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ST Medical Interview Basics

In 2007 the competition ratio for ST Medical posts in the UK was 2:1. In 2008 this ratio increased to 3:1. Competition is predicted to increase next year 

ST interviews have taken on more of a structured format since their introduction. They differ substantially from the old traditional style Medical interview. The traditional old style interview took a very unstructured approach whereby the type of questions that were asked was at the discretion of the individual interviewer. They were therefore highly unpredictable and very objective. 

The questions that were asked to the candidates were undoubtedly different for each candidate and therefore made it difficult to make direct comparisons of each of the candidates. To get around this problem the ST interviews have taken on more of a structured approach using clinical and non clinical stations. 

Each particular station is directed at a set of particular skills that the candidates must demonstrate in order to score marks. These types of interviews are therefore very structured so that direct comparison of candidates can be made using a subjective method. This however can be a major advantage to the prepared candidate.  By taking you through each station we can tell you what types of skills and attributes the interviewers are looking for.  You can therefore maximise the score that you achieve at each of these stations.

What are ST Medical Interview Stations?

ST interviews stations

A series of structured stations is the basis for the ST interview.  Last year there were typically four stations.  Each of the stations dealt with different topics. These included:

First station: general questions
Second station: clinical based scenarios
Third station: academic, teaching and research questions
Fourth station: clinical governance questions

As a rough guide 10-15 minutes was spent on each of the 4 stations. This is very much a generic template that was used across the country. However with the move of medical interviews back to the individual deaneries for 2008 and onwards there is likely to be some regional variation on this principle.

 How do I go about preparing for my ST Medical interview?

Interview Preparation

Interview preparation can be a daunting process. You not only need to know about yourself but also the institution and the environment that you work in. Generally important areas can be broken down into

Knowing about yourself
Knowing about the hospital/area that is offering the job
Knowing about the institution i.e. the NHS

When you get asked a question on any of these three areas there are two pieces of information which are vitally important.  Firstly you must know the facts.  Secondly you must use these facts to convey your opinion.

These are very much like building blocks.  They go hand in hand and are structurally related to each other.

An effective answer conveys the correct factual information that is then used to convey a reasonable opinion.
Poor answers fail to follow this simple principle.  They either contain factually incorrect information or lack one or both of the components.  In order to develop an opinion you need to fully understand both sides or views on a particular topic. Only then can you give a weighted opinion on the topic. Opinions that are not based on factual information are ineffective. Dont forget that the interviewer is looking for a set of attributes or a particular skill.  You need to demonstrate that you have the correct factual information that is constructively used to form a reasonable opinion.

I got my ST3 job over many other candidates. I highly recommend the ST medical interview course.Fantastic small group training from a non threatening consultant.Video feedback was the best part of the day and highlighted what i was doing wrong so i could correct them for the big day.Many thanks