Tutorial: How to Approach the 'Medicine Work Experience' MMI Station

1. Understanding the Station

At this station, you’ll be expected to discuss your work experience in a structured and reflective manner. Interviewers want to see that you have gained valuable insights into the realities of medicine, not just a list of experiences.

2. Key Areas to Cover

✅ What you observed – E.g., patient care, teamwork, doctor-patient interactions
✅ Skills and attributes you saw in healthcare professionals – E.g., empathy, communication, leadership
✅ How the experience influenced your decision to study medicine
✅ What you learned about the challenges of a medical career

3. Example Answer Structure

Step 1: Set the Scene

  • Briefly describe your work experience (e.g., shadowing a GP, volunteering in a care home).

Step 2: Reflect on Key Insights

  • What did you learn about a doctor’s role, patient care, or teamwork?

  • Did you witness any ethical dilemmas or difficult situations?

Step 3: Connect to Your Future as a Medical Student & Doctor

  • How has this experience confirmed your motivation for medicine?

  • What skills will you develop further as a medical student?

4. Sample Response

"During my work experience in a hospital’s A&E department, I observed doctors making rapid decisions while remaining calm under pressure. One case that stood out was a patient with chest pain, where the doctor reassured them while simultaneously coordinating with nurses. This experience highlighted the importance of both communication and teamwork in medicine. It also made me appreciate the challenges doctors face, from handling stress to making ethical decisions. Witnessing this strengthened my commitment to medicine, as I thrive in fast-paced environments and want to develop these skills to provide high-quality patient care."

5. Final Tips for Success

✅ Avoid just listing experiences – Always reflect on what you learned
✅ Show enthusiasm and insight – Link your experiences to your motivation
✅ Stay concise and confident – Keep responses well-structured and relevant