MMI preparation My personal experience I think there were 10 stations where one station was regarded as a break so you

were given a moment to contemplate on every mistake you might have committed or anxiously wait for the next scenario. Essentially, you read the scenario from the displayed sheet and at the sound of the bell enter the room. Based on the information, you are given different scenarios and you have to adapt to the given situation. Sometimes, youll even have the evaluator take 2-3 min to ask you questions pertaining to the context. During the scenario, you hear another bell that indicates 3 minutes are left (this may vary between universities). My memory may be faulty so take each information with a grain of salt. Its been over 1.5 years almost. The scenarios: 1) I was given an 18th century old French poem that I had to decipher and explain. At the beginning, I was asked to summarize the poem on paper for which I had less than a min I think. So I do as Im told but it turns out thats not what she wanted or perhaps my synthesis was poorly done. Anyways, with time passing by, she asked me to orally explain the poem and my impression. What was I supposed to say? I hardly understood the poem as a whole. The intricate details of it were beyond my grasp. This entire station WAS a FAILURE from the look on the evaluators face (of pure disappointment) to my disastrous performance and failure to comply with her demands gave me the sensation of the beginning of the end. It didnt help that it was my first station and my confidence was shattered as I stumbled out of the room with dread of what awaited me next. Heres the thing: what happens in each room stays in that room. Your attitude, on the other hand, will follow you so despite being torn and shredded by my performance I was able to look beyond that flaw and recomposed myself to tackle the next station. The fear stayed with me but it drove me to persevere hey I had already failed one station its not like I could get any worse on from that point onward. 2) From my vague memory, I was the appointed lawyer of a man who in fury killed the rapist of his daughter. I had to engage a conversation with the man who was held in jail on charge of first-degree murder and try to understand the circumstances involving the tragic situation. This conversation carried on for five minute and afterwards the evaluator asked me questions concerning the matter, the sentence, the fathers action and whether they were justified. I remember saying something along the line that the father was not wronged in his action despite being blinded by his emotions in

catching the man raping her daughter in her room. The evaluator asked me: what about the life of that man that is gonelost. I retorted: what about the shattered life of the girl who despite being alive is broken shell of herself? And the convo continued until the bell ranged. 3) Basically, this station reflected a current social reality: the black market and I had to debate on it with the evaluator. The pros and cons. 4) I had to work with the sister of my best friend to make a collage for his birthday. Divergent opinions on the task and how I could find my way to compromise with the little girl to create the ideal collage. 5) In this station, Im working as a creator of a commercial with my partner. All our plans have been finalized and passed to get it advertised at the international level. So the scenario begins by my boss congratulating me on the success but gets interrupted by a phone call. After this phone call, his mood takes a turn for the worst and it turns out that my partner and I stole the idea from another company. How do you react? What do you do to make it up? What can you do when the project is to be released in a few hours at an international scale? You try to in the allotted time convince the boss to redeem yourself. Afterwards, the evaluator cuts you off telling your performance sucked and what you could have done differently. (Apparently, she made the same comment in regards to everyones performance its scared tactic so important to remain composed and think your way out) 6) I was asked to share with the evaluator an important decision I made in my life why I choose to talk about that decision, its repercussion, its meaning, etc. 7) Im an educator who moved in a new city where there are many youngsters giving up on their education, turning to drug, and finding their way on the rough life of the streets. How am I going to tackle this issue? What can I do to help these youngsters? 8) Im getting married and have to put my differences aside to create the wedding of my dream with my mother-in-law. My mother-in-law allowed me to use her vacation home on the ocean side for my wedding but it seems that she wants things to go her and is failing to even listen to any of my desires or wishes. She barely gives me the chance to say two words before she goes off on a tangent she was probably high on ecstasy or something. She eventually leaves the room and Im left with the evaluator to discuss the matter. 9) My sister, one night, walked out barefoot and stepped on an infected? Needle. She then had sexual relationship with her fianc and now worries about the possibility of having HIV and the possibility of transmitting it to her fianc what do you tell her? How do you comfort her? 10)Break Basically, these were the scenarios I was confronted to during my interview. I didnt have any one on one interview apart the 6th station. For udem, apparently, we were allowed to perform mediocrely on two stationsor something as two of the lowest grades were disregarded from the final result. Each station is an entity of its own so your performance on x station wont jeopardize the outcome of y station. So even if

