Guide to PA Panel Interview
A panel interview is a type of PA admissions interview where a candidate is interviewed by a panel of interviewers rather than a single interviewer. Only Manitoba’s PA program utilizes the panel interview.
I. Overview of the PA School Panel Interview
a) What is a Panel Interview?
A panel interview for admissions is a type of interview format used in the admissions process for various programs, including physician assistant (PA) programs.
During a panel interview, the candidate faces a series of questions posed by the panel members. The interviewers take turns asking questions, and the candidate responds to each panel member. The panel interview allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the candidate's qualifications, experiences, and fit for the program. The interviewers assess the candidate's interpersonal skills, critical thinking abilities, and alignment with the program's values and goals.
b) How is this different than the Multi-Mini Interview (MMI) that PA programs use?)
The Ontario PA programs exclusively use the Multi-Mini Interview format. Manitoba’s PA program uses both the MMI and Panel Interview.
The key difference between a panel interview and an MMI lies in the structure and approach. In a panel interview, the candidate engages in a single, continuous interview with a group of interviewers. The panel members collectively assess the candidate's responses and interactions. In an MMI, the candidate rotates through multiple stations, each with a unique scenario or question, and interacts with different interviewers or assessors at each station.
Both panel interviews and MMIs serve the purpose of evaluating candidates for admission into competitive programs. The choice of interview format depends on the preferences and goals of the program and its admissions committee
c) Who is on the Panel Interview?
In a panel interview, the candidate is interviewed by a group of interviewers who typically represent different perspectives or roles within the PA program. The interviewers may include faculty members, admissions committee members, practicing PAs, or other relevant professionals.
The panel interview provides a means of comprehensive evaluation of a prospective candidate. The format allows multiple members of the admissions committee to assess the candidate from various perspectives. Each panel member may have different areas of expertise or specific qualities they are looking for in an ideal candidate.
d) Purpose of the Panel Interview
The purpose of a panel interview for PA admissions is to assess the suitability of candidates for admission into a physician assistant program. The panel interview serves as an opportunity for the admissions committee to evaluate the candidate's qualifications, experiences, interpersonal skills, and overall fit for the program.
A PA school admissions panel interview allows for:
Assessment of Interpersonal Skills: Interpersonal skills, such as communication, teamwork, and empathy, are vital for a physician assistant. The panel interview provides an opportunity to observe how candidates interact with others, handle interviewers' questions, and demonstrate their ability to engage in professional conversations. This assessment helps determine if the candidate possesses the necessary interpersonal skills required to succeed in the program and in their future role as a PA.
Alignment with Program Values: The panel interview allows the admissions committee to gauge if the candidate aligns with the values and mission of the PA program. Through their responses and interactions, candidates can demonstrate their understanding of the program's goals, their commitment to patient-centered care, and their dedication to lifelong learning and professional development. The interview helps determine if the candidate's values and aspirations align with those of the program.
Evaluation of Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Abilities: The panel interview often includes questions that assess the candidate's critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and ethical decision-making abilities. These questions aim to evaluate how candidates approach complex scenarios, analyze information, and make sound judgments. The interview provides insights into the candidate's ability to think critically, adapt to challenging situations, and apply their knowledge and experiences in practical contexts.
Overall Assessment of Fit and Potential: The panel interview serves as a platform for the admissions committee to holistically evaluate the candidate's fit and potential for success in the physician assistant program. By assessing the candidate's academic background, experiences, interpersonal skills, and alignment with program values, the interviewers can make informed decisions regarding the candidate's potential to contribute to the program and excel in the PA profession.
II. How to Prepare for the Panel Interview
Research the PA Program: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the PA program you are applying to. This knowledge will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your alignment with the program during the interview.
On the PA program website: Familiarize yourself with the program's mission, curriculum, values, and any specific attributes that make it unique.
Attend the Manitoba MPAS Information Sessions: Attending a PA program information session can prepare you for a panel interview by providing insights into the program's values, curriculum, and expectations, allowing you to tailor your responses during the interview to align with their specific requirements. Additionally, information sessions often include opportunities to ask questions, enabling you to gain a deeper understanding of the program and make a more informed impression during the interview.
