How to prepare for McMaster’s MMI in 2024

Contents:

1. MMI Format

2. Scoring Basics: McMaster MMI Station Rubic

3. How to prepare for the MMI

1. Format

Basically, the MMI consists of several stations. At each station, the applicant is given a unique scenario or question that they must respond to within a limited time frame. Then, a different interviewer at each station scores the applicant using a standardized rubric. After all the stations are completed, the scores are combined to produce an overall score for the applicant.

In 2023, McMaster University used a 2 : 8 minute format x 10 stations. What this means is that there were 10 stations; each station lasted a total of 10 minutes, with 2 minutes granted for reading the prompt and 8 minutes to respond to the prompt. The 2 : 8 format includes transition time, so the entire interview lasted about 1 hour and 40 minutes!

Sample MMI Circuit*

• Station 1: Rest

• Station 2: Acting station

• Station 3: Current problem in society

• Station 4: Situational question

• Station 5: Ethical question

• Station 6: Rest

• Station 7: Personal question

• Station 8: Ethical question

• Station 9: Personal question

• Statin 10: Acting station

*Station breakdown may vary.

2. Scoring Basics

Source: Admissions Manual for Interviewers, McMaster University, Undergraduate Medical Program

The rubric used in the MMI assesses a variety of competencies like communication skills, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making. For each criterion, there's a specific score, and the interviewer assigns a score based on the applicant's response to the scenario or question.

The MMI scoring process evaluates both the applicant's cognitive and non-cognitive skills, including professionalism, empathy, and cultural competency. It provides a comprehensive evaluation of the applicant's suitability for the medical program.

In short, the MMI is a rigorous evaluation tool used by medical schools to select the best candidates for their program. It's a fair and objective assessment of the applicant's competencies, and it allows interviewers to evaluate a range of skills to produce a comprehensive evaluation of the applicant's suitability for the medical program.

3. Preparing for the MMI

When preparing for the MMI, you’ll still want to prepare for standard medical school interview questions such as “why do you want to be a doctor?” because those questions are likely to show up as a specific station as well. However, in addition to these standard questions, you’ll also want to have a working knowledge of the following topics, amongst others:

1. A basic understanding of Canada’s Healthcare System

2. The CanMEDS Roles

3. The social determinants of health

4. Indigenous health in Canda

5. Racism, subconscious biases, etc.

Preparing for these types of questions will have you feeling like a rockstar on interview day. Practicing with friends is a great way to get honest feedback on your interview style, the context of your responses and any other ways you might be able to improve your delivery.

Finally, once you’re ready to run through a full length mock interview, definitely get in touch with us, we’d love to help.