First off, congrats on getting to the interview stage. Now it's time to prepare for your interview!

Preparing for your RCSI interview can be quite daunting. Don’t worry about it. I’m going to give you a few pointers on things you should be aware of for the RCSI interview. Think of it as more of a conversation than an “interview”, and you’ll start to see how to approach it. You’re not there just to impress; you’re there to connect and show who you are.

First off, do some research on the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. Go beyond the main page of the website – look into any special programs, research opportunities, or community service initiatives we are engaged in. A classic question for all interviews will be, “Why RCSI?” This should help answer that question. For my interview, I researched the various humanitarian projects RCSI was involved in at the time. Not only does this give you insight into the work the college is doing but also is quite exciting to see the global impact the college is having.

Next, think about your “why” for medicine. This will come up, no doubt! Reflect on the experiences that led you to this path. Maybe it’s an interaction with a doctor or a personal experience in healthcare. Whatever it is, make sure it’s specific to you. Don’t just say, “I want to help people.” Every profession helps people. Think about why medicine is the right field for you. What about the hours of studying, gruelling examinations and thankless hours working in a hospital make this field worth it for you?

Now, let’s talk about practice. Practice doesn’t mean memorising answers; it’s about getting comfortable with your stories and thoughts. Review common interview questions and think of two or three main experiences you can discuss. At the end of the day, this is just a conversation. So treat it like that. Ask your friend or a family member to sit down with you and talk to you for 15 minutes using some common interview questions you found online. You want your answers to feel natural and unrehearsed, so focus on conveying your thoughts clearly, not just on what you think they want to hear.

Finally, remember to relax. Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but staying calm and being yourself goes a long way. Take a few deep breaths before you go in. The interviewers are quite friendly and aren’t trying to trick you. After being asked a question, pause, and think about how you want to answer it. Remember, every time you answer a question, it gives the interviewer a great deal of insight into not only what kind of person you are, but also what kind of medical professional you will be. Smile, listen carefully, and if you’re unsure about something, ask for clarification. You’re not a robot reciting facts; you’re a future doctor showing why you’re passionate about this path. At the end of the day, authenticity and sincerity can make a bigger impact than polished answers.