respond to subtle cues given by the actor.

• If you don’t understand the question/task, ask the examiner for clarification.

• Be confident! Introduce yourself to the examiner/actor in every station and be enthusiastic and smiley!

Online MMIs

In recent years due to COVID-19, many universities have opted to carry out their interviews online instead of in person. If your MMI is taking place online, ensure you’ve practised using the correct software, such as zoom or Microsoft teams. A devise with access to a reliable internet connection and a quiet room are also vital to success.

Good luck!