you stumbled on your words or failed the station, you take a deep breath and move on. You have no time to dwell on your mistakes, as itll influence your ability to reason efficiently for the other stations. Ideally, be yourself with your flaws and imperfections. In each station, I stayed true to my belief hence why I could argue and defend my points. I honestly didnt practice for my interview I didnt even know what to expect until my interview day where they explained the whole process. Granted I was nervous, scared, felt my entire future depended on the outcome of this interview. But 50% of my anxiety was the result of my impending final the next day. So I did the best thing I could give the circumstances: Go with the flow ;) Advices from my friends and I Blueprint to MMI: Assess the facts in terms of what is normally expected, including social & legal standards and norms of responsible conduct, look to ripple effects to persons involved, their family, the institution involved if any, society, including others in similar circumstances (My opinion: I think its good to think of the social and legal norms but not all scenarios will integrate these notions so its relevance is questionable I think given the time restraint you might even be too anxious to go beyond the simple processing of the problem before entering the room) Diagnose the moral and other problems. Determine what the parties believe to have happened and the impact upon them Determine purpose of this scenario for you (this is an interesting approach because often you are asked to defend your action or explain them to the evaluator so if you know from the beginning the value of the problematic to you then the question becomes a smooth sailing) Determine what, if any, legal, bioethical or medical ethics problems or practical problems exist. Consider these as unexpressed facts in your analysis to come to a satisfactory or creative solution Consider and discuss: (again these depend on the given scenario but since its a blueprint perhaps a good template to keep in mind) The options of actions of the participants and authorities Consider fully the ethical principles for each option and conclude with persuasive argument supporting your plan of attack Establish and discuss the goal you set for resolution of the ethical problem. Convince them that your plan of action (decision) will be acceptable in resolving the problem

on a practical level, while addressing the ethical issues involved. Justify the solution in terms of practicality and ethical considerations both with the decision made AND the process of reaching and implementing the solution Remember your ability to master a new situation in a time sensitive manner, while considering all factors that are not obvious and maintaining your composure, is what is being assessed. (AT the BASE of this whole interview) Essential characteristics of Applicant: Show ethical thinking and ethical decision making Show professionalism, i.e. honesty, compassion, team working, ethical understanding knowledge of health care system Dress conservatively, and note that your body language is important throughout interview Bond with Interviewers if possible, in appropriate fashion Effective communicator ability to convey your ideas clearly and concisely. Listen to any explanations and statements given throughout the process Eye contact and shake hands upon entering each MMI Good interpersonal skills with Interviewers Always appear calm and in control Show quiet confidence as a person Think before opening your mouth Understanding know why you are there Ability to understand the principal issue of the situation and other important issues Complete the answer before the time runs out (wear watch in case no clock in sight) Give an accurate overall portrayal of who you are Be clear and unambiguous in your answers Time Management is of the essence not all applicants finish all answers. The ability to complete the task in a timely manner demonstrates an important skill Maturity Show no nervousness or anxiety no matter what Thank Interviewers when each session is over (perhaps shaking hand again) Behaviours having the following attributes: *Responsibility *Integrity having moral courage and honesty, being deserving of trust *Sensitivity to the needs of others kindness, empathy, understanding, benevolence, recognizing the physical and emotional vulnerabilities of others in situations *Understanding the difficulties of others *Responding sensitively and appropriately to situations given *Empathy *Seeing the larger picture and the impact of the situation upon others of similar or other vulnerabilities and upon the great community, seeing how to create practical or innovative solutions

