Get interview ready for

Western University

Made for Schulich Medicine 💙🍁
Interview Format
Panel
Virtual or not?
Likely virtual
Historic Interview Date
Feb to Mar

What we know about

Western

's

interview process

Closed-file panel interviews (interviewers do not have access to your OMSAS file or any essays)

  • 3-person panel consisting of a physician, a community member, and a senior medical person
  • Typical panel question types:
  1. ethical scenarios
  2. situational questions
  3. personal life experiences
  4. curveball questions
  • 30 to 45 minutes interview.
  • Similar to Uottawa panel except more of a focus on personal questions
  • Interviews were held virtually in 2021, likely will be held virtually in 2022.

Here are some similar questions to what they ask

17
Your friend tells you that he wants to take an "Introduction to Spanish" course to boost his GPA even though he is a native Spanish speaker. Native speakers are not allowed to take the course. What do you tell your friend?
3
The Cannabis Act 2018 came into action across Canada. What are your thoughts on how this Act has affected Canadians?
15
What health issue within our province are you most passionate about? Why?
25
What is your greatest strength and greatest weakness? Which one is more important to you?
16
Systemic issues exist in the provincial health care system. Discuss one of them and how you would address it.
19
Medical students are involved with many extracurricular activities. Choose one and talk about it.

Add some colour to your answers

Study up on these resources to improve on your answers and stand out from the crowd

Self-reflection
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CanMEDS Worksheet

Custom videoath worksheet to personalize your responses with examples. Completion of the CanMEDS worksheet is an important part of introspection and the interview preparation.

15 minutes
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Self-reflection
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CanMEDS Framework

The CanMEDS Framework is a comprehensive competency-based model designed to outline the essential skills and abilities required by physicians to effectively address the healthcare needs of their patients. Developed by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, CanMEDS encompasses seven key roles that are integral to the practice of medicine: Medical Expert, Communicator, Collaborator, Leader, Health Advocate, Scholar, and Professional.

For premed students aspiring to become future physicians, familiarizing themselves with the CanMEDS Framework can provide a clear understanding of the expectations and responsibilities associated with the medical profession in Canada. By exploring each of the seven roles, students can develop a well-rounded perspective on the various aspects of medical practice and identify areas for growth and development.

The CanMEDS Framework can help premed students in the following ways:

  1. Medical Expert: Students can learn to integrate their knowledge, clinical skills, and professional attitudes to provide high-quality patient care.
  2. Communicator: The framework emphasizes the importance of effective communication with patients, families, and colleagues, which is essential for building trust and ensuring optimal care.
  3. Collaborator: Students can develop the ability to work effectively within interprofessional healthcare teams, fostering a collaborative approach to patient care.
  4. Leader: The framework encourages the development of leadership skills, including decision-making, resource allocation, and healthcare system navigation.
  5. Health Advocate: Students can learn to advocate for individual patients and broader community health issues, promoting the well-being of the populations they serve.
  6. Scholar: The framework highlights the value of lifelong learning, research, and knowledge dissemination in the medical profession.
  7. Professional: Students can cultivate a strong sense of ethics, accountability, and commitment to patients, society, and the medical profession.

In summary, the CanMEDS Framework offers premed students a roadmap to developing the essential competencies for successful medical practice. By embracing these roles and honing their skills, future physicians can better meet the healthcare needs of their patients and contribute to the overall improvement of patient care.

15 minutes
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Health care issues
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When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

When Breath Becomes Air is a poignant, autobiographical account of Dr. Paul Kalanithi, an accomplished neurosurgeon who found himself facing stage IV metastatic lung cancer at the age of 36. This inspiring memoir details his journey from a promising medical career to grappling with terminal illness, ultimately exploring the meaning of life, death, and the role of medicine in the face of mortality.

For premed students preparing for a career as physicians, When Breath Becomes Air offers a unique and deeply personal perspective on the medical profession, challenging them to confront the fragile nature of life and the impact they can have on patients' lives. As they follow Dr. Kalanithi's reflections on his career and his transition from a doctor to a patient, students can gain invaluable insights into the human side of medicine, which often goes beyond the technical skills and knowledge they acquire in their education.

The book serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy, compassion, and effective communication in the practice of medicine. It encourages students to consider the broader implications of their work and the profound responsibility they hold as future physicians. By bearing witness to Dr. Kalanithi's vulnerability and resilience, students can learn to approach their profession with humility, self-awareness, and a deep sense of purpose.

In summary, When Breath Becomes Air is a transformative read for premed students, providing them with a profound understanding of the human experience in healthcare. By exploring the intricacies of life, death, and the practice of medicine through Dr. Kalanithi's journey, students can develop the compassion, empathy, and wisdom that will be essential to their success as future physicians.

"Amazing account of the patient perspective and what Doctors may not consider about the patient perspective." - Ben

3 hours
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