CAREERS: Aspiring doctors spruce up their interview skills

ASPIRING doctors were given the chance to spruce up their interview skills thanks to volunteers from the medical world.

The sixth form students gained valuable experience in multiple mini interviews (MMIs) before facing the real thing later in the year.

They had six questions to consider, with a minute to think about each one, and five minutes to respond in a clear, calm and logical manner.

The questions ranged from ethical issues within the profession, to a role-play situation, discussing major issues and new developments within the NHS.

This year we were joined by Dr Chris Preece, Dr Becky Curtis, Dr Richard Cruttenden, Dr James Freer, Dr Gareth Kessell, Dr Nick Palmerley (a superb actor in the role play situation!) and, returning to Ripon Grammar School after several years, past pupil Dr Hannah Scholes, now a locum doctor working in A&E at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

In addition to the MMIs, the medics were able to give students superb feedback and advice.

"It was a great experience," said student Kareem Said. "I certainly feel much more confident, with the advice and feedback providing me with further tools in the box that I can use for the medical interviews. I thank Mr Bob, the chair of Healthcare Society and furthermore the team of doctors who did our mocks."

Beatrice Pickles-Mercer added: "I found this experience really useful as I gained an insight into what my interviews will be like this coming January".

Head of careers, Bob Walker, said: "On behalf of the school and the Health Care Society, I wish to sincerely thank all the professionals who helped to make this very worthwhile activity possible. We know their time is precious and we could not do such an activity without their kind support."

For further information about MMIs, please follow the link below: