Tips for Interviews
The Interview Process Panel Interview, Multiple Mini Interview (MMI), Written Essay The interview day is usually divided into morning and afternoon sessions. At the start of the session, candidates are welcomed with a small breakfast and introduction to the program, staff members, and interview day schedule. Candidates are divided into two groups to start with either the panel interview or the MMI. The two groups will then switch so that all candidates have done their panel interview and MMI. All candidates then re-group to write the essay. |
1. PANEL INTERVIEW
20 minute interview with up to 4-5 interviewers from the Faculty such as the MPAS Medical Director and Co-Chairs of the MPAS Admissions Committee. Candidates are called one by one into the panel interview while the rest of the candidates wait their turn in the holding room. Candidates in the holding room have the opportunity to meet the Program Director as well as current year 1 and year 2 students - this is a great opportunity to ask all of your questions about the program, campus, student life, etc.
Tips for the Panel Interview
- A cliché but for a good reason: "Be yourself". Showcase your uniqueness. There is something interesting about everyone.
- Think about your short-term and long-term goals.
- Think about your life experiences including the ones on your CV. What did you learn from them? How have they shaped you, help you improve yourself and/or achieve your goals?
- Think about your strengths and weaknesses. How will they apply to the program? To the PA profession?
- Demonstrate a passion for the MPAS program. Know why you chose this program specifically.
Resources for the Panel Interview
- Learn more about the history and role of the PA, the program philosophy and curriculum, and student services:
- Educational Curriculum and Program Goals
- Student Handbook
2. MULTIPLE MINI INTERVIEW (MMI)
Candidates move between 10 interview stations on a MMI circuit with each station lasting ten minutes with two minute breaks between each one. During the two minute break you will read the prompt on the door to the station, have access to pen and paper to write your thoughts (though this can change), then enter the room anytime after the 2-minute mark signaled by an announcement overhead. The stations deal with a variety of issues, which may include but are not limited to, communication, collaboration, ethics, health policy, critical thinking, awareness of society health issues in Canada and personal qualities.
Tips for the MMI
- Read as much as possible on MMIs, social determinants of health, PAs, and Canadian healthcare. Knowing the CANMEDS competencies helps.
- Really think about what the question or scenario is asking. Don't just have a pre-fabricated or generic answer that everyone thinks they should say. When you can, incorporate your experiences, examples from your life, or examples from things you have read in the news or in a book into your answers.
- Think about how the social determinants of health relate to you. Think about how the social determinants of health affect patients.
- Practice formulating your answers and presenting to an audience.
- Go with the flow and be adaptable to situations. You can't be 100% prepared for every possible question or scenario so practice thinking on the spot and using what you do know.
- Though some schools may have a "break station" where the station simply has water instead of a prompt question/scenario, be prepared to go without this "break station".
Resources for the MMI
- Carmen's Blog, MPAS Class of 2020: MMI Tips Based on Common Mistakes
- 60% of the Class of 2019 read "Doing Right: A Practical Guide to Ethics for Medical Trainees and Physicians" by Philip C. Hébert. All found it useful even to just skim through and read some of the example cases. This resource is probably best for those who have not had a course in medical ethics and/or prefer studying from a textbook where most of the information is compiled into one resource.
- 40% of the Class of 2019 read various online and book material on medical ethics instead of reading "Doing Right". This strategy is probably best for those on a budget and/or prefer to learn by literature review and online research.
- "Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) for the Mind" by Kevin To, American MD and one of the first participants of McMaster's pilot MMI circuit. This resource is a short little book and is great to help you organize your thoughts and structure your answer for MMI. Also provides some practice MMI stations and example answers.
- Alternative books include "Multiple Mini Interview (MMI): Winning Strategies From Admissions Faculty" by Samir P. Desai and "The Medical School Interview - Winning Strategies from Admissions Faculty" by Samir P. Desai and Rajani Kata. Though less commonly used, they may be more readily available in your nearest bookstore.
- Eden's Blog, MPAS Graduate
- Canadian PA Blog
- Tips for MMI from University of Manitoba's medical program
3. WRITTEN ESSAY
Candidates will write an essay based on either a specific question/scenario OR candidates will get to pick a question/scenario from a list of options for their written essay. The essay is written by hand (though accommodations can be made for special circumstances). A time of 30-40 min is usually given. The purpose is to demonstrate the ability to communicate in writing effectively and efficiently in time limited environments.
Tips for the Written Essay
- Understand essay and paragraph structure, and execute it in the same way you would in your personal statement.
- On the day of the interview, just focus on staying relaxed and try to have fun!
Where to go
Interviews will take place at:
University of Manitoba, Bannatyne Campus
260 Brodie Ctr - 727 McDermot Ave
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 3P5 Canada
**Please do not confuse this address with the University of Manitoba, Fort Garry Campus (the main campus) which can be 30-40 minutes away in traffic.**
Interviews will take place at:
University of Manitoba, Bannatyne Campus
260 Brodie Ctr - 727 McDermot Ave
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 3P5 Canada
**Please do not confuse this address with the University of Manitoba, Fort Garry Campus (the main campus) which can be 30-40 minutes away in traffic.**
What to wear
Business attire: some combination of dress suit or blazer, dress shirt or blouse, dress pants or skirt, business professional dress, tie, dress shoes/flats/heels.
Pick something you are comfortable to sit and walk in.
Hair should be well-groomed.
Business attire: some combination of dress suit or blazer, dress shirt or blouse, dress pants or skirt, business professional dress, tie, dress shoes/flats/heels.
Pick something you are comfortable to sit and walk in.
Hair should be well-groomed.
Where to stay
For those from out-of-town, here are the closest accommodations:
1) The most convenient option to is to stay at Canad Inns Destination Centre - Health Sciences Centre, 720 William Avenue. It is connected to Bannatyne Campus as well as the Health Sciences Centre.
2) Lennox Bell Lodge, 60 Pearl Street, is still convenient being a block away from Bannatyne Campus but also connected to Health Sciences Centre by tunnel. It is also less expensive with hostel-style accommodations including private rooms.
For those from out-of-town, here are the closest accommodations:
1) The most convenient option to is to stay at Canad Inns Destination Centre - Health Sciences Centre, 720 William Avenue. It is connected to Bannatyne Campus as well as the Health Sciences Centre.
2) Lennox Bell Lodge, 60 Pearl Street, is still convenient being a block away from Bannatyne Campus but also connected to Health Sciences Centre by tunnel. It is also less expensive with hostel-style accommodations including private rooms.
Other Resources
Posts by Canadian PA Blog:
University of Manitoba PA Program overview: canadianpa.ca/mbmpas/
The PA experience in Manitoba - Primary Care and Beyond: canadianpa.ca/primarycarepa-manitoba/
PA Practice in Manitoba vs. Ontario: canadianpa.ca/surgical-pa-natalie/
Carmen Ashley's Blog, MPAS Class of 2020 Student: How I Prepared for Interviews
Last updated: Nov 2021
Posts by Canadian PA Blog:
University of Manitoba PA Program overview: canadianpa.ca/mbmpas/
The PA experience in Manitoba - Primary Care and Beyond: canadianpa.ca/primarycarepa-manitoba/
PA Practice in Manitoba vs. Ontario: canadianpa.ca/surgical-pa-natalie/
Carmen Ashley's Blog, MPAS Class of 2020 Student: How I Prepared for Interviews
Last updated: Nov 2021