Breaking bad news in a multiple mini interview: advice from an admissions dean
BMJ 2016; 355 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/sbmj.i6359 (Published 21 December 2016) Cite this as: BMJ 2016;355:i6359
- Angela Kubacki, senior lecturer in clinical communication and associate dean for admissions
- St George’s University of London, UK
Multiple mini interview scenario
Imagine you have been asked to look after your neighbour’s budgie while they are on holiday for two weeks. Although you remember to feed the bird for a few days, you soon forget because you are preoccupied with something else. Unfortunately, the budgie dies the day before your neighbour is due to return. You now need to explain to your neighbour what has happened.
This scenario is an example of a common situation that you might face at one of your multiple mini interview stations at a medical school interview. In this article I provide some general advice on how you can approach a multiple mini interview station where you have to communicate some bad news to an actor.
What you’re being tested on
Contrary to popular belief, multiple mini interview scenarios like the one above …
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