Leicester Medicine Interview — Format, Questions & Prep Tips

Why medicine, and why Leicester specifically?

Reference Leicester's integrated PBL curriculum, the diverse East Midlands clinical environment, the early clinical contact, and the strong reputation in cardiovascular research.

What qualities make a good doctor, and which do you most need to develop?

Anchor against GMC values (compassion, integrity, communication, teamwork). Be honest about a development area — self-awareness scores higher than feigned perfection.

Tell me about a time you communicated something difficult to someone.

STAR framework. Focus on the listener's perspective. Avoid jargon. Check understanding.

A patient refuses life-saving treatment. They have capacity. What do you do?

Respect autonomy. Ensure understanding is genuine. Document. Don't coerce. Apply the four pillars naturally.

Should the NHS treat patients with self-inflicted conditions differently?

Justice and non-maleficence both argue no. Discuss the role of patient education without punitive withdrawal of care. Reference GMC guidance.

(Numeracy station) A patient needs 12 mg per kg of a drug. They weigh 65 kg. What dose do you give?

12 × 65 = 780 mg. Show working. Leicester tests confidence under pressure, not maths brilliance.

(Numeracy station) A medication concentration is 25 mg/mL. You need to give 100 mg. How many mL do you administer?

100 ÷ 25 = 4 mL. Show working. Leicester gives partial credit for correct methodology.

Describe a time you worked in a team where there was disagreement.

Focus on managing the disagreement productively, not on who was right. Reflect on what you learned about collaboration.

A 15-year-old asks for contraception without parental knowledge. What do you do?

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

A patient is anxious about a procedure. (Actor present.)

Acknowledge the anxiety. Use simple non-jargon explanations. Offer information at their pace. Don't rush.

Explain a complex topic from your A-Level studies to me as if I had no science background.

Avoid jargon. Vivid analogies. Check understanding mid-explanation.

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

Teaching, leadership, multi-disciplinary teamwork, advocacy, lifelong learning. Concrete examples.

A colleague is making clinical mistakes. What's your responsibility?

GMC duty to raise concerns. Patient safety first. Constructive escalation. Document.

What concerns you most about a career in medicine?

Honest concerns + management strategies. Workload, burnout, emotional toll. Show informed self-awareness.