*Insight *Information Manager sift the information given so as to focus on solutions to all issues, including those not apparent on the surface *Effective Decision maker being able to identify the problem, break it down and to identify the steps in problem solving *Self-directed Learner Inquiring mind to further knowledge and skills *Ability to make a shared plan your solution may involve cooperation of many parties for its success *Understanding of health professionals in society *Explanation in Context as a communicator, Interviewers must know clearly why you have come to the decisions you have made, leave nothing for granted *Ability to make shared plan in best interests of patient People who will, in their professional relationships: Take responsibility for their actions Act ethically Act in a congenial and collaborative manner Be reflexive Be reliable Be trustworthy and honest Demonstrate respect for others Have commitment to help others Maintain confidences Mental processes that include: Ability to summarize your position as your first statements Ability to assimilate and evaluate information in time sensitive fashion Critical problem solving abilities in time sensitive manner Prioritize and manage solutions in a sensible fashion Ability to communicate decisions to others in appropriate manner Ability to defend your position or ideas expressed be prepared for interviewers to rigorously challenge you Ability to apply your general knowledge Seeking students who will: Be self-directed learners Be an integral part of an interprofessional healthcare team Be willing to self-assess Be willing to work hard Communicate effectively Demonstrate ethical thinking Demonstrate ability to manage time Demonstrate ability to tolerate stress Demonstrate good judgment Demonstrate insight and empathy Recognize and respect the benefits of science and role of others healthcare

disciplines MMI type questions: 1. You are shift supervisor at McDonalds fast food restaurant. The owner of the franchise has called you over. He is very upset as he has received 3 complaints in the last 30 minutes about the meat in the hamburgers being poorly cooked. There are two people (one male, one female both 15 years old) who have been cooking the meat for the past two hours. The female is the owners daughter. How would you handle the situation? 2. Your older sister tells you that she values her career and is reluctant to take time away to have a baby. Her husband agrees with her. They have arranged to conceive an embryo through in vitro fertilization. A company in India will implant the embryo in a surrogate mother from a nearby village who will be paid $5,000. Two weeks after the baby is born, the company will deliver the baby to your sister and her husband. Your mother is opposed to this arrangement whereas your father supports her decision. Your sister asks for your support. How would you respond to your sister? 3. Your best friend is an identical twin. The other twin has been sick with a variety of illnesses most of their lives. Several times, the other twin has been so ill that your best friend has supplied tissue (e.g., blood, bone marrow) sometimes to help their sibling stay alive. The other twin now needs a kidney transplant to stay alive. Their parents have assumed that your best friend will automatically donate the kidney as usual when tissue has been needed. However, your friend is now balking at this automatic assumption of donation and is considering saying no. What would you say to your friend to convince him to donate the kidney? 4. Your best friend and partner are undergoing in vitro fertilization to have a baby. The technique allows for the selection of certain characteristics for the child by identifying them in the embryo before implantation. Your friend asks for advice on the characteristics they should select. How would you respond to your friend? 5. Your friend is of Chinese descent and fluent in Mandarin. You both want to get into medicine. She registers for Mandarin 101, a course in Chinese language for beginners. The course coordinator asks that students who can already speak just a little bit of Mandarin should leave because this is a course for beginners. Your friend remains but makes a sufficient number of deliberate mistakes in the classroom discussions, in the required homework and in the examinations that she will not be detected and yet still receive an excellent grade. What would you do in this situation? 6. If the Prime Minister of Canada were to ask your advice on one change that could be applied to the healthcare system in Canada that would improve it enormously and have the greatest positive effect, what would it be?

7. The daughter of the interviewer is 16 years old. She is adamant that she have a tattoo next week. The interviewer is against letting her daughter have a tattoo and this is causing much friction in the household. What advice would you give the interviewer? 8.. At the beginning of your last year of undergraduate studies, the Dean of your Faculty has offered to all of you the opportunity to swallow a red pill. If swallowed, this pill would increase enormously your ability to absorb all the educational material being presented to you in all your courses. In fact, this pill would basically guarantee that you would receive an A+ in all your future courses with a significantly reduced workload. Would you take the red pill? 9. The man who lives next door to you often rides his bicycle in the company of his two young children but without a helmet. In fact, on several occasions you have seen him riding with his helmet hanging by its straps from the handlebars. His young children sometimes wear a helmet, sometimes not. If the man fell off his bicycle and hurt his head in a way that would have been prevented if he had worn a helmet, would it be reasonable to ask him to contribute towards the treatment cost for his injury? 10. Class Size (Critical Thinking) Universities are commonly faced with the complicated task of balancing the educational needs of their students and the cost required to provide learning resources to a large number of individuals. As a result of this tension, there has been much debate regarding the optimal size of classes. One side argues that smaller classes provide a more educationally effective setting for students, while others argue that it makes no difference, so larger classes should be used to minimize the number of instructors required. Discuss your opinion with the examiner 11. Circumcision (Ethical Decision Making) The Canadian Pediatric Assoociation has recommended that circumcisions not be routinely performed. They base this recommendation on their determination that the benefits have not been shown to to clearly outweigh the risks and costs. Doctors have no obligation to refer for, or provide, a circumcision, but many do, even when they are clearly not medically necessary. Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) no longer pays for unnecessary circumcisions. Consider the ethical problems that exist in this case. Discuss these issues with the Interviewer. 12. Standard Interview. Why do you want to be a physician? Discuss this question with the interviewer. 13. Deterrent Fees (Knowledge of the Health Care System) Recently, the Prime Minister of Canada raised the issue of deterrent fees (a small charge, say $10, which everyone who initiates a visit to a health professional would have to pay at the first contact) as a way to control health care costs. The assumption is that this will deter

