I’m Dr Marlon Joseph, Admissions and Enrollment Officer for The University of Queensland-Ochsner Health Doctor of Medicine (MD) Program.
If you’re thinking about applying to medical school, or are already knee-deep in the process, you’ve probably come across something called the MMI, or Multiple Mini Interview. It might sound intimidating at first, but trust me, it’s actually designed to help you shine.
We introduced the MMI format to our admissions process because we know medical school is about more than just great grades and test scores. Yes, those things matter, but so do your values, your communication skills, and how you handle pressure. All things that are incredibly important for future doctors.
And let’s be real: our program isn’t easy. You’ll be studying in Australia for your first two years, then moving to New Orleans for your clinical training in years 3 and 4. It’s a big commitment, and we want to make sure we’re admitting students who are not only academically strong, but also adaptable, compassionate, and ready to thrive in a dynamic, international environment.
What is the MMI?
It stands for Multiple Mini Interview, and it works a bit like speed dating, but for medical school admissions. Instead of one long interview with a single person, you’ll go through a series of short stations (usually 5–10 minutes), each with a different interviewer and a different question or scenario to address. This format helps reduce bias, because no one person’s opinion makes or breaks your interview. You get multiple chances to show us who you are.
What are we looking for?
We’re not testing your academic knowledge in the MMI—that’s what your GPA and entrance exam are for. Instead, we’re assessing qualities like:
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Empathy and integrity
- Adaptability and critical thinking
- Your ability to reason through ethical or social challenges
What types of questions might you face?
Every MMI is different, but at our medical school, you can expect scenarios that ask you to think through ethical dilemmas, social issues, or healthcare policy topics. Other medical schools may include things like role-plays with actors, group teamwork stations, or short essay writing tasks.
Our MMIs are delivered virtually via a Zoom-based format. These interviews will consist of timed stations with different interviewers for each individual station.
How can you prepare?
Because the MMI isn’t based on textbook knowledge, the best way to prep is by practicing how you think and communicate under pressure. Try answering random questions in a timed setting. Ask friends or family to role-play different scenarios. Record yourself and listen back. Focus on being clear, thoughtful, and authentic in how you respond.
Remember that this is your chance to show us you. The real you. Not just your résumé.
We want students who are curious, resilient, and ready to make a difference, so if that sounds like you, then we can’t wait to meet you.
Good luck, and we hope to see you at an interview soon!
Dr Joseph received his undergraduate degree in microbiology & immunology from the University of Miami and his medical degree from Vanderbilt University's School of Medicine in Nashville, Tennessee. Following this, he completed his internship and residency in internal medicine-pediatrics at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois.
Dr Joseph has been on staff at Ochsner Health since 2018 and is the Admissions and Enrollment Officer for the UQ-Ochsner MD program.
