A three-year curriculum called internal medicine training (IMT) provides doctors with the knowledge and abilities they need to treat patients with a wide range of general medical disorders and prepares them to become medical registrars. After submitting an application for IMT and being accepted, the interview is a crucial next step. You can maximize your IMT interview score by adopting an IMT interview guide.
You have already taken the first step toward a profession in clinical medicine by choosing to apply. Think about that for a moment. It’s both terrifying and thrilling. Your professional future is ahead of you. After applying, your attention shifts to the interview, which is the next challenge and the one that requires the greatest preparation.
Candidates frequently feel the IMT interview to be the most stressful part of the process. Understandably, being in a space with three or four experts while they are asking you questions can be unpleasant, but it should not be.
The most crucial thing to keep in mind is that those who are seated across from you are rooting for your success. They support your position. Although the questions they are asking are not particularly challenging, your brain might behave strangely under stress. When the bell rings and your time begins, keep that in mind. You can do this! Just take two big breaths and relax.
In this post, we go over how to prepare for an IMT interview, offer advice on how to ace it, and examine the many types of IMT interview questions you might encounter.
Important points to keep in mind before the Internal Medicine Training Interview
A few basic guidelines should be kept in mind before we even consider the IMT interview and the many stages. You must follow these three steps to ace the interview:
- Be careful: the interviewers are both consultants and the employers you will be serving. They are searching for applicants they can rely on to be there when needed and to take care of their patients. They are looking for evidence that you can remain calm under stressful circumstances and make wise choices. You should be able to demonstrate that you are aware of your limitations and know when to seek assistance. The consultant won’t want the person working with them who can answer every question but can’t tell when they’re out of their depth!
- Be courteous: consultants want to discover people they would enjoy working with and those who are safe. Finding team players who understand that medicine is a team sport is crucial for your supervisors. It’s critical to present yourself professionally, approach the IMT interview room with courtesy, and exit the interview with gratitude. When answering questions, make sure to listen intently and maintain eye contact with the interviewer. It won’t help you get employment if you’re paying attention to the floor or the surroundings.
- Be ready: you already know what will happen, so you won’t be caught off guard when you arrive. To avoid adding more stress to your day, ensure you are prepared in advance. By preparing for the types of questions you will be asked, you can become more at ease with the interview’s format and style and better handle the hard final question. Knowing what to expect allows you to remain composed, which makes the first and second ideas above easy to implement.
IMT interview preparation guide
To prepare for your interview, follow the instructions in this IMT interview manual:
1. Get your portfolio ready.
Your entire interview score is influenced by your portfolio. It’s crucial to understand what you put in it because it can influence the interviewers’ queries and ideas. Additionally, building a portfolio will enable you to analyze your experiences, accolades, and presentations as you frame your responses to questions concerning your suitability. Here are some pointers for creating an outstanding portfolio:
- Make it brief. The interviewers could only have a short amount of time to look at your portfolio. To keep it succinct, make sure it is organized correctly and contains only pertinent information.
- Make it distinct. Give examples of your professional accomplishments or anything else that makes you stand out from the competition. By doing this, you raise the likelihood that the interviewer will remember you.
- Develop it. Spend some time creating it because you might use it for the remainder of your training profession. Before mailing it, make sure to give it a full review and include any pertinent details.
2. Practice with a friend
As you get ready for your IMT interview, consider practicing with a friend. You can ask a coworker who is also applying to join IMT to practice with you if you can find one. If you have a series of questions from a textbook or question bank, you can also practice with a friend who has no medical expertise. When you practice with a companion, you can practice your responses aloud. You might also look over someone else’s portfolio or application and inquire about how they responded to various inquiries.
3. Think about taking an IMT interview course.
You can get advice regarding how to get ready for the interview from professionals by enrolling in a medical interview course. You must typically pay a fee to take classes. If you are comfortable with your abilities and experiences, finishing this course might not be essential.
4. Get your paperwork ready
Most of the time, the interviewers merely need identification paperwork to verify your identity. This can be a photo ID like your passport or another type. A driving license with a photo card may be useful if you are lacking a passport. Checking the website of global health services is crucial if you want to be sure you have all you need for the interview.
5. Keep interview conditions and technological requirements in mind.
You must have a top-notch technological arrangement if the IMT interview is conducted virtually. You need a distraction-free atmosphere to concentrate. Consider the following:
- Internet connectivity: Make sure your interview is held in a location with a strong and consistent connection. Always examine the area early to verify the connection.
- Camera and microphone: Place your microphone and camera at a suitable location. Make sure they’re functioning and give your interviewers a clear picture of you.
- Background: Take into account using an unobtrusive background. If necessary, you can employ the background-blurring feature.
- Environment: Because this is a virtual interview, choose a spot that is calm and distraction-free. Another factor in creating a positive ambiance is lighting.
How to prepare for IMT interviews
Though the structure of the IMT interview questions may change, you may anticipate inquiries about clinical circumstances, ethics, suitability and dedication, application and training, and related topics. Below are a few things to anticipate, along with a few sample questions and responses:
Clinical case
You have a few moments before the interview to read a clinical scenario. The scenario is probably going to be brief and focus on typical medical issues. Make use of the time to talk about the following:
- Diagnosis: The interviewer might ask you to explain whatever you’ve read and what you believe are the alternative diagnoses after you read the case. Concentrate primarily on the most probable diagnosis and discuss why you believe it to be accurate.
- Possible treatments: Until you receive a diagnosis, you won’t be able to propose a treatment plan, but it’s still important to inform the interviewer that you’d begin the plan as soon as feasible. The interviewer is interested in learning if your treatment and management strategy is suitable and secure.
- Care for the patient: Show the interviewer how you interact with the patient’s family and the patient to clarify your diagnosis or raise additional concerns about the patient’s problems. When speaking with the sufferer, be patient and empathic.