Speak with current Manitoba PA students: Speaking with current PA students can help you prepare for a panel interview by providing firsthand insights into the program's culture, coursework, clinical experiences, and the interview process itself, allowing you to gain valuable perspectives and tailor your responses accordingly. Additionally, current PA students can offer advice on how to effectively showcase your qualifications, navigate the interview, and demonstrate a genuine passion for the profession.
Review Common Interview Questions: Study common interview questions asked in PA school admissions interviews. Prepare well-thought-out responses to questions about your motivations for becoming a PA, experiences in healthcare, teamwork, challenges faced, and ethical dilemmas. Consider using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your answers and provide specific examples.
Reflect on Your Experiences: Take time to reflect on your academic, clinical, and personal experiences that are relevant to the PA profession. Identify key moments that highlight your skills, qualities, and growth. Consider scenarios where you demonstrated effective communication, problem-solving, adaptability, teamwork, or empathy. These experiences will serve as valuable examples during the interview.
Practice with Mock Interviews: Arrange mock interviews with friends, family members, or mentors who can simulate the panel interview experience. Practice responding to common interview questions and receive feedback on your delivery, content, and overall presentation. Mock interviews allow you to refine your responses, build confidence, and identify areas for improvement.
Develop a Professional Presence: Pay attention to your professional demeanor and body language. Dress appropriately in business attire, maintain good posture, and use confident yet respectful body language. Practice maintaining eye contact and active listening skills during the interview. Project a genuine enthusiasm for the PA profession and convey your dedication to patient-centered care.
Prepare Questions for the Panel: Have thoughtful questions prepared to ask the panel. Inquire about specific aspects of the program, such as clinical experiences, faculty support, or opportunities for professional development. Asking insightful questions demonstrates your interest, preparation, and engagement with the program.
Stay Current on Healthcare Topics: Keep up-to-date with current healthcare topics that affect Canadians right now, especially common issues affecting residents of Manitoba. This knowledge demonstrates your commitment to lifelong learning and your understanding of the broader healthcare landscape.
Be Confident and Authentic: Remember to be yourself and let your genuine passion for the PA profession shine through. Avoid sounding rehearsed by actively listening to the interviewers, adapting your responses to their questions, and using your own voice. Connect your personal experiences and motivations to your desire to become a successful PA.
Take Care of Yourself: Prioritize self-care leading up to the interview. Get enough rest, eat well, and engage in activities that help you relax and reduce stress. Maintaining a balanced state of mind and physical well-being will contribute to your overall confidence and performance during the interview.
III. Example Questions from a Panel Interview
Sample questions listed below will vary from the actual questions you will encounter on the Panel Interview. It's important to research the program you are applying to and anticipate questions based on their specific values, mission, and program structure. Tailor your responses to reflect your experiences, skills, and aspirations while addressing the particular question asked. Practice answering these questions aloud, preferably with a mock interview setting, to refine your responses and gain confidence in your delivery.
Why do you want to become a physician assistant?
Why are you interested in attending our specific PA program?
Tell us about a healthcare-related experience that had a significant impact on you and why.
Discuss your understanding of the PA profession and its role within the healthcare system.
In your Pre-PA resume, you described ____ experience, can you tell us a little bit more about this?
Describe a time when you worked as part of a team to achieve a common goal. What was your role, and how did you contribute to the team's success?
Describe an ethical dilemma you encountered and how you resolved it.
How do you handle feedback and criticism? Provide an example.
Discuss a time when you demonstrated cultural competence or sensitivity in your interactions with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
How do you balance your personal and professional life to ensure a healthy work-life balance?
Describe a situation where you had to adapt to unexpected changes or challenges. How did you handle it?
Discuss your long-term career goals as a physician assistant and how this program aligns with those goals.
What do you consider to be the biggest issue or challenge facing the Physician Assistants today?
IV. Tips on how to respond to Panel Interview Questions
The goal is to effectively communicate your qualifications, experiences, and suitability for the program. By following these tips, you can respond confidently and impress the panel with your thoughtful and well-articulated answers.
