UPCM Interview Orientation The basics
Make a good first impression Be punctual. Come at least an hour early. o o Dress appropriately (semi-formal) Write neatly and legibly on all forms for submission o o Introduce yourself and give your interviewer a firm handshake. o Remember the name of your interviewer. Be truthful What are my strengths? o o What are my weaknesses? o What do I have to offer? o What am I passionate about? o What have I accomplished so far? o What else do I have to accomplish? o Why do I want to become a doctor? o Why in the UP College of Medicine? o Why do I choose to serve in the Philippines (in light of the RSA)? What is my motivation for studying? o o How do I study? o What are my priorities, goals? Do I meet my goals? o o How do I cope with stress? Be confident Speak clearly and eloquently. o o Try to speak straight English or Filipino. o Watch your body language, mannerisms and facial expressions. o Avoid fidgeting. o Give yourself time to think, but don’t give your interviewers time to get bored. o Smile. Be likeable o Show genuine interest and enthusiasm. Don’t try to be cute o o Don't make excuses nor find yourself in a situation where you will have to make excuses. o Don’t interrupt your interviewer. Be courteous and maintain a friendly but professional demeanor. o Be memorable o For good reason! o The “sampol” – sing, dance. Etc.? o Do not attempt to namedrop Learn o If given an opportunity to ask a question, ask something you genuinely want to know the answer to. o Be open to correction and criticism.
Consider the interview a learning experience, regardless of the result. It’s good to keep answers personal o
What the interviewers are looking for
Good communication skills Composure and decorum Ability to work harmoniously with others Respect for others Morality and integrity Motivation and drive in pursuing medicine Genuine concern for UPCM and the country Self-image Mental alertness Reaction t stress and difficult situations Discipline Loyalty and honesty Evidence of maturity Creativity Work standards
Turn-offs
Lying Making excuses Disrespectful Unpleasant mannerisms Namedropping Evasive or non-committal answers Use of too many clichés
The interview questions
Expect open-ended questions Expect questions about your character Expect questions about your family background Expect questions about your plans for the future Expect questions about what you can do for the medical profession, UPCM and the country
Other tips
Know beforehand exactly where you should be and at what time Come earlier than scheduled Bring a snack Make new friends Pray Enjoy
Practice question
Tell me about yourself Who/what inspired you to become a doctor How do you handle stress Are you a team player How well do you work with others
Your interviewers
Usual panel of 2-3 interviewers composed of various members of the UPCM Admissions Committee o Department heads Senior profs and consultants o o They have god complex. We need to give them the correct answers. We need to listen to what they say as well as agree. If you disagree, be ready to back it up. Though most of the time, it would benefit you if you actually agree because they are usually one-sided. Regarding issues concerning a medical point of view and an opposing point of view, take the side of medicine Be talkative but have a cause for your responses. o
How will you be assessed
Subjective grade o Based on how you answer You have to understand the UPCM concept of a doctor o 5 star physician: teacher, clinician, counselor, social advocate, researcher real reason of interview Is to showcase yourself.
What are you competing for? (look at the handout) Possible Questions
what is your perception of the UPCM and PGH- say it is the best, with feeling, :p PGH is for the rich or poor. It provides dedicated and expansive service. With limited budget, it still delivers exceptionally. To help, learn more about pgh, visit the site. What can you offer to the UPCM community? Give something unique and interesting so that you are remembered. (cooking? :P) Do you have any special talents or abilities? They don’t need to be medically related, they just have to be unique. Describe your leadership skills and experiences. If you don't have one, find one! Describe your study habits. – DON'T tell them about cramming. Be organized. Say you study to learn, not just to pass. In this question, it’s not about giving a unique answer. They have to perceive you as consistent How do you manage your time?
Have you ever cheated? If so, why did you do it? This refers to MAJOR incidents. DO NOT ANSWER YES. Say your position regarding cheating, preferably against. UPCM does not like cheating. Have you every failed? Answer YES. How did you deal with failures in life? Say they are motivations. Have you applied to other medical schools? Answer YES. What will you do if you are not accepted? Apply to other schools. They want to see your conviction. But say you want to apply for internship or you are persistent on going back.
MD-PhD in Molecular Medicine
Accelerated graduate program offered by UPCM (8 years) Launched in 2010 10 medical students are admitted each year in pursuit of a research career, focusing in basic science and biomedical research Career paths: scientist, trainers/educators, practitioners in molecular medicine General requirements o GWA of 1.75 or better o Bachelor’s or master’s degree in the biomedical field, preferably in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or Biotechnology Selection process o Must pass UPCM interview 20, more or less, UPCM passers will go throughinterview and o screening by the MD-PhD committee (composed of faculty from CM, CPH and NIH) o 10 students will be accepted to the program, not necessarily 5 males and 5 females Scholarship Sponsored by PCHRD-SEI-DOST o o Includes 100 % of tuition and other school fees for the whole duration of 8 years Monthly stipend: o 15000 for years 1 and 6 23000 for years 7 and 8 o yearly book allowance of 7500 Return of service Must sign an agreement contract with UPCM and DOST o o The scholar must render 8 years of service to the country after graduation o Travel clearance must be secured for trips abroad
Return Service Agreement
What is it? o Written agreement
Aims to provide the country with at least 500 new health professionals yearly o Service to local communities for at least 2 years (UPCM: at least 3 years within 5 years) Covers all colleges o o Note: prepare answer to where you see yourself years from now. To answer this question, it is best to study this section regarding the RSA. It is a plus if your answers incorporate the RSA agreement. Perhaps relate your future plans to what is expected in the RSA. How can I return the favor? Direct service o o Education o Training o Research service o Preferably in line with the profession studied Where do I start? o Government agencies o Underserved communities Non-government and cause-oriented organizations based in the o Philippines What happens if I pay the contract? o Pay a penalty It will double the value of the amount of UP and state subsidy TOR bears the mark of not completing RSA o o Local employment o
