Preparing for the Oregon Health and Science University School of Medicine interview

Earning an interview at the Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine (OHSU) means you’re in rare company—but getting an offer hinges on much more than your grades or MCAT. OHSU wants future physicians with a nuanced understanding of Oregon’s health ecology: rural challenges, progressive policies, climate impacts, unique state initiatives, and evolving social issues. Distilling that awareness into interview answers is your ticket to standing out.

This playbook arms you with structure, state-specific perspective, and actionable tips to ensure you leave your mark with OHSU’s admission committee.

1. The OHSU Interview: Structure, Themes, and Hidden Agendas

OHSU uses a hybrid interview format blending traditional one-on-ones with ethical scenario assessments. 

Key details:

• Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI): 6-8 stations testing ethics, cultural humility, and problem-solving. Example: “A houseless patient refuses shelter due to distrust of systems. How do you engage them?”

• Faculty/Student Interviews: Conversational but mission-focused. Example: “How would you improve OHSU’s partnership with rural CCOs (Coordinated Care Organizations)?”

• Themes: Health equity, climate health, and interdisciplinary innovation (OHSU’s DNA as a research powerhouse).

Insider Tip: OHSU values “collaborative grit.” Highlight experiences where you bridged divides, like volunteering at a FQHC in Eastern Oregon or advocating for harm reduction policies.

2. Oregon’s Healthcare Policy: Progressive Labs and Persistent Gaps

1. Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs)

Oregon revolutionized Medicaid in 2012 by creating 16 regional CCOs, integrating physical, mental, and dental care. OHSU partners with Health Share of Oregon (serving Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington counties) to reduce ER visits by 30% in Medicaid populations. Yet, rural CCOs like Eastern Oregon CCO struggle with provider shortages—only 3 psychiatrists serve Malheur County’s 31,000 residents.

Tip: Name-drop OHSU’s PORTAL Program, which trains med students to address CCO gaps via telehealth rotations in towns like John Day.

2. Measure 110 & Opioid Crisis

Oregon’s 2020 drug decriminalization law redirected cannabis taxes to addiction services. While Portland’s Bybee Lakes Hope Center (a recovery hub OHSU supports) has seen success, rural counties like Josephine report rising overdoses. OHSU’s IMPACT Program now deploys mobile MAT clinics along I-5 trucking routes.

3. Abortion Access

Oregon’s Reproductive Health Equity Act (2017) funds abortions for low-income patients, including out-of-state seekers. OHSU’s Center for Women’s Health trains providers in “shield laws” to protect patients from Idaho’s bans.

3. Current Events & Social Issues: The Oregon Lens

Local Flashpoints

• Wildfire Health Impacts: 2023’s Smoke Ready Week highlighted asthma spikes in Medford, where AQI hit 450. OHSU’s Climate & Health Program partners with Siskiyou County clinics to distribute N95s to farmworkers.

• Houselessness: Portland’s homeless population grew 65% since 2015. OHSU’s HOAP Initiative (Homeless Outreach & Advocacy Project) trains students in street medicine—mention this when discussing social determinants.

• Mental Health in Schools: Oregon’s 2023 Student Success Act funds school-based therapists. OHSU psych residents staff clinics in Beaverton School District, where 1 in 4 teens report suicidal ideation.

National Issues with Oregon Stakes

• Climate Refugees: Southern Oregon sees an influx of families displaced by California wildfires. OHSU’s EMBRACE Clinic offers trauma care in Grants Pass, where 40% of pediatric patients have PTSD.

• AI in Rural Care: OHSU’s ORPRN (Oregon Rural Practice-based Research Network) pilots AI scribes in Coos Bay to reduce burnout.

Tip: Cite OHSU’s Unity Center for Behavioral Health when discussing crisis care innovation.

4. The 5 Questions Oregon Health and Science University School of Medicine is most likely to ask during your medical school interview

1. “Why OHSU over other West Coast schools? How does our focus on rural health align with your goals?”

2. “A tribal community rejects your diabetes program, citing historical trauma. How do you rebuild trust?”

3. “Oregon ranks 48th in mental health access. Design an intervention for Tillamook County.”

4. “Describe a time you advocated for policy change. How does this relate to Measure 110?”

5. “How should OHSU address implicit bias in treating houseless populations?”