Listen Carefully: Pay close attention to the question being asked and ensure you fully understand it before formulating your response. Listen attentively to each panel member's question and address them directly in your answer.
Take a Moment to Collect Your Thoughts: It's perfectly acceptable to take a brief pause before answering a question. Use this time to gather your thoughts, organize your response, and formulate a clear and concise answer. Avoid rushing into an answer without considering your thoughts.
Use the STAR Method: Structure your responses using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Start by describing the specific situation or scenario, clarify the task or challenge you faced, explain the action you took to address the situation, and conclude with the result or outcome of your actions.
Provide Specific Examples: Whenever possible, support your answers with specific examples from your experiences, whether they are from clinical settings, volunteer work, or other relevant activities. These examples help demonstrate your skills, abilities, and qualities in action.
Be Concise and Stay on Point: While it's important to provide enough detail to illustrate your point, aim to be concise and avoid rambling. Keep your responses focused and directly address the question at hand. Stay within the time constraints provided by the interviewers.
Demonstrate Self-Reflection: When discussing your experiences, take the opportunity to reflect on what you have learned or gained from them. Show the interviewers that you can critically evaluate your actions, acknowledge areas for improvement, and explain how you have grown personally and professionally.
Stay Positive and Professional: Maintain a positive and professional tone throughout your responses, even when discussing challenging situations. Avoid blaming others or speaking negatively about past experiences. Instead, focus on the steps you took to overcome challenges and the lessons learned from those experiences.
Be Authentic and Genuine: Be yourself and allow your true personality to come through in your responses. Authenticity is important in creating a connection with the interviewers and showing them your genuine passion and commitment to the PA profession.
Engage with All Panel Members: Address each panel member when responding to their questions. Maintain eye contact and direct your response to the individual who asked the question, but also include the other panel members in your interactions. This shows respect and engagement with the entire panel.
Practice and Seek Feedback: Practice your responses to panel interview questions in mock interview settings. Seek feedback from trusted mentors, advisors, or current PA students. This practice will help you refine your answers, improve your delivery, and build confidence in your responses.
V. Avoid sounding Overrehearsed and Robotic with your Interview Responses
It is essential to strike a balance between preparedness and sounding rehearsed during the actual interview. Here are some tips to help you sound natural and authentic:
Understand the Intent: Instead of memorizing specific responses word for word, focus on understanding the intent behind each question. This allows you to address the key points while expressing your thoughts in a more spontaneous manner. By focusing on the underlying purpose of the question, you can tailor your responses to showcase your unique experiences and perspectives.
Use a Storytelling Approach: Rather than reciting a list of facts or generic answers, incorporate storytelling into your responses. Share anecdotes and personal experiences that illustrate your skills, values, and motivations. This storytelling approach adds authenticity to your answers and helps you engage the interviewers on a more personal level.
Practice with Variations: While it's important to practice and refine your responses, avoid memorizing them verbatim. Instead, practice delivering your answers using different phrasing or emphasizing different aspects of the story or experience. This allows for flexibility during the interview, ensuring that your responses sound fresh and unrehearsed.
Active Listening: Pay close attention to the interviewer's questions and actively listen to their prompts. This will enable you to respond directly to the specific points they are seeking. By genuinely engaging in the conversation, you can avoid sounding like you are reciting pre-rehearsed answers and instead respond organically to the interviewer's inquiries.
Be Mindful of Pace and Tone: Pay attention to your speaking pace and tone. Speaking too quickly or in a monotone manner can make your responses sound robotic. Aim for a natural pace and infuse your answers with enthusiasm, passion, and confidence. This creates a more conversational and engaging atmosphere, making it less likely that you'll come across as rehearsed.
Reflect and Adapt: Take a moment before responding to gather your thoughts and reflect on the question. This pause allows you to provide a thoughtful and genuine response rather than rushing into an answer. Adapt your responses based on the flow of the interview and the specific context of the question. This adaptability demonstrates your ability to think on your feet and respond authentically.
Final notes
Approach the panel interview with confidence, enthusiasm, and a genuine passion for the physician assistant profession. Remember to tailor your responses to align with the program's values and mission. Be prepared with thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the program and your desire to learn and grow as a future PA!
