Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry is one of the oldest and most distinguished medical schools in the UK. Offering an innovative approach to medical education, the institution is renowned for its world-leading research and high academic standards. Barts’ MBBS Medicine course is structured around integrated modules that combine science and clinical learning, offering students the opportunity to engage in early patient exposure and fostering a passion for lifelong learning. Prospective students are selected through a rigorous process that includes an evaluation of academic achievements and a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI), designed to assess candidates’ suitability for a career in medicine.

A Detailed List of Barts and the London Interview Questions

Barts uses the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format. In this process, applicants go through a circuit of stations where they answer a variety of questions and face different scenarios. The focus is mainly on ethics, critical thinking, prioritisation, problem-solving, and communication skills. Here are some of the potential areas to prepare for:

Ethical Questions:

• Discuss the ethical implications of genetic testing.
• What are your views on assisted suicide?
• How would you handle a situation where a patient refuses potentially life-saving treatment due to religious beliefs?
• Discuss the ethical issues around organ transplantation.
• Should doctors be allowed to go on strike?
• What are the potential ethical issues with cloning?
• What are the pros and cons of animal testing from an ethical standpoint?
• Discuss the implications of withholding information from a patient if you believe it’s in their best interest.
• What are your thoughts on the ethics of healthcare rationing?
• How would you handle a scenario where a patient’s family member asks you to lie to the patient about their prognosis?

 

Role-Play Stations & Problem Solving:

• Explain a complex scientific concept to a non-scientist.
• Comfort a friend who didn’t get into medical school.
• Mediate a disagreement between two peers.
• Inform a patient about a negative diagnosis.
• Deal with a situation where you made a mistake or error.
• How would you inform a patient that they need to make lifestyle changes for their health?
• Role-play a scenario where you have to deliver critical feedback to a team member.
• How would you handle a conflict with a senior team member in a professional setting?
• Role-play a scenario where you have to reassure a worried patient about an upcoming surgery.
• How would you negotiate with a patient who is refusing necessary medical treatment?

 

General Questions:

• Why have you chosen to apply to Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry?
• Discuss a current issue in healthcare and its potential impact.
• How do you handle stress, and why is it important for doctors to manage their stress levels?
• What do you believe are the most significant challenges facing the NHS today?
• How would you handle a failure or setback in a professional setting?
• What qualities do you think are most important in a doctor and why?
• Describe a situation where you demonstrated leadership.
• How would you contribute to the community at Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry?

 

How to Prepare for Barts’ Interview

A successful interview at Barts and the London requires a mix of a solid understanding of medical ethics, good communication skills, a grasp of the principles of problem-solving, and an ability to handle unexpected scenarios with composure. Here are a few ways to prepare effectively:

• – Understand the MMI format: The MMI format used at Barts and the London involves moving through a series of stations, each designed to assess different skills or attributes. Understanding this format will help reduce anxiety on the day and enable you to transition smoothly between stations.
• – Research Medical Ethics: A significant portion of the MMI will focus on ethical scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the four pillars of medical ethics and read up on current debates in medical ethics.
• – Role-play Practice: Role-play situations form an essential part of the MMI. Practise with friends or family to help you develop your communication and empathy skills.
• – Stay Updated: Be aware of current issues in healthcare and be prepared to discuss them.
• – Mock Interviews: Mock interviews can be invaluable in preparing for the real thing. They can help you get used to the format and timing of the interviews and receive feedback on your performance. Providers like BlackStone Tutors ensure that you receive detailed feedback on your performance. 

Remember, the key to a successful interview is preparation and practice. Good luck