The Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format can feel intimidating, but with some practice and understanding of what interviewers are looking for, you can ace it. Here are the top 5 MMI-style interview questions and how to tackle them effectively to make a positive impression during your PA school interview.

1. Ethical Dilemma Question

Example Question: You are a PA working in a clinic, and a patient refuses to be treated by you because of your gender/race. What would you do?

How to Answer: Ethical dilemmas are common in MMIs because they test your ability to think critically and handle real-world challenges. Start by acknowledging the patient’s perspective without judgment. Highlight your dedication to patient care, and suggest a compromise, like involving another provider if possible. Make sure to explain that patient care is your top priority, but also emphasize the importance of respectful dialogue and empathy in the healthcare setting. This will show your ability to remain professional under challenging circumstances.

2. Teamwork Scenario

Example Question: Describe a time when you worked in a team where not everyone contributed equally. How did you handle it?

How to Answer: For teamwork questions, the key is to demonstrate communication skills, conflict resolution, and leadership. Start by describing the situation briefly—keep it concise, and focus more on your response. Explain how you addressed the imbalance, perhaps by having a conversation with the team member or by taking the lead to ensure tasks were completed. It’s important to show that you care about the group’s success and that you took a proactive role in resolving the issue while respecting your peers.

3. Role Play Scenario

Example Question: You are a PA, and a patient refuses to follow medical advice you have provided. Role-play how you would handle this situation.

How to Answer: Role-play scenarios test your interpersonal and communication skills. Start by actively listening to the patient’s concerns without interrupting. Acknowledge their viewpoint, and try to find common ground. Show empathy, but also explain the medical reasoning behind your recommendation in a way that is easy for them to understand. Your goal is to come across as patient and approachable, while making it clear that you want the best outcome for the patient.

4. Personal Challenge Question

Example Question: Tell us about a significant challenge you have faced and how you overcame it.

How to Answer: This question gives you the opportunity to showcase resilience and self-reflection. Choose a challenge that has personal meaning and demonstrates growth, such as balancing school and work or overcoming a fear. Be honest about your struggle, but make sure to focus on the positive outcome—what you learned, how you adapted, and how the experience has made you a stronger candidate. Avoid spending too much time on the negative aspects; instead, highlight the skills or traits you gained that will make you a better PA.

5. Healthcare System Question

Example Question: What are your thoughts on the current state of healthcare, and how would you improve it?

How to Answer: These questions assess your understanding of the healthcare system and your ability to think critically about it. Start by acknowledging both positive aspects (e.g., advancements in technology, dedicated healthcare workers) and challenges (e.g., access to care, rising costs). Offer specific, realistic solutions—such as advocating for preventive care, enhancing patient education, or suggesting ways to improve interprofessional collaboration. Showing that you are informed about healthcare issues and passionate about solutions is key to answering this type of question effectively.

Tips for Success

• Stay Calm and Take Your Time: You don’t need to jump into your answer immediately. Take a few seconds to gather your thoughts before responding.
• Practice Aloud: Practicing with friends or recording yourself can help you get comfortable with articulating your thoughts under pressure.
• Be Yourself: Interviewers want to see the real you. Don’t try to provide a “perfect” answer—instead, aim to show how you think through problems, your values, and your empathy.

The MMI can be challenging, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can navigate these questions confidently and demonstrate why you belong in PA school. Use these strategies to put your best foot forward and showcase the qualities that will make you a great future PA! Jump into a Mock Interview to practice before one of the biggest interviews of your life so you can crush your MMI PA school interview!