Preparing for the School of Medicine - University of Dundee interview

Success in the University of Dundee School of Medicine interview calls for more than strong academics; it hinges on an informed perspective of Scotland’s health system, awareness of relevant government policies, familiarity with urgent societal challenges, and an understanding of meaningful health developments both regionally and across the UK.

This resource aims to prepare you with detailed knowledge and strategies, so you can respond confidently and thoughtfully, showing your genuine commitment to medicine and dedication to making a difference in Scottish communities and beyond.

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

Dundee uses a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format with 5 scenario-based stations, each lasting 6 minutes. 

Key details (medistudents.com):

• Scenario Focus: Critical thinking, teamwork, communication, and alignment with NHS Scotland’s values (e.g., discussing ethical dilemmas in resource allocation).

• Remote Option: Overseas applicants may use Blackboard Collaborate for panel-style interviews (dundee.ac.uk).

• Themes: Health equity in Tayside, interdisciplinary problem-solving (reflecting Dundee’s strengths in diabetes and dementia research), and adaptability in crisis.

Insider Tip: Dundee’s MMIs prioritize process over answers. They’re assessing how you navigate ambiguity—practice verbalizing your reasoning, even if uncertain.

2. Scotland’s Healthcare Policy: Devolution’s Double-Edged Sword

Scotland’s NHS operates independently from England, creating unique policy landscapes:

National Care Service Bill (2024):

1. Aims to unify health and social care under one body, addressing Dundee’s 23% care worker shortage. Controversy? Rural GP practices like those in Angus fear centralization could worsen staffing gaps.

Drug Deaths Crisis:

2. Scotland has Europe’s highest drug mortality (1,197 deaths in 2023). Dundee’s Street Health Hub pioneers “safer consumption rooms”—a likely ethics station topic.

Rural Healthcare Innovation:

3. The Scottish Rural Medicine Collaborative trains GPs in telehealth for islands like Orkney. Dundee’s SIMD (Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation) research maps health gaps in Fife’s ex-mining towns.

Tip: Cite Dundee’s Health Informatics Centre when discussing data-driven policy solutions.

3. Current Events: The Tayside Lens

Local Flashpoints

• Maternal Health in Dundee: The city’s preterm birth rate (9.3%) exceeds Scotland’s average. Dundee’s MAMBA Initiative uses AI to predict preeclampsia in high-risk pregnancies.

• Mental Health Backlogs: Tayside’s CAMHS waitlist hit 1,200+ children in 2024. Dundee med students volunteer at The Corner, a drop-in center for homeless youth.

• Environmental Health: Dundee’s 2024 “Low Emission Zone” battles childhood asthma (12% prevalence in Coldside ward).

National Issues with Scottish Twists

• Abortion Access: Scotland allows pills-by-post until 10 weeks (vs. U.S. post-Dobbs chaos). Dundee researchers lead studies on rural access barriers in Aberdeenshire.

• Workforce Strikes: Junior doctors’ 2024 strikes mirror U.S. resident unionization drives. Dundee’s Medics’ Academy trains students in negotiation skills.

Tip: Reference Dundee’s STEP Program (student-led outreach in deprived areas) to demonstrate local awareness.

4. The 5 Questions School of Medicine - University of Dundee is most likely to ask during your medical school interview

1. “How would you improve diabetic care in Dundee’s most deprived neighborhoods?”

2. “A colleague dismisses a patient’s alcohol addiction as ‘self-inflicted.’ How do you respond?”

3. “Scotland spends £180M annually on obesity-related care. Propose a prevention strategy.”

4. “Describe a time you advocated for someone with different values than yours.”

5. “Should NHS Scotland prioritize funding for rare diseases or preventive care?”