Aberdeen Medicine Interview — Format, Questions & Prep Tips

Why medicine at Aberdeen specifically?

Reference Aberdeen's integrated curriculum, the strong emphasis on primary care, the Highlands & Islands clinical placements (NHS Grampian, Highland), and the early clinical contact in the first year.

What understanding do you have of healthcare challenges in Scotland specifically?

NHS Scotland workforce gaps in remote areas, GP shortage in rural communities, drug-deaths crisis, ageing population. Aberdeen-specific: serving remote Highland and Islands populations.

Tell me about a time you had to communicate complex information.

STAR framework. Focus on the listener's perspective. Avoid jargon. Aberdeen scores clarity.

A patient refuses a recommended treatment. They have capacity. What do you do?

Respect autonomy. Ensure understanding. Document. Don't coerce. Offer to revisit. Apply the four pillars naturally.

Should the NHS prioritise rural patients given the cost of providing remote services?

Justice argues for equity of access. Discuss the practical challenges and costs. Aberdeen specifically serves remote Highland populations — this is relevant context.

Explain the concept of evidence-based medicine to a non-scientist.

Use a concrete example. Cover hierarchy of evidence simply. Check understanding. Aberdeen values clarity.

What did your work experience teach you about a doctor's role?

Pick one specific moment. Reflect on what was unexpected — emotional weight, communication, multi-disciplinary teamwork, uncertainty.

A patient is upset about long NHS waiting times. (Actor present.)

Acknowledge the inconvenience honestly. Don't over-apologise for systemic issues. Offer concrete information and next steps.

Here is a graph showing health outcomes by Scottish region. What might explain the variation?

Multi-causal: SIMD (Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation), access to GP services, lifestyle factors, age demographics. Avoid simplistic explanations.

Describe a time you worked in a team and learned something about collaboration.

STAR framework. Reflect on what you contributed and what you took from the team dynamic.

A 16-year-old asks for contraception without parental knowledge. What's your approach?

Gillick competence assessment. If competent, confidentiality applies. Encourage but don't force parental involvement.

How do you maintain your wellbeing under pressure?

Concrete strategies: exercise, social connection, hobbies, knowing when to ask for help. Self-aware sustainability over abstract optimism.

How would you explain a difficult diagnosis to a patient?

SPIKES framework. Show empathy. Check understanding. Allow silence. Don't rush to "fix" emotion.

What concerns you most about a career in medicine?

Honest concerns + strategies: workload, burnout, emotional toll, NHS pressures. Show informed self-awareness.