StepUp IMT - Interview guidance sessions

The Internal Medicine Training (IMT) interview in the UK is a competitive process, as IMT is a core pathway leading to higher specialty training in internal medicine and related fields. The process typically includes an application via Oriel, shortlisting, and a structured interview. Here’s a breakdown of the interview process:

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1. Key Components of the IMT Interview

The interview is divided into specific stations:

a. Portfolio Station (10 minutes)

Purpose: To assess your achievements, training, and preparation for IMT.

What to Prepare:

Bring an organized portfolio, as per the guidelines provided during the application process.

Focus on:

Medical degree and postgraduate exams (e.g., MRCP Part 1 if applicable).

Clinical experience and procedural skills.

Audits, quality improvement projects, and research.

Teaching experience and leadership roles.

Evidence of commitment to medicine (e.g., electives, specialty interests).

Reflect on your achievements, as you’ll be asked to discuss key items.


b. Clinical Scenario Station (10 minutes)

Purpose: To assess clinical knowledge, decision-making, and communication skills.

What to Expect:

You’ll be presented with a medical scenario involving acute or chronic conditions.

Focus areas include:

ABCDE assessment for emergencies.

Safe prescribing.

Handling ethical or communication challenges (e.g., breaking bad news).

Evidence-based management.

Tips:

Stay calm, structure your answers, and prioritize patient safety.

Justify your decisions using guidelines like NICE or BTS.


c. Commitment to Medicine and Reflection Station (10 minutes)

Purpose: To evaluate your motivation for IMT, insight, and professionalism.

What to Prepare:

Reflect on why you want to pursue IMT and your career aspirations.

Be ready to discuss:

A significant clinical experience and what you learned.

How you handle challenges or mistakes.

Your future goals in internal medicine.

Demonstrate enthusiasm, self-awareness, and resilience.


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2. Key Tips for Success

Preparation

Familiarize yourself with the IMT Person Specification.

Practice structured communication using the SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) and SPIKES (for breaking bad news) frameworks.

Mock interviews with peers, mentors, or consultants can be invaluable.

Portfolio

Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, well-organized, and aligns with IMT requirements.

Use plastic sleeves or dividers for neat presentation.

Knowledge

Revise guidelines for common conditions (e.g., sepsis, heart failure, asthma, AKI).

Prepare for ethical dilemmas using the GMC Good Medical Practice framework.

Practice Time Management

Each station is time-limited; structure your answers clearly and concisely.

Presentation

Dress professionally and maintain a calm, confident demeanor.

Use clear, structured language.


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3. Scoring

Each station is scored individually, with marks allocated for communication, clinical knowledge, professionalism, and reflective practice.

Aim to maximize points by aligning your answers with the IMT core competencies.


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Join our session & get ready for your IMT interviews.

Host or Publisher UK Dreamers