, MEDICAL INTERVIEWS
A comprehensive guide to
CT, ST & Registrar interview skills
Over 120 medical interview questions,
techniques and NHS topics explained
Fourth Edition
Written by:
Olivier Picard BSc (Hons) MSc
With contributions from:
Dan Wood PhD FRCS(Urol)
Consultant Urological Surgeon
Sebastian Yuen MBBS DCH MRCPCH FHEA
Consultant Paediatrician
Rachael Harlow MChD, BChD, BSc, MFDS RCS(Ed)
Specialist Trainee in Maxillofacial Surgery
Evelyn Mensah, MBBS, FRCOphth, MD, FGCS
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
,Published by ISC Medical
Tel: 0203 507 0001 – Email:
Fourth Edition
ISBN13: 978-1-905812-31-8
Printed: August 2022
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.
Printed in the United Kingdom by:
Optichrome, Maybury Road, Woking, Surrey GU21 5HX
© Interview Skills Consulting Limited 2009 - 2022. All rights reserved.
The right of Olivier Picard to be identified as the author of this work has been
asserted in accordance with Sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any
form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior
permission of the publishers.
The author and the editors have, as far as possible, taken care to ensure that the information given in
this text is accurate and up to date at time of publication. The information within this text is intended
as a revision aid for the purpose of the medical interviews. It is not intended, nor should it be used, as
a medical reference for the management of patients or their conditions. Readers are strongly advised
to confirm that the information with regards to specific patient management complies with current
legislation, guidelines, and local protocols.
2
, Content
1. Preface
2. How to use this book / Health warning
WhatSELECTION
3. THE makes a good learner?
PROCESS 1
1. Structure of the interview 2
2. Selection criteria 7
Kolb’s learning
6. FORMAL cycle
INTERVIEW STATIONS 16
3. Marking scheme 17
4. Key interview techniques 20
5. Key interview structures and frameworks 26
6. Portfolio station 35
7. Background & motivation questions 36
8. Skills-based questions 66
9. Academic & clinical governance questions 140
10. Difficult colleagues 196
11. Confidentiality, consent and other ethical principles 219
12. Difficult scenarios 241
13. Communication station 262
14. Presentation station 267
15. Group discussion station 271
16. Body language and dress code at interviews 274
17. USEFUL RESOURCES Difficult people
276
17. Reading list 277
18. Action and power words 279
3
A comprehensive guide to
CT, ST & Registrar interview skills
Over 120 medical interview questions,
techniques and NHS topics explained
Fourth Edition
Written by:
Olivier Picard BSc (Hons) MSc
With contributions from:
Dan Wood PhD FRCS(Urol)
Consultant Urological Surgeon
Sebastian Yuen MBBS DCH MRCPCH FHEA
Consultant Paediatrician
Rachael Harlow MChD, BChD, BSc, MFDS RCS(Ed)
Specialist Trainee in Maxillofacial Surgery
Evelyn Mensah, MBBS, FRCOphth, MD, FGCS
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
,Published by ISC Medical
Tel: 0203 507 0001 – Email:
Fourth Edition
ISBN13: 978-1-905812-31-8
Printed: August 2022
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.
Printed in the United Kingdom by:
Optichrome, Maybury Road, Woking, Surrey GU21 5HX
© Interview Skills Consulting Limited 2009 - 2022. All rights reserved.
The right of Olivier Picard to be identified as the author of this work has been
asserted in accordance with Sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any
form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior
permission of the publishers.
The author and the editors have, as far as possible, taken care to ensure that the information given in
this text is accurate and up to date at time of publication. The information within this text is intended
as a revision aid for the purpose of the medical interviews. It is not intended, nor should it be used, as
a medical reference for the management of patients or their conditions. Readers are strongly advised
to confirm that the information with regards to specific patient management complies with current
legislation, guidelines, and local protocols.
2
, Content
1. Preface
2. How to use this book / Health warning
WhatSELECTION
3. THE makes a good learner?
PROCESS 1
1. Structure of the interview 2
2. Selection criteria 7
Kolb’s learning
6. FORMAL cycle
INTERVIEW STATIONS 16
3. Marking scheme 17
4. Key interview techniques 20
5. Key interview structures and frameworks 26
6. Portfolio station 35
7. Background & motivation questions 36
8. Skills-based questions 66
9. Academic & clinical governance questions 140
10. Difficult colleagues 196
11. Confidentiality, consent and other ethical principles 219
12. Difficult scenarios 241
13. Communication station 262
14. Presentation station 267
15. Group discussion station 271
16. Body language and dress code at interviews 274
17. USEFUL RESOURCES Difficult people
276
17. Reading list 277
18. Action and power words 279
3
