Multiple-mini interviews (MMI)

Multiple-mini interviews (MMI) are a series of mini-interviews that evaluate core skills and attributes required for success in the health profession you are interviewing for. Factors such as critical thinking, decision-making, communication skills, interpersonal abilities, compassion, ability to work as a team, etc. will be evaluated in a series of discrete short interviews with independent evaluators at each “interview station”. The interview stations may require you to role-play, answer a typical interview question, discuss your opinion or decisions about a scenario, work on a task with another person, or write within a specific time frame.

October 24, 2023

There are variations of the MMI format depending on the school and program you are applying to. These interviews can be conducted in person or online.  The number of stations, duration, and types of activities can vary (writing, role plays, group interactions, direct questions, etc.). The time frame for each mini-interview ranges from 5-10 minutes typically.

Preparing for Multiple Mini Interviews

  • Gather information about the program via their website, talking to students or former students who have attended the program, and/or attending the school’s information sessions.
  • Gather information about the “core competencies” and skills required of the profession.
  • This step will give you a better understanding of what types of skills or attributes that might be evaluated in the interview.
  • Carefully read your interview invitation for special instructions related to your interview
  • Reflect upon how they demonstrate the characteristics and skills required of the profession and the program.
  • Develop a “qualifications chart” – in one column list the skills/characteristics expected/required and in another column list your corresponding “stories”, experiences, and examples of when you have illustrated those skills/characteristics.
  • Thinking about your “stories” with a Situation, Task, Action, Result approach helps you to organize your story for the listener. Think critically and introspectively about how you reacted, behaved, felt, and thought to gain greater consciousness of how you might then respond in a possible scenario or role play.
  • This step will help to increase your self-awareness and prepares you to talk about yourself.
  • Getting honest and constructive feedback from others on our strengths, weaknesses, communication style, and “first impressions” is helpful for developing greater self-awareness.
  • The more you know about how you “come across” or how your perspective or approach to situations differs, the more you can consciously respond during the MMI scenarios.
  • Get informed on current health issues relevant to the profession you are applying – ie. Multi-disciplinary teams, changing roles, health care system, patient rights etc.
  • Practice articulating your reasoning and decision-making process in your response to ethical scenarios.

To help you keep on track to give a comprehensive answer, consider these sample formats. Adapt them to find a structure to your responses that works for you.

Sample 1

1:  Summary: provide a brief summary about your understanding of the question

2:  Identify the Key Issue (s): Explain the issues and/or major dilemma involved.

3: Seek More Information: When the information is limited in the question, define the context of the situation to demonstrate that you stay open-minded, can discuss the answer from other perspectives and identify missing information.

4:  Action: Think aloud to show your critical thinking skills. Assess the possible courses of action and explain the pros and cons of each. Explain your preference.

5:  Take Initiative: Try and come up with practical suggestions to prevent the issue in the future. i.e. propose changes including policies, procedures, planning etc.

Excerpt from: Multiple Mini Interview Questions Book, MSC Medical(2012), p.14-17.

Sample 2

1: What general type of scenario does this MMI station fit into?

2: What is the main problem or issue in this MMI station?

3: What is the main source of the problem or issue in this MMI station?

4 : What personal experience do I have to include that is relevant to this MMI station?

5: How would I resolve the problem or issue, taking into account my perspective and other perspectives for this MMI station?

Excerpt from: MMI for the Mind, Kevyn To, MD (2013),  p. 16-19

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ON MMI INTERVIEWS

STUDENT SUCCESS CENTRE ADDITIONAL SUPPORTS

The SSC offers professional services on MMI interview preparation and you can book an appointment for a one-on-one mock interview using OSCARplus.