- Handover: You might be asked to show the interviewer how you’d pass a patient to a different team member, so it’s important to practice this in advance. Make sure to provide complete and correct information about the patient, including their age, health, and symptoms, as well as any previous medical history and current medications.
Example: Henry Johnson, a 65-year-old Asthma patient who is experiencing breathlessness in the hospital. What prognosis and advice would you offer?
Sample response: A wheeze, a cough that produces green phlegm, and breathing problems have plagued the patient for 4 days. Prednisolone and amoxicillin were prescribed by the general practitioner, but the symptoms are still present. He just uses a salbutamol inhaler to treat his stable Asthma.
We found crepitation in the left area of his chest during the inspection, and arterial blood gas results point to a respiratory failure, therefore I’ve asked for a chest x-ray as well as a blood test. My diagnosis involves pneumonia and a COPD exacerbation, but before making a final determination, I’d like to check the test results. I would advise giving oral steroids, VTE prevention, and antibiotics by the clinic’s protocols.
Ethical question
The clinical scenario is longer than the ethical question, which may or may not be related to it. Your ethical and moral thoughts about numerous scenarios are what the interviewer is looking for. Expect ethical situations involving patient confidentiality, mental ability, disputes with patients, patient’s family, and coworkers, as well as legal concerns, such as sectioning and discharging without medical recommendation.
Example: What would you do if a patient who is 12 years old admitted to being sexually active? Would you tell the parents or provide therapy?
Sample response: “The patient may be at risk in this circumstance since they are involved in illegal underage activities. However, the patient has faith in my ability to protect the privacy of both parties. If the patient feels comfortable doing so, I would advise them to inform their parents or legal guardians. Additionally, I would give the patient advice about sexual health, and if I felt the patient’s safety was in jeopardy, I would alert the authorities or the patient’s guardians.
Adaptability and dedication
To gauge your compatibility, the interviewers may inquire about your qualifications, interests, and values. Use this opportunity to convince the interviewers that you are the best candidate and are determined to complete the program. Your responses should be supported by examples and proof. You can also discuss your interests outside of medicine.
Example: What qualifies you for the training?
Sample response: I’m passionate about general surgery, and I think that getting this training will get me one inch ahead of being one. Whenever I can, I observe general surgeons at my hospital. Working with these experts has taught me essential skills including attention to detail, good communication, and rapid decision-making, in my opinion. In my neighborhood, I like volunteering at a health center that provides healthcare to those in need.
Utilization and training
The interviewers could probe further into your prior education following the inquiries about suitability and commitment. They might ask you to discuss your past accomplishments, your training, and the lessons you’ve gained from them. This is a great chance to discuss your values, abilities, and professional objectives. Explain to the interviewing committee why you must participate in the IMT.
Example: How has your prior training benefited your career?
Sample response: “I learned how to work in a team during my training as a med student. I also developed a keen eye for detail and a sense of accountability. These abilities have aided me in my employment as a doctor because, in most cases, I collaborate with a team of various specialists and any decisions I make can have unfavorable outcomes. This has taught me to pay attention to detail and make wise choices.
Extra MIT Interview Preparation Advice
- Be presentable. It is important to consider how you will seem in this professional interview environment because your interview will begin as soon as you click the link. Although what you’re wearing won’t affect your grade, the interviewers would be searching for professionalism from you, and this begins with the clothing you’re wearing.
- Be punctual. The local administrative team sets severe time limits for the interviews. This is a result of both the time commitment made by the interviewers and the enormous number of candidates who must be interviewed. If you arrive late and miss your appointment, it is unlikely that they’ll be able to accommodate you. Additionally, arriving late is likely to put you under a lot of stress, negating all of your preparation. Don’t take a chance; allow yourself more than enough time to be ready before the IMT interview.
- The previous evening, prepare all of your supplementary paperwork (if not days before). On the actual interview day, don’t give yourself any tasks to complete. You will only be required to carry identification documentation except as otherwise required.
- Ensure you’ve thought about the IMT interview setting and any necessary technology. If you’re unsure, try practicing this with a coworker and asking for their opinion.
Interview for Internal Medicine Training (IMT)
An email with an invitation to schedule your IMT interview on email will be sent to you once your IMT application has been shortlisted and it’s been determined that you’re eligible for an interview.
When you receive the email inviting you to an IMT interview, stop whatever you’re doing and start scheduling! If you are unable to arrive soon, you can end up with a date that does not suit your degree of preparedness because the booking is done on a first-come, first-served basis.
IMT interviews will all take place online starting in 2023.
If you want to avoid having to fly across the country for an IMT interview when face-to-face interviews are back, make your reservations as soon as possible. Face-to-face interviews don’t have to be held in the area you’re applying for.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you now have a better idea of how to get ready for the interview, how to present yourself throughout it, and what you may infer from the results. Good fortune!
Frequently Asked Questions on IMT Interviews
- How Do You Score Well In An IMT Interview?
Candidates are ranked nationwide based on their overall IMT interview score, which is scored out of 80. In 2022, the median and mean values were 64 and 62, respectively. You should strive for a grade in the top 50% (above 64) to increase your chances of getting a job offer because 3404 applicants are vying for 1605 openings.
- Will IMT Interviews Take Place Online in 2023?
All IMT interviews for the August 2023 commencement date will be conducted online. The online style, which consists of three questions and lasts about 25 minutes, differs slightly from face-to-face interviews.
- When Are IMT Interviews Scheduled for 2023?
Virtual interviews for IMT will take place from January 16 to February 17, 2023.
On Thursday, December 29, 2022 (first invite) or Tuesday, January 3, 2023, you will receive an invitation to schedule an interview (second invite).