A multiple-mini interview (MMI) for emergency medicine residency admissions: A brief report and qualitative analysis

A multiple-mini interview (MMI) is a type of
structured interview, which may assess many non-cognitive
domains in residency applicants. There are few studies on MMI
during the emergency medicine (EM) residency admissions
process in the United States. We sought to determine the strengths,
weaknesses, and acceptability of a pilot MMI for EM residency
admissions. We piloted a five-station MMI with nine residency
applicants. Following the MMI, we surveyed all participants,
using 15 open- and closed-ended questions. Using grounded
theory analysis, we coded the responses to the post-intervention
survey to uncover the strengths and weaknesses of the MMI for
EM residency admissions. All nine students completed the survey. A positive
theme that emerged from the survey was that the MMI was
a positive, unexpected experience (all respondents, n=9).
Candidates felt they were able to showcase unique talents,
which would not be observed during a traditional interview
(n=3). A negative theme that emerged from the survey was that
the experience was intimidating (n=3). Candidates felt that the
MMI left out important aspects of a typical interview day (n=3),
such as time for the candidate to become more familiar with
the program. An MMI may be a positive experience for candidates,
but may also induce more anxiety. The MMI may omit an
important piece of the interview day: an opportunity for the
applicants to familiarize themselves with the residency program.