people from visiting their doctor for unnecessary reasons. Consider the broad implication of this policy for health and healthy carecosts. For example, do you think this approach will save health care costs? At what expense? Discuss this issue with the interviewer. 14. Placebo (Ethical Decision Making) Dr. Cheung recommends homeopathic medicines to his patients. There is no scientific evidence or widely accepted theory to suggest that homeopathic medicines work, and Dr. Cheung doesnt believe them to. He recommends homeopathic medicine to people with mild and non-specific symptoms such as fatigue, headaches and muscle aches, because he believes that it will do no harm, but will give them reassurance. Consider the ethical problems that Dr. Cheung s behaviour might pose. Discuss these issues with the interviewer. 15. Student Created Mock Questions. A man has been responsible for taking care of his wife who is in a vegetative state for 6 years after a car accident She can breathe on her own but that is the extent of her abilities. He requests that her feeding tube be removed. What should you, as her physician do? 16. A student is working in a clinic, where the office double book aboriginal patients. The student asks their reasoning and the receptionist replies that These people never show up for their appointments. How would you deal with this situation? 17. You are working on a group project with 5 other students. One of the students doesnt show up for meetings or if they do show up - they are late and leave early. They have put no effort into the group project but show up on the day of the presentation and try to take credit for the project. What do you do in this situation? 18. Mrs. Jones has signed a donor card indicating that she is willing to donate her body to science without notifying her husband and son. She gets into an accident and it is determined that she is brain dead. The family doctor, who is on call that afternoon, reviews the chart and determines that she would be perfect for medical students to practice the removal of organs for transplantation purposes. The doctor then talks to the family to discuss the procedure and to confirm their consent. They both oppose the procedure and refuse to allow their doctor to move forward. The doctor points out that Mrs. Jones could be helping hundreds of people by educating the medical students and that technically consent has already been provided. The husband understands how beneficial the educational experience is but is too emotional to allow them to continue. The son, a medical student, refuses because he knows the bodies are not treated with dignity. If you were the doctor, how would you proceed? Why? 19. You are spending your evening as a volunteer in the hospital. It is late and you see a number of staff duck into the supply closet with an empty bag and reappear in a few minutes with it appearing full. You have heard other staff members discussing that supplies are missing on a regular basis that can not be accounted for. After observing the actions of the other staff members, what do you do?

20. You are a second year student shadowing a doctor in the O.R. Once the patient, an obese female has been given general anesthetic and the procedure is under way the doctors start to make comments about her weight and call her names that you find inappropriate but most of all unprofessional. Do you talk to the doctor about his comments or do you keep your comments to yourself? Why? 21. Two patients need a liver transplant, but there is only one liver available at the time. Tell the interviewer how you would decide between a 64 year old politician who happens to be an alcoholic or, a 26 year old mother of three who is on welfare. 22. You are part of a committee to decide where the money for health care in our province is spent. It is your turn to inform the committee of your opinion on what you think is the single most important area requiring funding. 23. Discuss the social, legal, medical implications of a needle-exchange program with the interviewer. Follow up question: What are some viable alternatives? 24. You tell a mother her two year old child has leukemia, but she refuses chemo but insists upon seeing her family physician who is a naturopath. What do you tell her, how do you handle this so that you may continue to have some influence as regards the treatment of her child? [The childs life is in the balance as the naturopath will be unable to save the childs life and you have an obligation to your patient, the child, who cannot make an informed decision. In pediatrics, its beneficence and the rule of rescue that takes precedence. GOOD LUCK